Scheduling with WinDV

[ScottEslick]

Is there any way to use WinDV and something to capture a TV program while my computer is unattended?

Thanks, Scott

[steveryan]

These topics may help you -

http://groups.google.co.uk/group/rec.video.desktop/browse_thread/thread/ee9ede7aef369b...836043e51822fe
https://www.videohelp.com/forum/archive/t306598.html

[edDV]

I've used the Windows "Scheduled Tasks" and other schedule or macro programs to do this with WinDV and CapDVHS. It would sure simplify things if someone wrote a Zap2it scheduler.

[gadgetguy]

I did write my own VB scheduler to execute WinDV after Windows Scheduler let me down several times. It's a little crude around the edges but if anyone's interested I can make it available.

[ScottEslick]

I would love t give it a try!!

[gadgetguy]

Here it is in a zip file. Extract and run the installer. I've included a help file with full instructions. Right click the link below and select "Save Link As" or "Save Target As" or whatever terminology your browser uses.
LINK

[edDV]

Cool! I'll try it as well.

[ScottEslick]

Can you check your link, I get an error.

Thanks,

[gadgetguy]

The link will fail if you just click on it. See previous instructions.

[ScottEslick]

I tried everything...no go.

[gadgetguy]

Hmm. Works for me. What about you edDV?

Edit: I take it back. What gets downloaded is a broken zip. I'll try uploading it again. Please Stand by...

[gadgetguy]

Apparently I exceeded my storage capacity on that server and it was being truncated to fit. I've changed the link to a different server. Try it now.

[edDV]

I got it to download here. Can't evaluate it right now.

[redwudz]

Thanks, gadgetguy. Works for me, but I haven't tried it. You can also submit it in 'Tools': https://www.videohelp.com/toolsedit?newtool=1 and be 'imortalized'. We can also host your tool, link there also. Small file sizes appreciated.

[gadgetguy]

Thanks, but it's not really a fully realized tool and I don't have the time or inclination to develop it futher so I'd hate to be "imortalized" for this. It was just something I threw together several months ago to fit my needs at the time and it's been working for me ever since, and since the topic came up I just thought I'd offer it.


Maybe if it garners enough interest here I'll put some time into it and submit it as a real tool sometime in the future.

[ScottEslick]

I got it...Thanks!!

Seems to work well, I tested it on a short capture. I will give it a shot real time tomorrow.

Thanks Again, Scott

[gadgetguy]

I just remembered a couple things about this that you should be warned about. Occasionally it will open a second instance of WinDV that will show an error (because the first instance is already using the cam). It will still be recording on the first instance but because the second instance covers the first it looks like it's not working.
Also the capture will often drop a frame right at the beginning. I think it's because WinDV starts capturing before it's completely loaded and interrupts itself. It's not really a problem with my scheduler, because the same thing can happen when manually starting a batch file, but it becomes noticable when using the scheduler.