Best workflow for capturing VHS, using my current gear?

[tobylars83]

TL;DR: I want the best workflow chain using a JVC SR-MV40, CDM-640AR, FOR-A FA-125, Pinnacle 710-USB, and ATI 600 to capture VHS to lossless AVI in VirtualDub on Windows 7, then convert to MP4.

Hi all,

Looking for advice on the best way to use my gear for capturing VHS to AVI with VirtualDub on Windows 7. All of this equipment came from LordSmurf over the past several years.

My original setup was a JVC HR-DVS3U → CDM-640AR TBC/Converter → Pinnacle 710-USB → VirtualDub. It worked fine until the DVS3U developed an ejection issue. Because of that, I'm now piecing together a new workflow from the rest of my equipment.

Here's what I have on hand:
• VCR: JVC SR-MV40 (Super VHS deck)
• TBC / Converter: CDM-640AR and FOR-A FA-125
• Capture cards: Pinnacle 710-USB and ATI TV Wonder 600

I've never actually used the SR-MV40, the ATI 600, or the FA-125 before, since I was sticking with the Pinnacle and the DVS3U until now.

Questions:
1. Between the Pinnacle 710-USB and ATI 600, which works best with VirtualDub on Windows 7?
2. For TBC, would you recommend the CDM-640AR or the FOR-A FA-125?
3. Any known pitfalls or compatibility issues with this gear?
4. Best VirtualDub capture settings to match these devices?

Goal is stable, lossless AVI captures I can later convert to MP4. Any advice on the ideal chain would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Todd

[lordsmurf]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tobylars83

My original setup was a JVC HR-DVS3U → CDM-640AR TBC/Converter → Pinnacle 710-USB → VirtualDub.

Swap in the MV40, leave rest as-is. This is best workflow, from your gear, for your sources. When DVS3 fixed, either swap back, or just setup 2nd workflow around it.

[tobylars83]

I know that my previous JVC VCR had some specific menu settings that LS told me how to deal with. Does anyone have any advice on settings on the JVC SR-MV40? Should I have the TBC button selected on it even if I am running throught a TBC?
Thanks

[lordsmurf]

Line TBC (in VCR) isn't frame TBC (external). Use both. Or is that not what you're asking?

[tobylars83]

yes I will use both. Forgive my ignorance to the matter of there being two types I will study some more. I spend more time studying than actually capturing. What happens if I dont have the Line TBC selected?

[lordsmurf]

Line TBC cleans the image.
Frame TBC cleans the signal (and allows capture without issues, no dropped frames, etc)
You need both.

No line TBC = image looks like crap.
No frame TBC = capture problems, audio sync, dropped frames stutter, etc.
Messy, unwatchable.

[tobylars83]

I would appreciate any advice on how I should set these on these setting options.
Thank you

[Aya_Rei]

Now you might come across a rather stubborn tape that doesn't play nicely with the TBC inside the VCR enabled (Ie the tape produces jittering or wiggling) when that happens it is best to disable the VCR's TBC and add in a Panasonic ES15 or ES10 DVD Recorder in it's place

So it goes VCR - DVD Recorder - External TBC - Capture card.

Settings seem all good to me, I'd suggest switching the picture mode to Edit. Disables one set of noise reduction. Like doing that so my captures have a bit more detail preserved, can always just do noise reduction in post.

Why not check the histogram to see if the blacks aren't being crushed or the whites aren't being clipped. If they are it is best to adjust the capture card's brightness and contrast settings so that your captures are within the legal limits of your card. Since you have a Pinnacle it's 13-235

[lordsmurf]

Aya, he and I appreciate the added info, but I think it's jumping too far ahead. He's still on step 1, and that's more like step 6 or so. He still trying to learn the "LS default" settings to use on the VCR, not worry about times when the settings need to be altered case-by-case. All in due time.

Standard info
- calibration = OFF
- overlay/superimpose = OFF -- and these may be in a different menu
- TBC = ON
- picture mod = NORM (Auto means Calibration is ON)

Exact same as the other JVC VCR here.

[Aya_Rei]

Ah, understandable. To me your settings seem good and correct.

Hm, though I have been finding conflicting answers on if it's best to enable Video Calibration or not.. is it preffarable to so on a JVC SR-VS30U specifically?

Norm changes to Auto when Calibration is set to on, not Video Stabilizer though you LS probably already know that.

Video Stabilizer does disable the VCR's internal TBC. Though as I've said, just use an ES15 or the like in it's place. I've basically never needed to have Video Stabilizer turned on.

[lordsmurf]

Calibration tends to cause jitter, and it is rarely good to use.

Ah, yep, NORM/AUTO on Calibration, you are correct. Fixed! (I was going from quick memory, and posting with a headache.)

[BarryTheCrab]

On a few rare occasions the stabilizer has been an improvement for me in my s7800u.Unusual though.