Is my I-O Data GV-USB2 faulty?

[gaiablade]

Hello,

Recently while visiting my family over Christmas I volunteered to digitize our old VHS/VHS-C family video collection.
After doing some research I decided on the following setup:

1. Magnavox DV225MG9 VCR for playing the tapes.
2. I-O Data GV-USB2 Capture Card for capturing the signal on my PC.
3. OBS Studio for deinterlacing and capturing the video.

I installed the latest drivers for the capture card directly from the manufacturer and connected the device to my computer.
However, when viewing the source in OBS (or VLC or AmaRecTV) the output starts out smooth but after a few minutes starts to get choppy, eventually to 1 frame per 3+ seconds.

I have tried messing with just about any setting available: FPS, output resolution, deinterlacing algorithm (or disabled entirely), video standard, encoder, etc. with no success. There doesn't appear to be any encoding overload on my PC.

At first I thought the VCR might be faulty but connecting it to a TV reveals a smooth output. As stated above, I also tried a few other capturing programs, namely VLC and AmaRecTV, with the same results. I've concluded the only remaining potential culprits to be the capture card or my operating system (Windows 11).

Has anyone come across a similar issue before? I just want to make sure I've narrowed down the correct source before returning it and looking for another device. Thank you!

[davexnet]

https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/415507-The-GV-USB2-capture-card-and-OBS-for-VHS-an...gs#post2745519

[gaiablade]

https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/415507-The-GV-USB2-capture-card-and-OBS-for-VHS-an...gs#post2745519

I installed the Lagarith codec and set it as my codec in AmaRecTV. Also set my recording resolution to 720x480

[Attachment 90753 - Click to enlarge]

Still getting the same result, with video becoming extremely choppy after about 11 minutes . AmaRec reports 0 dropped frames. Even when I'm not recording the preview is choppy.

[Alwyn]

Does the pausing happen on the recorded files or only during the Preview?

Is your GV getting overly hot? It should only be just warm to touch after it's been plugged in for a while.

Try a different USB port.

[gaiablade]

Does the pausing happen on the recorded files or only during the Preview?

Is your GV getting overly hot? It should only be just warm to touch after it's been plugged in for a while.

Try a different USB port.

It happens in both the preview and recorded file. I have tested with multiple USB ports and get the same issue. Also the capture card doesn't feel hot, just a little warm.

[davexnet]

Still getting the same result, with video becoming extremely choppy after about 11 minutes . AmaRec reports 0 dropped frames. Even when I'm not recording the preview is choppy.

Tape damage?

[gaiablade]

Still getting the same result, with video becoming extremely choppy after about 11 minutes . AmaRec reports 0 dropped frames. Even when I'm not recording the preview is choppy.

Tape damage?

When I connect the VCR to a TV I don't have any choppiness issues. There's certainly some deterioration though. Could deterioration cause the card to lag?

[Alwyn]

Could deterioration cause the card to lag?

Certainly a possibility. It is recommended that a TBC/stabiliser be used in the workflow for analogue video transfer/capture. Options are a VCR with a built-in TBC or run the video from the VCR through one of a group of specific DVD recorders, which act as a stabiliser. Have a look at my site here for examples of how they can stabilise the video. It could well be that one of those will cure your card choking issue. These consumer-level digitisers are fairly sensitive to bad signals from VCRs and more often than not do need stabilisation.

There's certainly some deterioration though.

Try another tape.

If the pausing is still there with other tapes, try another VCR.

[gaiablade]

Thank you for the suggestions! I did investigate a little and it does seem like the output issues often begin when the degradation artifacts get intense, and some other tapes with less deterioration do fare better.
I just ordered a DVD recorder with a TBC so I will test again when that arrives. I appreciate the help!

[Alwyn]

Our pleasure.