Converting low quality VHS to DVD

Macfury · Feb 3rd, 2006, 02:09 PM

I am using a CANOPUS analog to digital card to convert VHS tapes to DVD. One of the tapes has significant static, but its of historical interest to preserve the broadcast. The Canopus consistently provides blue screen when the image quality falls--I would prefer all of the images, clear or not.

I had the tape professionally dubbed to DVD with good results. The DVD plays well, but will not copy accurately,especially during the rough parts of the broadcast.

My question: Why is it that the card refuses to transmit information--isn't all data just...data? And why would the recorded DVD fail to duplicate. Why would Toast differentiate between types of data?

I have tried to dupe the DVD on four different burners, some running Tiger, others Panther. The best result is a sort of glossed over copy that cuts out during static.

Any advice?

Am using a 533MHz dual with 1.5 G RAM running 10.3.9. Have tried to capture the info with iMovie and FinalCut.

Moscool · Feb 3rd, 2006, 02:23 PM

You may try the low tech approach:

- Hook your VCR to a digital camera (analogue input >Either full RCA or RCA for sound and S for video)
- Get the Digital camera to record on Mini DV
- Either hook the DV source straight into a DVD recorder with firewire input or go the iMovie/iDVD route. If you have iLife6 you can go straight to DVD.

jlcinc · Feb 3rd, 2006, 04:54 PM

Yes Moscool has it right, straight into the DV camera capture on tape and then into FCP or iMovie. Works with every bad VHS I have captured.

John

Macfury · Feb 3rd, 2006, 06:13 PM

Thanks folks, I'll give that a shot this weekend.

guytoronto · Feb 3rd, 2006, 06:17 PM

I would suggest taking a look at your VCR. This does not sound like a Canopus issue. It sounds like your VCR is the culprit causing the blue-screen.

I would be willing to put money on it.

Macfury · Feb 3rd, 2006, 08:25 PM

Guytoronto: The tape shows fine on television and also does fine in VCR to VCR dubs--no blue screen, just the original static-y tape I recorded in 1981. As a double-check, though, I tried hooking different VCRs to the Canopus input--a fairly recent SONY, and a mid-80s JVC--but the CANOPUS supplies a blue screen at exactly the same spot on the tape. As far as I can tell, the card just demands a certain signal level or it supplies nothing.

Or am I not understanding you?

guytoronto · Feb 3rd, 2006, 09:49 PM

Drat! I lost that bet then.

Try a different DV converter then. Does Canopus do firmware upgrades maybe? Grabbing at straws here.

Moscool · Feb 4th, 2006, 05:38 AM

	Quote:			Originally Posted by Macfury
	Thanks folks, I'll give that a shot this weekend.

Let us know how you get on...