AT MY WITS END!! VHS capture device

[1974darrenh]

2 VCR recorders, 3 different video capture devices and 2 laptops but yet no picture. Have spent 26 hours trying to get a picture.

Firstly I bought a capture device on Ebay. Very cheap and knew they didn't have good reputations. When it installed, I got sound but no picture. Tried loads of different drivers that were recommended but none worked.

Threw the device in the bin and bought an August VGB100 from someone else had used it to capture video with no problems. Installed as per the instructions and once again, sound but no picture. Tried 2 VCR's, 3 different capture cards and 2 different laptops!!!!

I live in the UK so made sure the PAL/NTSC settings (if any show) was set to PAL I

Ran the software in in all sorts of compatiability settings from XP through to Windows 10 (My current system)

Used different software from Honestech, Cyberlink Power Director, VLC player etc.

Tried different leads.

I will try to attach a video of what I'm actually getting and hope that someone on here can put me in the right direction.

[DB83]

Well most of these strange named capture devices are just the same easycraps.


However.


Are these simple vcrs or vcr/dvd combis ?


Are you attempting to capture a s-video source rather than a composite source ?

[1974darrenh]

Both simple VCR's. Capturing with composite leads through scart. Tried two diffrent scarts too.

[davexnet]

VHS Macrovision ? Or Windows 10 privacy setting ?

[DB83]

Ok. But not the leads rather the settings on the capture software.


You can not use random drivers. The driver should have been supplied with the unit. Does Windoze see the capture device (Device Manager and no errors) and also the capture software.


And do try Amarectv and virtualdub.


I guess though you are using one of these scart to composite adapters. Do ensure that the adapter is correctly attached to the vcr. The screen suggests no video signal (I know that seems obvious) but if the pins on the adapter are not true......

[oln]

What sort of SCART adapter did you use? You need one with an in/out switch, the ones without are usually input only.

I would suggest the VCRs with a TV if possible to isolate the issue.

[DB83]

^^ If the adapter was input only there would be no sound either.

[1974darrenh]

Device manager is showing properly installed and no problems.

Have used 2 scart to composite adapters and both do exactly the same, even in another VCR.

The adapters have a switch on them and this is set to OUTPUT.

[DB83]

Upload some screen-grabs of the software used on each page of the settings - you should get the blue screen preview somewhere on those pages

[october262]

Device manager is showing properly installed and no problems.

Have used 2 scart to composite adapters and both do exactly the same, even in another VCR.

The adapters have a switch on them and this is set to OUTPUT.

do you have the VCR set to the right channel or output selection ?? ie video out on the
back of the VCR. here's the pdf guide that has some troubleshooting tips for no picture - https://www.augustint.com/download/manuals/VGB100_EN.pdf

[1974darrenh]

This is one of the software's I am using as it came with the capture device.

[1974darrenh]

This is the results with VLC.

[october262]

This is one of the software's I am using as it came with the capture device.

go to properties - compatibility then select reduced color mode then select 8bit

[DB83]

Do you have any other options in the 'Video Device' drop down ?


Crazy as it may appear, you do have the typically yellow composite plug in to the yellow socket in the device (and the adapter) (and not a white one)

[1974darrenh]

Done the 8bit setting and made no difference.

Yellow lead is plugged into yellow socket.

Attached is a photo showing the 3 devices I've used and the scart connector set to output

[october262]

Done the 8bit setting and made no difference.

Yellow lead is plugged into yellow socket.

Attached is a photo showing the 3 devices I've used and the scart connector set to output

have you tried unplugging the VCR from the power outlet to reset it and then plugging it back in and see
if you can get a picture ?

[1974darrenh]

One of my VCR's has composites on the front as well as the back. I don't get picture or sound when plugged into the front ones and wonder if maybe the front ones are INPUT only. Unfortunaltely I can't find a manual online for it. Bush VCR923.


[Attachment 58369 - Click to enlarge]

[1974darrenh]

Yes tried it. I have 2 VCR's.

[1974darrenh]

and the videos show on the TV no problem.

[october262]

One of my VCR's has composites on the front as well as the back. I don't get picture or sound when plugged into the front ones and wonder if maybe the front ones are INPUT only. Unfortunaltely I can't find a manual online for it. Bush VCR923.


[Attachment 58369 - Click to enlarge]

the connections on the front are input only, so you have to use the rear outputs (video out)
and use the remote or channel buttons to select L2 for rear outputs

[DB83]

Here is an older thread about this capture device:


https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/350027-Does-anyone-have-an-August-VGB100-USB-2-0-V...-Capture-board


Read the very last post (which was un-answered)


My ultimate guess is that the issue is related to Windows10. No problems appear reported with Win7

[1974darrenh]

The disk and software claim to be fully win10 compatiable. Even running it in win 7 or XP mode make no diffrence. Looks like I have to abandon the idea, however I'd like to ask this...........Because my video is showing on the TV, can I record my TV screen?

[DB83]

Only the software could work in 'compatability' mode. The issue here is hardware related.


Windows10 is notorious for breaking capture devices. What might have worked could easily fail after an update to the OS.


No. You can not record your TV screen.

[1974darrenh]

I'm giving up.

Plan B - Because I can see my VHS on a TV, is there a simple way of recording the screen?

[aedipuss]

I'm giving up.

Plan B - Because I can see my VHS on a TV, is there a simple way of recording the screen?

no

[jagabo]

is there a simple way of recording the screen?

Sure. Point a camera at the screen. Quality will be lacking though.

[lordsmurf]

This thread is a great example of what not to do, what not to buy.

And you need patience. Video capture isn't a simple computer task, not a video game or Facebook, and has a slight learning curve. It's not dummy-friendly no-read point-and-click. Reading is needed, to comprehend what you're doing. Capture VHS isn't as easy as playing it on a VCR was.

- buy a quality capture card required, not a cheapo Chinese eBay/Amazon/Wish special
- use VirtualDub, not other craptastic software
- in PAL-land, beware of junk SCART converters

[dellsam34]

The easiest way for the OP is to send his tapes to someone who knows how to capture them, Technology is not for everyone that's why people get paid for their skills.

[Alwyn]

That sample indicates to me that something is getting through the VGB to the computer as it is not totally blue; there are flashes of video signal. I'd try a couple of different tapes.

I have the VGB-100 and the quality is quite good, on a par with my Phillips PCI card, and my GV-USB2 and USB-710.

I did have problems at one stage with it working properly with VDub, but uninstalled the software, rebooted and then re-installed and all was well.

I used the software off the August website, not the CD.

I'll reinstall it with my current W10 (20H2) and see what happens. Standby.

Regarding other options, there's always the Tape direct-to DVD route if you have access to a VCR/DVD combination machine. Worth a try, at least, though if you are computer-literate and prepared to learn a little, capturing is the best way to go. The basics are fairly straightforward but you can go really deep if you want.

[DB83]

Even if Win10 has not screwed up the ability to capture* the fact that there does indeed appear to be a semblance of a video signal suggests a problem with these scart >> composite adapters. The best type, if indeed you can still get them, are fully-wired with a proper scart plug (not a piece of tin with soldered connections) and cables.


*Now I did read a topic some days ago that a user had 'solved' his Win10 capture issues. I kinda dismissed the reply as I had not read that before. But, I guess, it is worth checking out just in case an update did do this. I have not a clue how you do it but check your privacy settings and allow for webcam access.


If this fails and you are sure that these adapters are not at fault then I would consider another option. Install Windows7 on one of your PC/Laptops. Use this just for capture with no other s/w installed.