How do I fix this?

[Superstar24]

I've noticed that after I make a DVD from a VHS video, that sometimes it seems that the color on the DVD I made isn't as bright as it was on the video. How can I fix this? Would I have to adjust the brightness or something in the capture program that I use to transfer the video tape to my computer or is there another way that I can do it?

[guns1inger]

Before you get too carried away, be aware that the gamma levels of your PC monitor are generally lower than those of your TV, so all footage looks darker. Unless you have your monitor carefully calibrated to the same levels as your TV, or preview on a calibrated external monitor, you cannot trust what you see on your PC. So before making any adjustments, burn a short test disc and watch it on your TV to be sure.

As for how best to adjust - there are a number of ways. There are hardware image enhancers that sit between the VCR and the PC to make changes to the signal on the way through.

Some capture software will also allow you to make changes as you capture.

Both of these have their place, if you have a problem that is consistent through out. If not, or if you cannot use either of these techniques, you can use virtualdub filters (colormill is very good) or avisynth to filter the image after capture on the way to encoding. Once you know how to work these programs well, you can use them to make adjustments to smaller parts of the image or runtime to address specific issues, as well as overall enhancements.

[Superstar24]

Do you think if I get a new video card that might help as well? The one that I have now is a few years old and I thought maybe that would help some. Of all the choices that you told me about in your last msg, which one do you think would be the best choice? The color quality seems lower thru the whole dvd once it's burned...

[guns1inger]

The graphics card won't make any difference at all to the colours on your DVD. You could try to calibrate your PC monitor to match your TV, or see if your graphics card has an s-video out port on the back so you can preview via your TV directly. Another option, if you have DV, is to send your images back up through the camera to you a TV and preview this way. I know Vegas supports previewing through the DV channel - other programs may as well.