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Hello guys!
I'm having some problems in capturing video from old VHS's.
I recently recorded few minutes with a Philips Camcorder; the quality is amazing when observe what I recorded through the viewfinder, so I desire keep on using it. I also have a standard VCR, and when I use it to play the cassette, everything is ordinary.
But, when I try to capture the video, with a Easy Cap pen plugged on the video-out of the VCR or the Camcorder station, the result is terrible!
The video has flagging at the edge, and, also, the image can't stay still, and it's like the objects shake fast and continuously from left to right and back.
Here's a gif as sample:
When I use the Easy cap to capture video directly from camcorder (like a webcam), everything is just fine.
So I did a little research and it seems that a TBC could do the job, and I found a Panasonic dmr (somebaody sells it for cheap) that has it; now, because of my very short budget, before buying anything, I'd like to ask your opinion: can it be useful to remove the errors of the digitalized image? is the TBC what I really need? And if so, do you recommend this () model?
Thank you very much, I'll appreciate every tip!
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A little difficult to tell with just a gif but in my eyes this looks more like a weak signal than time base errors.
Could be down to worn heads, poor tape quality etc. etc.
And is this meant to be B&W ?
Also, an easycap, if it one of these $10 knock-offs, is not the greatest capture tool on this planet. -
Thank you for your reply, but the cassette, recorded with an unknown VCR, although old, plays perfectly in the camcorder, so I come to think the tape is fine.
And, as you said, actually it was colored, here's a picture:
Please, note that the bended edge is only while capturing.
How can I check if it is a weak signal problem (and save bucks)? -
So let me get this straight you are wondering why a $6.15 (free shipping) capturing device gives crappy results?Originally Posted by jackson_pollock
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0019SSSMY/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new
By the way, what is the movie you are trying to capture? -
Well that colour screen is very weak. Hardly 'perfect'.
So someone records the tv to a tape and then does a vcr to vcr copy without any signal enchancement. Result is poor video. A TBC will not improve on that.
A video enhancer/booster might help. But the real damage is already done. -
Hi! I know it's a cheap thing, but I admit I expected something better!
However yes, I was trying to film our band video in old cool crappy way, but not THAT crappy!! I can do the filming, but I can't export it
The youtube buyer demonstration show better results, so I don't know what went wrong!
Can the dmr solve my problem, or you have better (but cheap) suggestions?
Thanks a lot! -
To DB83:
My father recorded that tv news, and left it unchanged for years in the shadow of a closet, so I used it only for testing purpose.
A video enhancer/booster, can also solve the distortion problem? -
I am getting confused now.
Your first sample was from Rai Uno. I asked if that was meant to be in colour (I suspect not but it was necessary to ask). But you then provide another sample in colour. Are these on the same tape ?
Even if this tape is not a copy, you virtually said you do not know the condition of the original VCR. Signal enhancers/boosters are not cheap. If these videos are non-commercial you may be better off taking them to a pro store for transfer.
Even a decent usb capture device will cost you > $50.
Must also ask this so as not to presume anything. You are in Europe ? -
The picture and the gif come from the same tape, recorded from tv, that was all colored. I'm not interested in that very tape, I just used it as example for what occurs in every tape I use (my own filming included) when I use this setting (VCR--> video grabber or VHS camcorder ---> video grabber).
So, the Panasonic dmr hdd recorder would cost less than 50 euros, but I don't know if it works as signal enhancer and could help me in the digitalization process.
And yes, Europe! -
Wait a second, let's back up. DB83 didn't mention a DVD recorder. You might find a used one cheap, but good luck if it actually works. DVD recorders don't enhance. They just record. If your tapes play on your TV the same horrible way they look via your cheap capture device, you have some bad tape. If they play better on a TV, the problem is likely the capture device.
DB83 mentioned a USB capture device, not a DVD recorder. Judging from what be have seen so far, a video enhancer won't help.- My sister Ann's brother -
No. Some Panasonic dvd-recorders have a built-in line TBC. A signal enhancer is a totally different beast.
You need to give the full model number of this prospective purchase for more clarity. -
Thanks for all the replies, but now the things are confused.
The videos, recorded on a blank tape, look good while played on camcorder (through the viewfinder) and on the VCR (plugged to the tv); the flagging and all the other problems occurs only using easycap.
I understand Easycap is now useless.
I don't understand if I need a video enhancer, but it seems to be pricey, so then I could not afford it.
The panasonic is DMR-EH58, is sold (as working) for cheap, doesn't have video enhancer, but in the specs is written: "Built-in time base corrector that delivers highly stable, natural images" ; still don't know if I need this.
If not the panasonic, what can be a solution (if there's a solution!)?
Thank you again! -
The video likes fine on the tv or through the view-finder because you are still in the analogue realm.
It is only when you cross to the digital realm that any issues on the tape(s) manifest.
I do not confess to know everything yet no one, as far as I can see, has disagreed with me that your issues can be corrected with a TBC. However, you may still wish to take the chance in getting this since it is quite cheap.
You would use it as a pass-though unit. That is connect cables from the VCR to the DMR and then connect the DMR to the capture device.
But you could equally spend you money on a better capture device. It's a tough call if you are working to a tight budget. -
Hi! Just a brief update:
I went for the panasonic dmr-eh58 recorder and it completely solved the problem!
I'm using it as a pass-through unit, with the easycap as a capturing device: the flagging and distortions are gone (the attached gif is a proof, compared with the previous one).
Thank you all for your interest!
As a side note: the panasonic used as a stand-alone unit delivered inferior result.
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