VHS and SCHS-C Capture advise

[lordsmurf]

Actually, VirtualDub, with the addition of YMPEG, can produce MPG files:

Always somebody that has to point out the exception to the rule.

I've never used YMPEG so I can't vouch for how well it works..

Not very. I plan to test again, however, as I tested on an older version.

I was more impressed by MainConcept 1.4, may it RIP.

[magillagorilla]

UPDATE



This post is to help out beginners who are reading this forum for advice.



After a lot of trial and error, I finally settled on a solution, at least for capping. To properly archive I decided to go with lossless HuffyUV. This was a big step. My initial issue for this was the amount of storage, in other words having to buy new HDDs. In the grand scheme of things, is irreplaceable family footage worth less than a couple of $70 HDDs? When I considered all the money already spent on cameras tapes and accessories to get the footage over the past few decades it didn't make sense to skip the final coupe hundred bucks to do this right. (keep in mind I am on an extremely tight budget).



The second hurdle was getting the tapes to play properly. This I found to be the most important step. I know this is obvious to the experienced cappers but; the result is only as good as the playback. For my VHSC tapes, I still had the original JVC camcorder (with internal TBC) in perfect working order. The original tapes/hardware gave me great captures. In fact I may argue that the SVHSC looks better than my mini DV footage especially in color. So skip the VHS adaptor. If you have the original camera, use it first.



I was still getting poor playback on my VHS tapes. I tried a half dozen crappy decks. 10% of the footage would not play. These tapes were not treated kindly, some had 2nd - 3rd generation footage. Some were recorded on reused tapes. This was not my doing but I am charged with archiving them none the less.



In a stroke of good fortune I found that a friend of mine had an Panasonic AG-1980 sitting in his basement. He let me borrow it. All of my VHS plays back regardless of the damage. As for the quality, it is night and day compared to the disposable decks I was trying to use. In hindsight I can't believe I was trying to use anything other than a top quality deck. The difference in quality is so stunning that should I need to archive any more VHS without my friends hardware, I will definitely buy one.


In short, if you are on a budget, definitely spend on the playback equipment and worry less about "top quality" capture cards.

[jagabo]

Good points magillagorilla.

[2Bdecided]

If you have the original camera, use it first.

...if it works properly, doesn't have worn heads, and includes a TBC. You were very lucky - my camera failed on all counts!

Cheers,
David.