Help me make my old format (Vhs/other) conversion project easy.

[joeconvert]

You may want to look at something like the Canopus / Grass Valley ADVC-110 and store your files as DV. It meets none of your individual requirements precisely, but may serve them overall quite well.

You can edit without loss of quality and make DVDs quite easily.

Very much agree on using the ADVC-110. It is the easiest, most robust method to obtain near-lossless results. All you need is a good FireWire card for compatibility with newer Windows - I recommend a SIIG with a Texas Instruments chip.

It does an excellent job at capturing, with a constant rate that fares much better than any USB 2.0 device. This is evident when capturing difficult formats such as VHS. Regarding the often criticised DV colorspace, VHS doesn't offer enough color to lose in the DV format, so the criticism is irrelevant.

If you are willing to put in an extra step, using a TBC in the chain can improve the PQ considerably. You can use specific DVD recorder models in passthrough for this purpose, which have a line TBC built in. The most popular are DMR-ES10 and ES-15, and luckily for you they are cheap.

With a budget of $500 you can easily afford this method, with some to spare that I'd recommend spending on good quality cables from BJC.

Ok. Thanks!
My shopping list so far:

1. ADVC-110 (bhphoto seems to have a decent price)
2. Firewire card (can i get someone to recommend an exact model I can order on a site like newegg/amazon.com)
3. Cables (Anyone care to make a exact recomendation)
4. VCR ( need to know what to get. Anyone have model / seller info?)
5. tbc (sounds like deciding on what to use comes after picking a vcr? )


Thanks everyone, my hope is being restored! Your all combined wisdom is really helpful!

[joeconvert]

Yep. I figured the VHS-to-DV and Canopus crowd would jump right in on this. Funny how they skip town when the user realizes that DV is PC-only playback and the ugly VHS artifacts on DV are the devil to clean up. I have a cousin in the pro VHS transfer business who won't accept analog-to-DV work, he'd have to charge too much for time and labor to get what his clients want in a DVD or BD-R disc. You'll have to re-encode DV anyway for any other output type. The ATI 600 or earlier AIW were specifically designed for what you want to do with your VHS originals. The Canopus is DV all the way, period.

But it's your video.

So. hm. DV is more work it sounds like you are saying. But is using an ati 600 going to be 1)good quality 2)easy to edit(clip out sections/divide) 3) future storable 4)edited clips can be easily put on dvd.

If all above is true what would be the advantage of dv?

[joeconvert]

Yep. I figured the VHS-to-DV and Canopus crowd would jump right in on this. Funny how they skip town when the user realizes that DV is PC-only playback and the ugly VHS artifacts on DV are the devil to clean up. I have a cousin in the pro VHS transfer business who won't accept analog-to-DV work, he'd have to charge too much for time and labor to get what his clients want in a DVD or BD-R disc. You'll have to re-encode DV anyway for any other output type. The ATI 600 or earlier AIW were specifically designed for what you want to do with your VHS originals. The Canopus is DV all the way, period.

But it's your video.

Nobody's skipping town. A DV capture is higher quality than an MPEG2 (DVD) capture. It's better for storage -- because it's higher quality. It's better for editing -- because it's iframe and higher quality and can be cut losslessly. Edited versions can be converted to DVD or MP4 or whatever your final use is with more precision because it's not on-the-fly, you can use better encoders, and you're starting from better quality. Yes, if you want to go VHS->TBC->Uncompressed you can get a slightly better capture. But you can't play that on anything but a PC either.

It is your video. Treat it nicely.

So you see very little downside to DV, a few storage and editing benefits, and only a little more time consuming to get edited portions to a dvd? That all would be good. Hm. Have you or others used the canopus dv method? Were the results good?

Now I'm a bit confused at which direction will be better for me to go. I do have to consider I have nearly 100 tapes to capture. But I've started to like the DV route because it was my first clear direction..

[joeconvert]

I really want advice on what to buy for a optimal solution given my requirements.

The main requirement I've seen is the one in the title:

Help me make my old format (Vhs/other) conversion project easy.

Since quality isn't your only or even your main concern, get a DVD recorder and be done with it. Cut out the extraneous parts using MPEG2Cut or some smart renderer and author it for DVD. As jman98 pointed out after you listed your five goals/concerns, some are contradictory. You can't have it both ways. You can have good or you can have easy, but not both. Maybe 'good enough' will satisfy you. Some of this discussion, especially the points raised by LMotlow, are extraneous for your purposes.

My quality goal is just to be near what it looks like when I pop the VHS tape into my combo vcr player and watch it on tv. So definitly not concerned about making it look perfect (though not so terribly worse as it was with that honestech device).. especially when I wish I was done with this project yesterday and 100 tapes of various formats and sizes are looking at me

I don't know what a dvd recorder is? Is it a vhs to dvd combo auto converter thing without needing a pc? If so, then would I still be able to 1) archive in a fairly good format. 2) edit 3)re burn to dvds after editing?

I do appreciate you getting me back on topic, if it works and is good enough and isn't a headache.. that is what I want. a reasonable balance.

[smrpix]

I've used the older ADVC 100 with excellent results. A lot depends, of course, on the quality if your VHS deck. S-video if available will give better results than composite.

I can only reiterate that given the totality of your goals I think DV is the optimal way to go. It's what I would do. Obviously this topic attracts strong opinions -- often irrationally so.

[joeconvert]

Well. Hm. Sounds like there are differing opinions. Which is ok, because that means there are several solutions that are probably near in merit with slightly different pros and cons. If it werent' close than I guess it would have been solved a while ago. The big keys is if someone has verified good results (not perfect or best), and it is something I can get the parts for and specific advice for the parts and process .. that's what I'll do. My parents and siblings and their kids and will all be happy they have something fairly good to jog memories.. It's not HD but it's also not a far cry from popping the tape in we currently have. Thanks guys.

[joeconvert]

I think I will go the DV route, only because that was the first specific instruction I was given, so I am hoping the DV experienced will walk me through my purchase items and conversion steps. If it fails to work, I will stop and go the other route. If I waste $500 parts thats ok. It's better than me procrastinating

Sooo.. back to my shopping list:
My shopping list so far (stage 1):

1. ADVC-110 (bhphoto seems to have a decent price)
2. Firewire card (can i get someone to recommend an exact model I can order on a site like newegg/amazon.com)
3. Cables (Anyone care to make a exact recomendation)
4. VCR ( need to know what to get. Anyone have model / seller info?)
5. tbc (sounds like deciding on what to use comes after picking a vcr? )

[SixFiftyThree]

Good decision on the DV option. Believe me, you don't want to go the ATI-600 / lossless route, it is a lot of work for little gain, and there are hidden costs due to the huge storage requirements. I'll make another post about that later.

For additional parts, namely the TBC - if you're willing to spend an extra $40 or so, I highly recommend buying a DMR-ES10, or ES15 DVD recorder (but not to record DVDs). What these recorders are used for is their special filters that stabilise the video, and fix some tough errors (like flagging/tearing). All you need to do is run the signal through them first before the ADVC110 - nothing else required, they correct on their own with their integrated TBC. Just a touch more effort for a lot more quality.

And you can keep using the VCRs you have, provided they are fully functional and track your tapes well. Other than that, buy good cables - Blue Jeans Cable is an excellent, widely respected choice.

For a FireWire card, I use and recommend the SIIG NN-E20012-S2, with Texas Instruments chip.

[joeconvert]

Good decision on the DV option. Believe me, you don't want to go the ATI-600 / lossless route, it is a lot of work for little gain, and there are hidden costs due to the huge storage requirements. I'll make another post about that later.

For additional parts, namely the TBC - if you're willing to spend an extra $40 or so, I highly recommend buying a DMR-ES10, or ES15 DVD recorder (but not to record DVDs). What these recorders are used for is their special filters that stabilise the video, and fix some tough errors (like flagging/tearing). All you need to do is run the signal through them first before the ADVC110 - nothing else required, they correct on their own with their integrated TBC. Just a touch more effort for a lot more quality.

And you can keep using the VCRs you have, provided they are fully functional and track your tapes well. Other than that, buy good cables - Blue Jeans Cable is an excellent, widely respected choice.

For a FireWire card, I use and recommend the SIIG NN-E20012-S2, with Texas Instruments chip.

Thank you so much for the specific recommendations..

Question between those two TBC's..... which should I get? and where specifically should I buy it from? I am guessing they are no longer sold new so a trustworthy seller is ideal?

What cable do I need for the firewire? Specific model/specifications (6/4/?) and maybe store?

Also, Keep in mind I have VHS tapes, but I also have Hi-8, mini-dv, etc.

## updated shopping list ## (thanks SixFiftyThree)

Device Make Model Store Price
1. Input Grass valley ADVC-110 Bhphoto.c.. 174.95
2. Firewire Card SIIG NN-E20012-S2 Newegg.c.. 40.99
3. firewire Cables Blue Jeans ??????????? ???
4. VCR ?????? ??? ??who can i trust???
5. VCR 2 tbc cable ??
5. TBC which one? ??? ? ???trustworthy seller?????
6. TBC 2 ADVC cable ??


Thanks!!

[SixFiftyThree]

Question between those two TBC's..... which should I get? and where specifically should I buy it from? I am guessing they are no longer sold new so a trustworthy seller is ideal?

You should get the one that's available for the best price, and eBay is probably your best option. Be aware these are sold as DVD recorders, not TBCs - they simply have TBC ability built-in. Apparently there's other Panasonic models with this ability, but not 100% verified. Either of these two is a sure bet.

What cable do I need for the firewire? Specific model/specifications (6/4/?) and maybe store? Also, Keep in mind I have VHS tapes, but I also have Hi-8, mini-dv, etc.

Specifically 4-pin/6-pin is best, because a) the SIIG FireWire card only has 6-pin inputs, and b) DV camcorders are only 4-pin (since you mentioned mini-dv tapes). Any brand of FireWire cable should do. The ADVC itself comes with a short 6/6 that you can use though.

For mini-dv tapes, just connect the camcorder directly to the FireWire card. It's already digital video so the data is simply transferred over in realtime. The process is pretty simple, but that project will still require its own attention. But as far as the hardware required, you'll already have everything you need.

5. VCR 2 tbc cable ??
6. TBC 2 ADVC cable ??

Depends what outputs your VCR has - use s-video if possible, otherwise use composite. For connecting to the ADVC from the DVD recorder/TBC, use s-video. Again, Blue Jeans Cable is my pick here.

Lastly, the VCR. This is a huge topic on its own, but I'd say just try to make do with the one you already own. If it's tracking your tapes well, that's all you basically need. The better prosumer VCRs are a money pit, and can't be trusted to perform well due their age; in most cases a full service is required (expensive). Don't look into other options unless you need to.

[joeconvert]

Question between those two TBC's..... which should I get? and where specifically should I buy it from? I am guessing they are no longer sold new so a trustworthy seller is ideal?

You should get the one that's available for the best price, and eBay is probably your best option. Be aware these are sold as DVD recorders, not TBCs - they simply have TBC ability built-in. Apparently there's other Panasonic models with this ability, but not 100% verified. Either of these two is a sure bet.

What cable do I need for the firewire? Specific model/specifications (6/4/?) and maybe store? Also, Keep in mind I have VHS tapes, but I also have Hi-8, mini-dv, etc.

Specifically 4-pin/6-pin is best, because a) the SIIG FireWire card only has 6-pin inputs, and b) DV camcorders are only 4-pin (since you mentioned mini-dv tapes). Any brand of FireWire cable should do. The ADVC itself comes with a short 6/6 that you can use though.

For mini-dv tapes, just connect the camcorder directly to the FireWire card. It's already digital video so the data is simply transferred over in realtime. The process is pretty simple, but that project will still require its own attention. But as far as the hardware required, you'll already have everything you need.

5. VCR 2 tbc cable ??
6. TBC 2 ADVC cable ??

Depends what outputs your VCR has - use s-video if possible, otherwise use composite. For connecting to the ADVC from the DVD recorder/TBC, use s-video. Again, Blue Jeans Cable is my pick here.

Lastly, the VCR. This is a huge topic on its own, but I'd say just try to make do with the one you already own. If it's tracking your tapes well, that's all you basically need. The better prosumer VCRs are a money pit, and can't be trusted to perform well due their age; in most cases a full service is required (expensive). Don't look into other options unless you need to.

Thanks!

Ok
I will purchase either of the two tbc/recorders used from anywhere
I will purchase a 4 to 6 firewire cable anybrand anywhere
I will purchase blue jean svideo and composite cables anywhere
I will use my existing Philips DVP3355v combo dvd/vcr unit with only composite output for the vcr..
.. unless you see an issue with it being an combo unit, or if you think I should find one with svideo output (I tried, but didn't find any?)

On the ADVC 110 , when shopping I've noticed that there are two model numbers:
Item model number: 77010150100 ASIN: B00030ATTO
Item model number: 770-10150-105 ASIN: B000GJVE8M

[jagabo]

You wont' find any new S-VHS decks. The last ones were manufactured many years ago. Buying them used on ebay is a crap shoot given their age.

You will probably won't find a Panasonic ES10 or ES15 for US$40. They are getting rarer and people recording old VHS tapes have caught on to the TBC abilities, driving the price up. I've seen them going for about US$80 on ebay lately.

Although you won't get significantly better recordings of VHS with a raw analog capture device they cost 1/3 as much (some even less) as the ADVC 110. Storage space isn't necessarily an issue -- you could record as DV AVI, the same thing you'll get from the ADVC 110. But you'll have the option of lossless (or no) compression if you want. On the other hand DV capture is pretty fool-proof. Many of the best raw video capture devices (like the aforementioned ATI 600) are old and can be hard to get running properly under newer versions of Windows (drivers and software issues).

[joeconvert]

Question between those two TBC's..... which should I get? and where specifically should I buy it from? I am guessing they are no longer sold new so a trustworthy seller is ideal?

You should get the one that's available for the best price, and eBay is probably your best option. Be aware these are sold as DVD recorders, not TBCs - they simply have TBC ability built-in. Apparently there's other Panasonic models with this ability, but not 100% verified. Either of these two is a sure bet.

What cable do I need for the firewire? Specific model/specifications (6/4/?) and maybe store? Also, Keep in mind I have VHS tapes, but I also have Hi-8, mini-dv, etc.

Specifically 4-pin/6-pin is best, because a) the SIIG FireWire card only has 6-pin inputs, and b) DV camcorders are only 4-pin (since you mentioned mini-dv tapes). Any brand of FireWire cable should do. The ADVC itself comes with a short 6/6 that you can use though.

For mini-dv tapes, just connect the camcorder directly to the FireWire card. It's already digital video so the data is simply transferred over in realtime. The process is pretty simple, but that project will still require its own attention. But as far as the hardware required, you'll already have everything you need.

5. VCR 2 tbc cable ??
6. TBC 2 ADVC cable ??

Depends what outputs your VCR has - use s-video if possible, otherwise use composite. For connecting to the ADVC from the DVD recorder/TBC, use s-video. Again, Blue Jeans Cable is my pick here.

Lastly, the VCR. This is a huge topic on its own, but I'd say just try to make do with the one you already own. If it's tracking your tapes well, that's all you basically need. The better prosumer VCRs are a money pit, and can't be trusted to perform well due their age; in most cases a full service is required (expensive). Don't look into other options unless you need to.

Thanks!

Ok
I will purchase either of the two tbc/recorders used from anywhere
I will purchase a 4 to 6 firewire cable anybrand anywhere
I will purchase blue jean svideo and composite cables anywhere
I will use my existing Philips DVP3355v combo dvd/vcr unit with only composite output for the vcr..
.. unless you see an issue with it being an combo unit, or if you think I should find one with svideo output (I tried, but didn't find any?)

On the ADVC 110 , when shopping I've noticed that there are two model numbers:
Item model number: 77010150100 ASIN: B00030ATTO
Item model number: 770-10150-105 ASIN: B000GJVE8M

submitted post a bit early. I wanted to say thanks again and I wanted to ask what you thought about the two model numbers for the advc and about my vcr.

[joeconvert]

You wont' find any new S-VHS decks. The last ones were manufactured many years ago. Buying them used on ebay is a crap shoot given their age.

You will probably won't find a Panasonic ES10 or ES15 for US$40. They are getting rarer and people recording old VHS tapes have caught on to the TBC abilities, driving the price up. I've seen them going for about US$80 on ebay lately.

Although you won't get significantly better recordings of VHS with a raw analog capture device they cost 1/3 as much (some even less) as the ADVC 110. Storage space isn't necessarily an issue -- you could record as DV AVI, the same thing you'll get from the ADVC 110. But you'll have the option of lossless (or no) compression if you want. On the other hand DV capture is pretty fool-proof. Many of the best raw video capture devices (like the aforementioned ATI 600) are old and can be hard to get running properly under newer versions of Windows (drivers and software issues).

Thanks. I'll keep that in mind. Paying $80 or more for a tbc isn't a problem.

Thanks again!

[SixFiftyThree]

You will probably won't find a Panasonic ES10 or ES15 for US$40. They are getting rarer and people recording old VHS tapes have caught on to the TBC abilities, driving the price up. I've seen them going for about US$80 on ebay lately.

Still far cheaper than the line TBC in prosumer VCRs and additional frame sync unit that it replaces. There is no alternative to those recorders anywhere near that price, and they are definitely worth it IMO. A shame if they're getting rarer, although I do have a feeling that the DMR-ES18, that is still available brand new, has the same circuitry - the only downside would be its $300 price tag.

Although you won't get significantly better recordings of VHS with a raw analog capture device they cost 1/3 as much (some even less) as the ADVC 110. Storage space isn't necessarily an issue -- you could record as DV AVI, the same thing you'll get from the ADVC 110. But you'll have the option of lossless (or no) compression if you want. On the other hand DV capture is pretty fool-proof. Many of the best raw video capture devices (like the aforementioned ATI 600) are old and can be hard to get running properly under newer versions of Windows (drivers and software issues).

Well a large reason why I recommend the ADVC is because of its superior performance in capturing, and there is more to that than the DV format itself. In that aspect, not all DV bridges were created equal, and capturing DV with USB 2.0 sticks is not the same as capturing over FireWire.

I also factor in the conversion quality and accuracy, which I think highly of. Other benefits are the ease of plug n' play and a simple, undemanding capture process, as well as the device's bidirectional ability which is useful in monitoring and editing. I consider it a well engineered piece of hardware, if someone is inclined to go that route.

For hobbyists and pros, lossless and more control over the capture is desirable, but for novices, it makes little sense given the learning curve. Most advanced users aren't using TV sticks either, but old AGP cards or modern pro cards. Also, the often recommended ATI-600 is pretty much just an EzCap under the hood - if you look at the product line, it's also the only one that wasn't made by ATI (hence why it differs so much to the 650 and 750). The difference is the EzCap still receives support.

Personally I've used, and continue to use, a variety of capture hardware and methods whether they are MPEG2-based, H264, DV or Lossless. To me the most balanced of those is DV and the ADVC devices are the most reliable of the lot. As this thread proves, there is simply much incorrect info surrounding that method, usually spread by those who are lacking in experience with it.

It's also worth mentioning, there's plenty of used ADVC-110s around which you can get for a much lower price, if willing to take the risk.

[joeconvert]

Is it ok that i use my existing Philips DVP3355v combo dvd/vcr unit with only composite output for the vcr? It is also a combo dvd/vcr unit. Do you think I should find one with svideo output (I tried, but didn't find any?)

I have a question about the ADVC 110 , when shopping I've noticed that there are two model numbers:
Item model number: 77010150100 ASIN: B00030ATTO
Item model number: 770-10150-105 ASIN: B000GJVE8M
Which one is newer or better?

by the way..I bought a DMR-ES15 on ebay for 80+ dollars.

[SixFiftyThree]

Is it ok that i use my existing Philips DVP3355v combo dvd/vcr unit with only composite output for the vcr? It is also a combo dvd/vcr unit. Do you think I should find one with svideo output (I tried, but didn't find any?)

Your newly purchased DMR-ES15 has a decent comb filter, so composite from your VCR should look fine. Just make sure you use an s-video cable from the DVD recorder to the ADVC. Also, do you have the original recording decks/camcorders for your tapes? Are they in good shape? If so, try to use those instead of your combo unit. Don't go hunting around for more VCRs yet, see if your current one(s) perform first.

I have a question about the ADVC 110 , when shopping I've noticed that there are two model numbers:
Which one is newer or better?

I don't know and it doesn't matter, it's the same device.
But I just found your answer anyway - http://forum.grassvalley.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9821

I've a feeling you're getting caught up in specifics. It's common when starting out, but it's not worth worrying over. Just follow good methods with the recommended tools, and you'll be alright. Obviously when it comes to using those tools, you should ensure you're using them in the correct way. But beyond that, don't complicate things for yourself.

Always remember there is no perfect way to digitize your tapes, they are read differently by every VCR and processed differently by every other unit in the chain. Analog is never the same - no exact 'original' quality exists like digital (a common misconception among beginners). Making it correct is a complex process that requires knowledge and skill - but the method you've chosen will provide you with a pretty accurate, stable copy of whatever your VCR is playing, with ease.

[joeconvert]

Is it ok that i use my existing Philips DVP3355v combo dvd/vcr unit with only composite output for the vcr? It is also a combo dvd/vcr unit. Do you think I should find one with svideo output (I tried, but didn't find any?)

Your newly purchased DMR-ES15 has a decent comb filter, so composite from your VCR should look fine. Just make sure you use an s-video cable from the DVD recorder to the ADVC. Also, do you have the original recording decks/camcorders for your tapes? Are they in good shape? If so, try to use those instead of your combo unit. Don't go hunting around for more VCRs yet, see if your current one(s) perform first.

I have a question about the ADVC 110 , when shopping I've noticed that there are two model numbers:
Which one is newer or better?

I don't know and it doesn't matter, it's the same device.
But I just found your answer anyway - http://forum.grassvalley.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9821

I've a feeling you're getting caught up in specifics. It's common when starting out, but it's not worth worrying over. Just follow good methods with the recommended tools, and you'll be alright. Obviously when it comes to using those tools, you should ensure you're using them in the correct way. But beyond that, don't complicate things for yourself.

Always remember there is no perfect way to digitize your tapes, they are read differently by every VCR and processed differently by every other unit in the chain. Analog is never the same - no exact 'original' quality exists like digital (a common misconception among beginners). Making it correct is a complex process that requires knowledge and skill - but the method you've chosen will provide you with a pretty accurate, stable copy of whatever your VCR is playing, with ease.

I will use my existing vcr. I will use svideo between tbc and advc. I can use the camcorders for a few of the tape types.

Thanks the model # info. And thanks for the advice to not getted bogged down in details. I will take that advice -- it is wise.

Thanks!
I will order the remaining parts maybe later today!

[joeconvert]

all products ordered!

[joeconvert]

Do I need to order any software?

I do have a copy of : Cyberlink power director 11 special edition

Since I will be doing editing, It would be nice if there was something would let me watch videos in 2x or 8x speed without missing many frames so I can scan for clips

[joeconvert]

Is it ok that i use my existing Philips DVP3355v combo dvd/vcr unit with only composite output for the vcr? It is also a combo dvd/vcr unit. Do you think I should find one with svideo output (I tried, but didn't find any?)

Your newly purchased DMR-ES15 has a decent comb filter, so composite from your VCR should look fine. Just make sure you use an s-video cable from the DVD recorder to the ADVC. Also, do you have the original recording decks/camcorders for your tapes? Are they in good shape? If so, try to use those instead of your combo unit. Don't go hunting around for more VCRs yet, see if your current one(s) perform first.

I have a question about the ADVC 110 , when shopping I've noticed that there are two model numbers:
Which one is newer or better?

I don't know and it doesn't matter, it's the same device.
But I just found your answer anyway - http://forum.grassvalley.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9821

I've a feeling you're getting caught up in specifics. It's common when starting out, but it's not worth worrying over. Just follow good methods with the recommended tools, and you'll be alright. Obviously when it comes to using those tools, you should ensure you're using them in the correct way. But beyond that, don't complicate things for yourself.

Always remember there is no perfect way to digitize your tapes, they are read differently by every VCR and processed differently by every other unit in the chain. Analog is never the same - no exact 'original' quality exists like digital (a common misconception among beginners). Making it correct is a complex process that requires knowledge and skill - but the method you've chosen will provide you with a pretty accurate, stable copy of whatever your VCR is playing, with ease.

OK. all the products have arrived. Very exciting. I am ready to get started.

What should I do for software?

Maybe for simplicity sake, I should start with the easiest and least important tapes first so I will be more proficient when I get to the most important tapes. My easiest tapes are probably minidv, I have a minidv camcorder with a firewire output.

Thanks again!

[Brad]

WinDV. Install Cedocida DV Codec, by the way.

[jagabo]

Little of what you learn from DV "capture" will be applicable to analog capture. DV capture isn't much more than a file transfer from the camcorder to the computer.

[SixFiftyThree]

OK. all the products have arrived. Very exciting. I am ready to get started.

What should I do for software?

Maybe for simplicity sake, I should start with the easiest and least important tapes first so I will be more proficient when I get to the most important tapes. My easiest tapes are probably minidv, I have a minidv camcorder with a firewire output.

Thanks again!

Regarding DV software, I'll direct you to a post I made a while back on the topic:
https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/363480-1st-time-capture-of-Hi-8-and-miniDV-Need-a-g...=1#post2312221

I think I covered it pretty well there, but in a nutshell, always use ScenalyzerLive for native DV transfer. WinDV is a popular option but I would only use it for analog conversion.
DV transfer isn't as simple as it's made out to be, it has its own set of issues you need to watch for. But indeed it is the simpler option for you to start with, if that's what you feel comfortable doing.

Anyhow, no time for a more in-depth post right now but I may come back to it. In the meantime check out that link above.

[2Bdecided]

See also the link here for checking DV captures for errors...
https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/365603-How-to-capture-MiniDV-cassettes-if-your-came...=1#post2332263

Cheers,
David.