How do you synchronize capturing two analog video sources?

[yoda313]

I was thinking of trying a previous project again sometime.

i have tried videotaping myself playing guitar hero and recording the game play seperately for later combining.

I did a post about stacking video side by side but I can't find the post. I'll search for stacking later. However I'd like to know how to synchronize the recording of two live analog video sources.

My equipment:

Sony 8mm camcorder 90's vintage (mono recording)
ps2 analog out for guitar hero gameplay
and/or
xbox 360 through analog out (for rockband gameplay)

ATI all-in-wonder hd with capture kit
pinnacle usb hd pro stick

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What I'd like to do is to record both the videogame footage and camcorder footage in synch with each other. HOwever since both would be recorded in seperate windows that would require a half to one second differential minimum when hitting the record buttons.

Is there software for such a practice? I'd be willing to part with up to 50.00 for this if it was practical and took simultaneous recording from two capture sources. Free is better of course.

This would be for later dvd production probably. Though initially it would be for pc viewing as i have the pc connected to a htpc setup so I wouldn't need to author immediately for viewing.

Suggestions are welcome. In the meantime I'll try to dig up my previous post on the subject.

Thanks.


EDIT - Something came to me - would it be possible to set up two recordig sessions and set them to timers? I am thinking what I'd do is use the pc clock as the starter and the have the video camera pointed at me ready to go and wait to start the session when the timer begins. That way at least in theory both recording software sessions would be in perfect synch.

Would that be doable? I would just need to be sure that both programs recognize both of my recording devices. Hmm.. I'll have to check this idea out....

[yoda313]

Bump....

Any ideas on a timer for synching two or more capture sources?

I had come across the idea of using security camera software. One that I had looked at offered simultaneous viewing of more than 1 source. However the one I looked at did not offer dvd quality recording.

Again I'm not looking to spend very much on software. Free is preferable. Also keep in mind this would be for analog sources. They would be the video game source and analog video camera capturing at the same time. DVD is the real destination so 720x480 recording is necessary.

Thanks.

[jagabo]

AviSynth's Trim() will allow you to temporally shift one of the videos.

v1=AviSource("video1.avi").Trim(15, 0)
v2=AviSource("video2.avi")
StackHorizontal(v1, v2)

That script will advance video1.avi by 15 frames (remove the first 15 frames). Use Trim() on video2.avi if that one needs to be advanced instead.

Of course, this is a constant offset. It won't help if the two videos drift in time.

[yoda313]

Thanks jagaboo.

So this would allow me to record in any normal program even if the recordings don't begin simultaneously?

What would be the best way to identify the start of both videos? As I said the gameplay video would be independent of the video camera footage.

Would there be a way to create a removable timecode on the gameplay capture footage?

[jagabo]

So this would allow me to record in any normal program even if the recordings don't begin simultaneously?

Yes. Be aware the two videos have to have the same frame rate, colorspace, etc. They must have the same frame height when stacking horizontally, or the same width when stacking vertically.

What would be the best way to identify the start of both videos?

You'll have to eyeball it.

Would there be a way to create a removable timecode on the gameplay capture footage?

I don't know about this.

[yoda313]

Thanks for the info jagabo.

I probably won't be able to test this out until the weekend.

I figure if I capture both in mpg at dvd level quality that should allow for compatible mixing.

On my video tape footage I could say "start now" or something like that. I don't know how I'd coordinate that with the game footage since I'd want to tape me face on instead of showing the game. Although I suppose I could set up a mirror behind me showing the tv and I could know when its starting that way.....

[neomaine]

yoda,

I just answered a similar question for another topic. They were looking for a 4-way video combination, not just two. You're way behind the ball here...

Here's the thread with a link to a possible product:
https://forum.videohelp.com/topic358005.html

Basically, you can get a video muxer that allows two inputs and provides a single output. Capturing this output would not only save you a ton of capturing/merging fun, but would be exactly synched. The 4-way was around US$100, if I remember right, with two way muxers running right around your price range.

Hope it helps or at least gives you another avenue to look.

[yoda313]

Thanks neomaine. I appreciate the advice.

However right now I'm looking for a software solution. I don't really need or want more hardware right now.

But down the road that may work out better. I appreciate the insight.