Hard Drive speed (or something else)?

[sq1276]

I'm trying to capture from an analog camcorder, through a Visiontek Xtasy Everything, using VirtualDub set according to the articles on this site, to a 5400rpm 30GB WD HD after defrag. I've even created a separate "Capture" configuration which disables every program not required for capture. I'm still dropping way too many frames.

Do I need to upgrade to a 7200rpm HD used exclusively for capture? Is there another blatant mistake in my profile or setup that I'm not seeing?

The whole point of this process is to transfer the videos I have on 8mm and VHS to VCD.

Thanks in advance.

[Gazorgan]

What capture codec are you using and what resolution? MJPEG at 90% is not drive intensive as opposed to Huffyuv.

[sq1276]

I tried HuffyUV and MJPEG, at 29.97fps, starting at 352x240 and reduced all the way to 160x120, still with dropped frames.

What resolution, fps, etc, should I use for optimal TV/VCD viewing? That is, after I can capture properly.

[Gazorgan]

I think your dropped frames don't have anything to do with your drive. You should be able to capture 352x288 @29.97 fps in MJPEG standing on your head.

I would look for updated drivers for your capture card. I would also try IUVCR (free 30 day trial). I have never had good luck with VDUB capturing, in fact i've never got it to do a decent job. With IUVCR I cap at 720x480 @29.97 fps in huffyuv or mjpeg at 95% and never drop a frame.