Another VHS capture to DVD post, but cost is not really a factor

[Valnar]

I started visiting these forums ages ago and dropped out of the scene for awhile. I remember using a BT878 card, HuffyUV, VirtualVCR and a variety of programs to capture analog video to my computer, so I can offline convert it to MPEG2 then author to DVD. We had constant problems with audio drift/sync and dropped frames. 'Good ol days.

But now that the sunset of VHS is coming to an end, and I realize I will never buy or get another VHS tape again, as well as all my Hi-8 videocam tapes, I want to convert what is remaining to DVD format. I am sure times have changed and there are better ways of doing it.

What I want: A PC hardware device to do all the heavy lifting.

1) Will take input of composite, S-video and analog audio, keeping everything in perfect sync
2) Will plug into my PC via USB to save the captured video to
3) Converts A/V to MPEG-2 DVD ready format
4) If possible, contain some sort of video cleanup or grain removal during the process.

I don't mind spending the time authoring the DVD with one of the many authoring programs - I just want to convert it to DVD ready MPEG-2 from the beginning, without any dropped frames or audio sync issues.

The cost is not really a factor. This is the first and last time I will ever need to do it, and presumably will be able to sell said device on eBay afterward to recover some of the cost.

So, what is it I am looking for? Suggestions?

Thanks! and Merry Christmas.

[lordsmurf]

Computer hardware devices are the least of your needs. For a quality transfer, it starts with the VCR. Then it goes to analog>digital processors, such as a TBC, proc amp, detailer. Finally, as the last step, it goes into the conversion device. The better devices will further filter -- and none of those are going to be computer hardware, but standalone video hardware.

The only reason to use a computer capture device, to be completely honest, is if you're wanting to acquire uncompressed video, for special needs (advanced restoration, advanced editing, etc). Using a computer for conversion of VHS was killed and deprecated the moment quality DVD recorders came on the scene (2004, with the LSI Logic chipsets).

Your idea of cost not being a factor, and recovering costs via eBay later on, is quite sound. The hard part is going to be the skillset, time and knowledge to make it happen, and in a quality manner. This is where most folks have a hard time, sometimes a downright impossible time.

The sun already set on VHS, about 4-5 years ago. At best, all we've got left is some purple twilight.

The closet device to what you're asking for the is Hauppauge USB PVR devices. But I don't know that this is going to yield you the best results. Your tapes may look the same or worse converted to DVD. That's sad, because VHS can look at least twice as good (or better) than the tape did. I do it almost daily.

[Valnar]

Computer hardware devices are the least of your needs. For a quality transfer, it starts with the VCR. Then it goes to analog>digital processors, such as a TBC, proc amp, detailer. Finally, as the last step, it goes into the conversion device. The better devices will further filter -- and none of those are going to be computer hardware, but standalone video hardware.

I know these things. I have a good JVC VHS VCR with all those functions. I did used to do this, just not recently. Everything for the past several years has been digital sources.

The only reason to use a computer capture device, to be completely honest, is if you're wanting to acquire uncompressed video, for special needs (advanced restoration, advanced editing, etc). Using a computer for conversion of VHS was killed and deprecated the moment quality DVD recorders came on the scene (2004, with the LSI Logic chipsets).

I'd still prefer to use my PC so I can author the DVD. I only want a recommendation to make it into MPEG2 video without having to deal with Sync issues. That was sooooo 2001.

The closet device to what you're asking for the is Hauppauge USB PVR devices. But I don't know that this is going to yield you the best results. Your tapes may look the same or worse converted to DVD. That's sad, because VHS can look at least twice as good (or better) than the tape did. I do it almost daily.

I am open to other suggestions if the end result will be significantly better, but still am looking for quickness due to the number of analog tapes. I will look into the Hauppauge device.

Would a Canopus device be a better idea? I don't care if it cost a couple hundred $$. I'm not looking for the $89 bargain basement device.

[themaster1]

Well if you got a big wallet, why not a d-vhs player and a canopus card
you can't go wrong with that.
That's what i would do if i had money right now

[Valnar]

Sounds like too much work. Wouldn't it just convert it to DV first?

[lordsmurf]

http://matrox.com/video/en/products/rtx2/

But your desire for USB2 external complicates. So I again default to a Hauppauge device (found at Officemax, among others).

[Valnar]

I decided converting to DV first is not so bad. I have programs available that can convert to MPEG2 and author to DVD in one step, so it doesn't really save (or lose) me any time.

I am going to buy a Canopus ADVC300. It has great reviews, and should keep everything in sync. I have firewire on my PC.

It meets one of my requirements of keeping it's value for an after eBay sale.