Turn off VCR display for video capture?

[slneilryan]

I am using the pass-through function of my Sony DCR TRV350 to capture video from my VCR to my computer.
Equipment: JVC HR DVS2U, Sony DCR TRV350
Connections: Svideo from VCR to camcorder, IEEE 1394 from camcorder to computer (capturing using MovieMaker)
Note: I was capturing directly from the VCR to the computer via IEEE 1394 but that port all of a sudden (mid capture) stop being recognized? I haven't solved that yet so the above is my work around.

All is working well with the work around except: the VCR seems to send some messaging such as L-1 or Play or Video calibration text through to the camcorder which gets captured with the video.

I have tried turning off it off both on the VCR (using buttons on the front - I don't have the remote) and on went through the manual/all menu settings on the camcorder and can't seem to get rid of this extraneous text pass through.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
As well any comments as to whether my work around setup achieves the best quality output to the computer.
TIA

[lordsmurf]

Do you have the JVC remote? If not, LP20303 is needed. Turn off the overlay/superimpose.

Turn off calibration, R3.
Turn on TBC
Picture mode AUTO/NORM.

[slneilryan]

Hi
I don't have a remote for the JVC but will look for the LP20303.
Are these 3 steps for the camcorder OR the VCR?
• Turn off calibration, R3.
• Turn on TBC
• Picture mode AUTO/NORM.

I know I have the TBC 'on' on the camcorder. I'll check the other 2 settings.
Any thoughts/suggestions re: fixing the IEEE 1394 port on the JVC? Is this a common problem with this VCR? I have had no luck finding someone with specific expertise on this unit in Canada to fix.

Many thanks for your time/reply.

[lordsmurf]

Those are 3 of the menu options for the JVC VCR.

Camcorder comes after JVC in workflow, so the camcorder TBC will be inert.

JVC is an excellent VHS (and obviously S-VHS) player.

But Firewire/IEEE1394, and DV, are always crap, on every JVC player out there. Most people also try to use the JVC Firewire in a way that was never intended, and does not work as they think.

DVS2 is a problem deck to ship. If you had it mailed to you, no telling what got screwed up. It's too heavy, too fragile, unless the shipping was insanely secure. We're talking 6"+ of bubbles on each side, etc. Not some wimpy eBay-style shipping job, those 100% of the time arrive smashed and damaged.

[latreche34]

Capturing DV with Windows movie maker? Good luck.

[slneilryan]

I was able to get a LP20303 remote and followed your suggested settings. Wow what a difference in capture.

This JVC was not an ebay purchase. I found it in a second hand store and at the time did some of your suggested pre-purchase steps (which I have since read and understand I could I have more! - learning). It appeared to me to have very little use and has worked well (newbie assessment) until the firewire failed.

A couple of other questions if I may:
• I have the TBC set to ON in my camcorder as well. Ok? or should I turn off as JVC TBC/DNR is set to ON?
• tapes recorded in SP capture terrific with your suggested settings, however EP tapes either play for about 5 seconds, flicker then the camcorder screen goes to blue (with PLAY in top right corner) OR they play but a very jittery/flicker. Are there different settings that I should select on the JVC, when trying to capture EP?
• Firewire/IEEE1394, and DV, are always crap, on every JVC player out there. Most people also try to use the JVC Firewire in a way that was never intended, and does not work as they think Is that what I am doing in my workflow? I am using the firewire from the camcorder to the computer. Can you elaborate on how the firewire was intended to be used?
• Chose MovieMaker before I found this forum and seems to be working to capture .avi but I have read a lot here about VirtualDub. Is that the best capture solution for my workflow?

Thank you Lordsmurf and latreche34 both for your time/replies!

[latreche34]

DV is best streamed using WinDV or Sclive, Analog tapes can be captured via a DV route but you will loose some quality, Best capture using a analog to digital capture device via USB or a PCEe slot card using vdub or AmarecTV.