New to VHS capturing, need advice on bitrate etc.
 

I'm starting a project to convert all of our family's VHS and 8MM tapes over to DVD. With help from the digitalfaq site I've decided on the following settings, using Honestech VHS-to-DVD 5:

--352x480 capture @ 5000kbps CBR initial capture (my machine isn't strong enough for 720x480 capture without dropped frames)
--Conversion to 720x480 capture @ 90% or 95% quality VBR, for preparation to burn to DVD or safe-storage on a hard drive


My specs are:
Intel Core 2 Duo @2.26GHz
Windows 7 Ultimate x64
Nvidia GeForce Go 9600M graphics card
4 GB RAM
1 TB external hard drive, USB 2.0
Honestech VHS-to-DVD 5


Here are my questions:
1. I understand that there's no reason to go higher than 5000kbps when you're only capturing at 352x480. But what about when you're upconverting to a higher resolution? Should I allow the VBR to exceed 5000kbps--i.e. is there any need for a higher bitrate when upconverting from 352x480? Should I be capturing at 8000kbps due to the planned upconversion?

2. I've used every method I can think of, including everything on the digitalfaq website, to prevent dropped frames, but I still encounter them from time to time - usually around 10-20% dropped frames for 6 out of every 30 minutes. It's not due to damage on the tape or a bad VCR. I've been trying to monitor background processes to figure out why this is happening, but no luck yet. My CPU and graphics card cap at around 40% during capture.
I've thought about trying the following to see if any of them help with dropped frames. Has anyone tried them?
--Changing the capturing software's priority to Above Normal or High
--Tweaking the Compatibility Settings of the capture software (what settings should change?)
--Running in Safe Mode

Rats. I posted this in the wrong subforum by accident - obviously it was supposed to go into Capture, not Convert.

Admins, please feel free to lock and/or delete; I will repost in the correct place.

No need to repost. I've moved it. :)

Will get to answering it for you later today or tomorrow early sometime. Thanks.

I appreciate it! Unfortunately, I already reposted before I saw your response. In the interest of avoiding a double thread, I'd recommend deleting or closing this one (the other one I created is clearer and has more detail.)