Best Analog capture method

[jpb3417]

I'm planning to get a new system and want to get started, but I've read so much I'm thoroughly confused.

To transfer VHS tapes untimately to DVD, which method of getting the tape into the computer is better: via an ATI AIW for example as an AVI file with Virtual Dub, OR digitalizing it with say a Dazzle Hollywood Bridge or the Canopus. The captures would be long (1 hr. plus) so I worry about sync problems. Then I would encode with say TMPG Enc. There would be no fancy editing, just cutting.

Some of the tapes are getting bad, and most were recorded in SLP to begin with so the quality was never the best.

If the capture card is recommended, please recommend a card. If the dv
conversion method is prefered, please advise if Dazzle or Canopous is
prefered for quality.

Thanks in advance. JB

[holistic]

Get the canopus AVDC-100 or a digital camera with analog IN
The reviews i have read on the DV bridge say it does have sync problems.

I did the analog capture thing for a while, but found it to frustrating.
....dropped frames , sync issues, LARGE files ...

I finally got a cannon zr40 camera with A/D converter and now use it to pass through my VHS and capture in DV format.

Happy now ... smaller files , less time pi$$ing around setting up for capture, no sync problems or frame drops.


IF .... IF you have a fast/large drive setup then a cheap $50 card might be worthwhile if you have time to waste.

my 2cents

[Bondiablo]

The Canopus is quite good. I've done captures as long as 2hrs from tape and antenna passed through the VCR and the only time I dropped a frame was when I once tried to start up another program while capturing, the audio and video never get out of sync and although the files are large (2GB for every 10 minutes) that's the price you pay for getting the quality.

[D_Knife]

Some of the tapes are getting bad, and most were recorded in SLP to begin with so the quality was never the best.

For digital "capturing" with the Canopus or Dazzle price in a Timebase Corrector to fix up ( at least somewhat) these old tapes - you won't regret it.
This should solve most ( all? ) of your sync problems and might even clean up the picture somewhat