Buzzing Audio over VHS to PC transfer.

[spillage66]

Hi. I recently bought the USB 2.0 VHS/VCR Tapes to Win PC/DVD Video/Audio Converter Capture Card/Adapter with EasyCap disc, then had to buy the1.5m 3 Phono Plug RCA Audio Video AV TV Cable Lead because all points were female. The problem is, I think the installation disk is for Windows 7, and it said that it was compatible with XP , (which I am using on the PC I wanted to edit with)... So, I installed it o nto my ASUS laptop which is Win 7. All ok, until finally I connected the VCR to laptop. The picture is great, but there's an annoying deep buzz over the audio, which I can't get rid of. Any ideas? Or should I buy something else? I am thinking of VCR DVD combi, then ripping to PC and editing on there. I have tons of old VHS home videos that I want to tranfer. My head's nearly exploding with all the arsing about I've been doing over the last two days, trying to sort it. Cheers in advance.

[DB83]

Depending on the software, there should be a setting for 'audio recording source'. That may be set for the capture device or something else. Confirm.

It is most unlikely that the drivers/sofware is Win7 only. Read the installation instructions carefully.

[spillage66]

The disc reads,
"Version 3.5c
win 7-64"
Which to me, sounds like 64 bit Windows 7 OS.The only audio option is internal audio streaming. I'll check al the details to morrow, and report them. But I've taken the charger lead out, and tried to adjust the settings, and it sounds like an Earth loop sort of buzz. I was just wondering if it's comm on with cheaper capture hardware. (Cost about£15 or so).

[DB83]

What exactly have you bought ? This does not sound like a standard easycap.

[Vidd]

All ok, until finally I connected the VCR to laptop. The picture is great, but there's an annoying deep buzz over the audio, which I can't get rid of. Any ideas? Or should I buy something else? I am thinking of VCR DVD combi, then ripping to PC and editing on there. I have tons of old VHS home videos that I want to tranfer. My head's nearly exploding with all the arsing about I've been doing over the last two days, trying to sort it. Cheers in advance.

The audio buzz is most likely caused by a ground loop. You have determine where the ground loop occurs and then buy the proper isolator adapter to fix the problems.

http://www.audioholics.com/home-theater-connection/ground-loops-eliminating-system-hum-and-buzz

http://www.epanorama.net/documents/groundloop/

http://www.jensen-transformers.com/an/generic%20seminar.pdf

[spillage66]

THanks for the fast replies. The kit I bought is a USB2.0 Video adapter with audio, and the model number is DC60-007. Just having a look, and there's some doubt to its authenticity.

[DB83]

There was an easycap dc60 and a easycap dc60+. Both of these AFAIK would work on systems prior to Win7. I find it strange if the drivers you have are 64 bit only. Have you tried to install on your XP PC ?

BTW both of these were massively faked. Only the ezcap116 purchased from the official outlet can be guaranteed.

[lordsmurf]

Fake or legit, Easycap devices are crappy.

One of the reasons -- and there are many -- is that audio is not good.
Everything from noise to frequency loss.

You need a better device. The ATI 600 USB, for example.

[spillage66]

Thanks for that. Just checked the The ATI 600 USB, but the reviewer in the video said it couldn't be used on XP.
DB83... XP was the first OS I tried it on. I have a PC with XP, an ASUS laptop with Win 7, and an iMac, I want to use the XP PC though, as it's robust and for general purpose, (The Mac is used for LogicPro audio recording). But I'll settle for the laptop.Thanks again for your cooperation. I've enclosed a photo' of the device and disk. Here's the seller and details of the gear.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300866188146&ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:GB:3160

[DB83]

Ok. You were not very clear about trying this in your XP PC in the O.P.

Now £7.70, which includes P+P, when the genuine article will set you back £25+ (IIRC) really says it all. As lordsmurf says, fake or not, it's cheap crap.

[spillage66]

Thanks for that. Would you recommend buying the The ATI 600 USB? Even though it's just for recording?

[lordsmurf]

Thanks for that. Just checked the The ATI 600 USB, but the reviewer in the video said it couldn't be used on XP.

The person that left that review was a dumbass.

I have one, and use it regularly. It works in XP, Vista, and 7.

[spillage66]

Cheers. I'm in the UK, so it's PAL, and to XP 64 Bt, and I'd prefer to use Ulead 11+ which is on there, but I have a Mac with AfterEffects on it- which I haven't fathomed out yet! I was going to buy a combo VCR DVD recorder as a last resort, but would prefer saving to hard drive then editing. Cheers. I think I'll order one of them, if it definitely works with my stuff.

[spillage66]

By the way... This was the review I saw.
http://youtu.be/eLWSuI9DFes

[Hoser Rob]

This is one reason I don't watch youtube reviews. Who are these people? Just because they can upload to youtube doesn't mean they know much or are unbiased.

[DB83]

That is NOT the device that lordsmurf suggests.

[spillage66]

You're right! My mistake. It was on the suggestions, rather than results! AAARGH! I'm not doing very well so far, am I?

[mammo1789]

There are allot of cards like hauppauge WinTV or Avermedia can do quality job of capturing even have noise and 3d comb filters which ati 600 doesn't have. Ferrite core's might lower (or eliminate) buzz with ferrite core's.

[spillage66]

Thanks for the help. Would you agree with this top ten? I want the best one, as I have at least 20 tapes to convert, 3 hours minimum a cassette. (UK though.) Cheers.
http://vhs-to-dvd-converters-review.toptenreviews.com/

[spillage66]

By the way, My XP PC has an NVidia geforce 8400GS, I think this has video capture capabilities, so hopefully I don't need to buy that extra.

[Brad]

That 8400GS doesn't seem to have video input capability.

5 of the 8 devices in that list are based on the same Conexant Polaris chip: Diamond VC500, AVerMedia DVD EZMaker C039 (their Amazon link is for the C038 mind you), Elgato Video Capture, Hauppauge USB-Live2, Manhattan Video Grabber.

I'm personally a fan of this chip, but it doesn't do anything to correct wiggly VHS lines. Mind you, neither does the ATI 600 USB.

[ConanEdogawa]

yea u might have a fake one check here http://easycapexpertti.phpbb3now.com/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=26but like i told the other guy i used a ezcap for like 2 months and its terrible i would get one of the ones recommended by the people here check that site thought they also can help you with the audio

[spillage66]

The adaptors are all; USB anyway, but the 8400GS is supposed to be able to handle video capture, according to the specifications. I think I'm going to go for the Diamond one, (Unless someone knows better!)... a bit more expensive, but apparantly worth the extra. I'm not after perfect results, as long as they are watchable, and editable. My dad wants to see all the old home videos, and I want to rescue them whilst they are still in one piece. Loads of precious memories, and I don't think I'd put much of it on the net. Really appreaciate all the imput, thanks.

[spillage66]

Cheers for that. I'm going to leave feedback on the seller now.