Oversharpened image with Hauppauge USB-Live2? How to fix?

[AlvinusDeDiaspar]

I've recently purchased a Hauppauge USB-Live2 device & am preparing to re-digitize my already-digitized small set of VHS tapes. (The first digitization I carried out using an upscaler + HDMI capture card setup.)


[Attachment 86102 - Click to enlarge]

As you can see, the image looks oversharpened (?). If this is actually a different type of artifact, please correct me.

The driver currently in use is v5.2024.424.42116 from Hauppauge Computer Works.
The VCR is a JVC HR-S6600 with S-Video output. It is indeed connected to the capture device using an S-Video cable.

Comparing with the HDMI capture card method, a striking difference is how bad the de-interlacing looks now and how well resolved it is by the Speaka upscaler I used. However, colors look better with the Hauppauge. EDIT: I did manage to fix the deinterlacing prob bu selecting one of the available methods.

For the record:

[Attachment 86103 - Click to enlarge]

[jagabo]

Isn't "nitidez" the sharpness control? You've scaled the capture image so one can't tell what the original looked like (scaling usually sharpens or blurs the image a bit).

[AlvinusDeDiaspar]

Isn't "nitidez" the sharpness control? You've scaled the capture image so one can't tell what the original looked like (scaling usually sharpens or blurs the image a bit).

Yes, "nitidez" is sharpness.

This is the raw video I'm getting by having the most basic, recommended settings in Amarec.
- S-video input
- *w= 720, h= 576, fps=25,00, fcc=YUY2, bit=16
- Deinterlacing NOT used
- Deinterlacing function set to "for Role-playing Game"
- Aspect ratio 4:3

Haven't managed to make the sound work, but that doesn't worry me. I'll be driving the sound via a Focusrite interface, which gave me awesome results with my previous setup.

As you can see, the picture is too grainy & there is ghosting.


[Attachment 86110 - Click to enlarge]

When should I start suspecting the VCR and potentially dirty heads?

How does the community here evaluate the quality I'm getting?

[Sharc]

There is some kind of interference pattern in the picture. Is your S-video cable of decent quality and properly screened?
The noise can be reduced in post processing.
Your attached video is progressive (PsF). Maybe this corresponds to your source. Nevertheless you should capture it interlaced (AmarecTV: Deinterlacing not use, and Device Settings->Tab CUSTOM PROPERTIES->WEAVE ) and deinterlace in post only - if needed.


[Attachment 86115 - Click to enlarge]

[jagabo]

Yes, a S-VHS deck shouldn't produce noise like that. The S-Video cable could be responsible. Try another. Also try composite, just as a comparison. If nothing reduces that herringbone noise -- it can be reduced in post. I think this is from the same frame Sharc posted, frame 423, lightly filtered:


[Attachment 86117 - Click to enlarge]

Regarding sound: S-Video doesn't include sound. Use the RCA connectors from the deck to the capture device.

[AlvinusDeDiaspar]

I've ordered a new cable, and will share the results as soon as it arrives.

[aramkolt]

Is that an original genuine SP copy of that movie? I've seen copies that'll have noise like that, especially if they were recorded in one of the SLP/EP modes.

[AlvinusDeDiaspar]

In the end it turned out to be a cable issue. After buying this guy here:
https://www.amazon.nl/-/en/Profigold-Performance-S-Video-Percent-Technology/dp/B002KDMNXC

, the grid pattern has gone away.

See the difference:

[Attachment 86210 - Click to enlarge]

[jagabo]

That's good news for you.