Juddering MPEG-2 capture

[Chordmeister]

Using an Adaptec VideOh! PCI to capture some old VHS tapes, I've noticed that there are intermittent patches of 'judderiness' in the captured video, almost like the picture is 'buzzing'. Watching the video tape through the VCR on TV, this is not noticable. Could it be the mpeg encoder's reaction to the old/noisy tape? I would have thought this initially, but it seems to be fairly random where it does it.
Just wondered if anyone else had experienced anything similar.

[Bob W]

Copy protection? Anyway I use a gadget I bought at BestBuy called a "Video Copy Master" which clears up the output of the VCR prior to the capture card. It levels, amplifies, and filters the video and I believe removes any sync problems. One of my better buys and it sells for $39.

[Chordmeister]

Thanks! That's an idea....
BTW--will the VCR output copy protection thingy regardless of whether its a home video or a commercial one?

[Bob W]

Thanks! That's an idea....
BTW--will the VCR output copy protection thingy regardless of whether its a home video or a commercial one?

A home video isn't going to have copy protection on it. I use the gadget on all VHS captures as it does make the end result look much better than just going from the VCR to the capture card. Also have you tried using another VCR just to make sure that's not the problem?

[Chordmeister]

Also have you tried using another VCR just to make sure that's not the problem?

I could try that yes... I suppose its possible the heads might be getting a bit worn out or something (?)...

[Bob W]

I had two VCR's but still had problems until I bought a new JVC which BTW is the only VCR I could find with a s-video output. Now with the new VCR and the Video Copy Master box my copies to DVD-R are near perfect and to me look better than the VHS source (yes I know that shouldn't be possible).

[Chordmeister]

I don't suppose you know where I can get my hands on something similar to the 'video copy master' gadget, in the UK?

[Bob W]

The manufacturer is "Sima" and the model number is SED-CM. Sima I believe has a wb site.

[DNRC]

You can get these sort of things at maplins mate.

I just had a look and they are on special offer at the moment

http://www.maplin.co.uk/ - it's on the first page

Code: L72AH

[K2]

I see the same thing but found it is interlacing. Like a buzzing left to right in the video. If I deinterlace it plays on the PC fine. If I leave as is but use on a standard TV (interlaced) it is also fine.

Macrovision can be a problem but is typically so bad of video capture you can't see a face. Yes macrovision can be remove by many products sold as video stablizers. They intend to remove it to improve the quality of picture, it does, and not for coping per say but can be.