Welcome.
- Those ancient PCTV cards are not suggested.
- Live2 cards are not great, but not worst. So many image stability issues.
I don't recall if that specific PAL DVD recorder has TBC(ish) passthrough, you'll need to verify. Specifically research Bogilien's posts. If that Pioneer does not handle tearing, then it's no good, seek a Panasonic ES10/15 type instead.
The capture system seems fine.
If possible, capture to 2nd SSD/HDD, not the OS boot drive.
VirtualDub,
Huffyuv, good. Ut can be fallback, but not ideal.
The line TBC in the VCR will be better, but it may conflict with the line TBC(ish), if present, in that Pioneer DVD recorder. Line TBC in a JVC VCR will not be enough, as it lacks frame correction (frame TBC). ES10/15 type passthrough DVD recorders have non-TBC frame syncs, which "bake in" sync errors to retain signal continuity.
Live2 cards absolutely choke on any imperfections, so some sort of frame correction is required with those cards.
You may find yourself in a situation where
- the better JVC line TBC must be disabled
- you rely on a DVD recorder for line TBC(ish) and non-TBC frame sync
- you take your chances with the Live2 card
^ FYI, this is precisely why I have
certain Pinnacle capture cards in the marketplace here, and I ship worldwide. If you're going to go with a budget setup, or even a better setup, that card can make-or-break your workflow.
So:
- the computer is fine
- VCR model is great, should be fine unit if in proper functioning condition
- Pioneer DVD recorder is a variable, so confirm it's on Bogi's list
- capture card is your weak link, get that replaced, and you're ready to go
You've done your reading, you're almost there, conversions should work out well.
As a final note, there's really no such thing as a "absolute best professional capture". VHS (and Hi8, consumer formats) have basic needs.
- good VCR, usually S-VHS with s-video
- some form of TBC is required, ideally true line+frame TBC
- good capture card
The only thing that you could consider "professional" is the quality of the TBCs, but many hobbyists and DIY'ers also want that extra % of quality. The VCR you have is what most pros also use. Many have DVD recorders for anti-tearing and fallback. And then good captures. Pros often have a few other nifty devices like proc amps and detailers, but that's really it. Nobody can get around the basics, and there's really not a way to upgrade either. Pros mostly just have more decks, more TBCs, more capture cards, whereas hobby/DIY just have one of each.
