video8 problems ( dropped frames, TBC )

[anonjon]

Howdy,
I am using a DCR-TRV230 Digital8 camcorder to transfer my Video8 & Hi8 tapes to the computer through Firewire for editing and DVD authoring. Right now, I am capturing using the Ensoft DV Processor to Type-2 DV-AVI on a HD dedicated to capturing( 500GB SATA ). The drive is basically empty, with only a couple of hour of DV on it so far. Something that also may be of note is that at the time, I'm also capturing DV through another camcorder which is acting as a VCR passthrough.

My first problem is that over the course of an hour or more, I'm dropping something like 80-100 frames. I naturally can't deal with the resulting audio sync problems, so I'm wondering if you could suggest something I could do to improve.

Should I stop capturing from my other camcorder? I don't know if that would be the problem, but while they're capturing, I have no more than 50% usage. Could it be that since I'm using a dual core processor, it's maxing out one core and therefore dropping my frames? I'm beginning to suspect it is.

Also, I'm having TBC related errors although the camcorder has its TBC enabled. I suppose it's linebased, so I guess I shouldn't expect much.

Would getting one of these Sony Video Walkmans( link ) fix both of these problems? Specifically, would the built-in TBC and circuitry processing give me ideal video? I'm looking to do a lot of these tapes as a service and thus wouldn't mind spending the money if it would work very very well. Please advise.

thanks for your help!

Cheers,
Tyler <><

[anonjon]

I've cut out recording two at a time, tried WinDV & Pinnacle Studio 10.7 in addition to Ensoft, and I'm still getting dropped frames. About 12-15+ on the beginning of Video 8 scenes and perhaps 2 or more on regular VHS captures. I'm puzzled.. would a TBC help me out? Where can I find out a lot about Sony's Video Walkman product?

[Marvingj]

You shouldn't be dropping frames at all since you are using firewire. Need more information. 1. Like is this a old tape. 2. Is your camcorder in good condition. 3. did you clean the heads. 4. is your firewire snug to fit 5.

Take a look at this thread: https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=239205

Hope that helps.

[anonjon]

1.) These tapes are from the late 90's or so, beginning, at the earliest, around '93 or '94.

2.) I recently purchased this camcorder from Dr. Sony on e-Bay. According to him, it was thoroughly cleaned before sale.

3.) I haven't cleaned them, but is that necessary? I haven't played many tapes( 6 max ) and it was clean when I received it.

4.) My firewire is snug as far as I can tell. I'll re-check it, just in case.

thank you!

[anonjon]

I've learned that to get this thing to work, you've got to run the analog outputs into a stable camcorder passthrough and run the stream through that path into the computer. Otherwise, you'll get dropped frames. On my miniDV cam, it displays a blue screen between scenes; on my D8 cam, it displays a green screen with blotches of video while it's trying to transition into the video. That is when the frames drop.

The only problem which remains is that while I'm getting the video in fine, it has time base errors occasionally. I guess I'll have to check out getting a TBC.