Analog videotape capture, workflow and equipment?
Hi folks,
I started on my home video digitization journey a few weeks ago, and it has been nothing but trouble. I'm beginning to think I should have just sent my tapes off to a professional, but I've already invested a lot of time, energy, and money into this project, so I'm hoping I can complete it. First, I've purchased a few pieces of equipment: 1. Blackmagic Intensity 4K for analog capture 2. Sony Digital Handcam for MiniDV capture via FireWire (works!) 3. Multiple Sony Video8/Hi8 Handycams 4. Cheap GoVideo VCR from a thrift shop The digital capture via FireWire is working almost 100%. But the analog capture via the Intensity is causing me issues. I'm able to capture the tapes, but having a lot of quality issues. I have read that the JVC and Panasonic SVHS players are the best. Is the built-in TBC sufficient? Will it also correct my handycams when I run them into the video input? Based on everything I've read, I probably need to buy a stand-alone Time Base Corrector, but these all seem to be extremely expensive and rare. Looks like one will set me back at least $1000. Is the TBC-1000 really the lowest cost option out there? Are the consumer-grade TBCs really that bad? |
Be fully aware, that there are people in these groups that are spreading lots of myths about BlackMagicDesign,
Panasonic brightness output, people who ask $1000 for a TBC, are speculators, the good ones have indeed gone through many repairs, due to ageing, even than i doubt good working, because most of them where not really made for the "quality" VHS or any analog tape format gives off. Having a passthrough device like a DVD/HDD recorder or recorder combo from Panasonic with the VHS refresh feature would be a good choice in your case, there are lists of suitable ones on the Videohelp forum in the Capture section, advantage is also, in that case, capture of long-play recordings will be possible, which doesn't work with a TBC, most of the time. Most posts also "feature" NTSC experiences, PAL will be much better in quality for that matter. |
To add some context for the OP here...
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I did need to disable the "Stop capture if dropped frames are detected." Surprisingly there aren't a ton of dropped frames in the tapes I've captured so far. Attachment 17188 Quote:
A) get a decent VCR with line TBC B) get a decent VCR with no TBC and use external frame TBC C) A + B D) Only A (and accept the occasional frame drops) |
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Random results, yes. Good results, no. Quote:
You can do better with DIY -- but you need quality gear, and it takes a bit of learning. No random gear, not impatience. Quote:
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There are other options, certain TBC(ish) type units to be had for half that. Quote:
Once upon a time, decades ago, TBCs were made for professionals to work with sources. Professional sources, or consumer sources. TBCs for consumer sources included many DataVideos (not all), but also others. But then you could produce your own videos at home, DVD burners, capture cards, and we all had to adopt the same tools. S-VHS VCRs, TBCs. Or make bad conversions by using the wrong tools, or no tools. Carpentry is no different. - Pro tools are simple, basic, like measuring tapes and hammers. - Lazy amateurs try to use their foot to measure, and make bad whatevers. These are just tools for the task of video conversion. So "consumer TBC" is like "consumer tape measure". It's just a TBC, it's just a tape measure. A hammer is a hammer. Quote:
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- Not B, you need line for the video to not look like wiggle noisy crap. Ideal is some path to A+B, quality S-VHS VCR with line TBC, and at least some budget TBC(ish) to provide a minimal weak line correction. But noting the more budget you go with gear, the more problems you have. You will pay, either in money or time/sanity. No freebies with video. Otherwise we'd all be doing it. Seriously, who here nejoys buying boring boxes for $500+? No me. But it's the tool I need for this task. Realyl no different from buying washing machines, lawnmowers, sewing machines, etc. Just a tool for this task, the end. |
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