Where can I find comparison video samples ?

[jazzzy]

I'm thinking about buying a semi-prof set to transfer my VHS (PAL & american NTSC) collection to DVD and do some editing. I understand that there are many options to convert analog into digital and so would like to ask you for some video samples because the best way is to check out by myself how big the difference in picture quality is. Right now I'm thinking about PVR-250, graphic card with VIVO or a standalone DVD recorder. I know that decent JVC VCR and canopus TBC is a 'must buy'. Maybe JVC SR-MV40US and PAL VCR would be enough.

[thecoalman]

My suggestion is JVC 9911 (or JVC with LTBC/DNR)>DataVideo 1000 (TBC)>Canopus ADVC 110.

Canopus doesn't make a TBC that I'm aware of. They do make a ADVC model with a LTBC but I'd suggest saving your money foregoing that and getting a regular TBC.

One thing to note, they make PAL/NTSC VCR's but they output some weird PAL signal when playing NTSC called Pal-60. You DO NOT want one of these, if you get a combo one make sure it outputs the regular PAL and NTSC signal.

Can't help you with sample and I doubt you're going to find any. Trouble with getting samples is you need the same source and there is not many who have multiple capture setups and/or are willing to make them.

[jazzzy]

after reading some additional posts I'm convinced to buy

Toshiba RD-KX50 or RD-XS34 and a decent multi system VCR or two separate VCRs, but yet didn't decide about the model. All in all I'll transfer digital recording to PC and then apply filters (if needed) and author it by myself.

[thecoalman]

Here's the best I can do as far as samples:

This is frame captured from footage that came from a mini-dv cam via firewire, a exact copy of what's on tape:



Nearly the same frame but this one was captured miniDV cam>S-Video>Canopus ADVC. Essentially a analog siganl albeit a very clean one.

[jazzzy]

there is a problem with analog.jpg

[OmegaSupreme]

The problem with comparing video samples is that you have to factor in the quality of the source. Is it from a broadcast via TV antenna, cable, digital satellite or a camcorder? What is the quality of the recording heads and tape? Was it recorded in SP, LP or EP (eek!) mode. What is the quality of the playback device, was digital noise reduction, TBC or a color corrector used?

This is just a small sample of the variables involved.

[thecoalman]

there is a problem with analog.jpg

not anymore...wrong name. :P

[jazzzy]

The problem with comparing video samples is that you have to factor in the quality of the source.

yes but after viewing something that is 'best I could do' I can decide if I like the result or not

[thecoalman]

This is just a small sample of the variables involved.

To truly do a comparison you would need a single tape (or multiple tapes running the same tests individually) and a whole pile of equipment.... you could for example use all the same equipment and the same tape but just switch capture devices. That would give you a good comparison as to the quality of the device.

If you really wanted to compare capture devices it would be possible for different people to do it. You would only need a single source DV-AVI which multiple people can download and print to tape. From there they can feed it to the device from the cam via s-video like I did above. Not perfect but would be better than nothing... I'm game if anyone else is.

[OmegaSupreme]

If you really wanted to compare capture devices it would be possible for different people to do it. You would only need a single source DV-AVI which multiple people can download and print to tape. From there they can feed it to the device from the cam via s-video like I did above. Not perfect but would be better than nothing... I'm game if anyone else is.

I'm game.

[CCEncoder]

I have some Dazzle Hollywood Bridge samples I had here for a long time. Do u have a canopus ADVC110 I can see samples of? I need to see it before I buy it.