Capture via camcorder

[redlester]

I am considering going for a firewire capture card with realtime mpeg2 encoding for capture of VHS material for burning to DVD. I want to go this route because I'd like to be able to do it with little or no quality loss as opposed to analogue capture/compression. I know it will cost a lot of money so want to be sure it will work.

Have just checked my camcorder (JVC GR-DVL150), and although it has DV-out it does not have any analogue input.

However, a good friend of mine has a Sony DCR-TRV110E. Can anyone tell me if this Sony model has analogue input, and if so does it support pass-through or would I have to record to digital tape first then playback to the PC...?

If I can't achieve it with the above camcorder I'll probably forget the whole thing and buy a set-top DVD recorder instead....

[Donny661]

My friend has a DCR-TRV730 and that has both analogue in and pass through mode. Try looking online at sony's website to see it's features. Don't worry about it having a pass through mode because there will be no difference in quality if you put it on a tape first or pass it through. The only downside is it takes as twice as long to capture.

[redlester]

Thanks for the info. I did have a look at Sony website but the 110 model must be an old discontinued one because I couldn't see it listed. Some web sites contain user manuals for old products, but couldn't find it on the Sony site.

I will be seeing my friend tonight so will find out first hand what it can and can't do. Seems like I will probably need to start saving up for that capture card soon....