Video Capture from VHS

Russell X · Post by **Russell X** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 2:23 pm

I have seen screenshots of Video (from a VCR) being captured with VideoStudio Movie Wizard at http://www.video-2-pc.co.uk/
I have also read the FAQ which says the SE version I received bundled with my TV/Video capture card may not be fully featured.
So does the SE version allow capture from a VCR?

If this is not possible, can I upgrade to the fully featured version?

Black Lab · Post by **Black Lab** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 2:28 pm

I've never heard of an SE version not being able to capture. An SE version usually has fewer menus, transitions, etc., and some may not be able to burn a DVD.

Post by **Ken Berry** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 2:32 pm

Welcome to the forums!!

Depends which version number (as opposed to SE) you are using -- and exactly how you are trying to capture. But in every case of capturing from a VCR, there must be some device which allows analogue to digital capture. Often, these are devices connecting via USB which usually only allow capturing in mpeg-1 or mpeg-2/DVD format; sometimes also in uncompressed AVI format (huge) and more rarely in mpeg-4 format. But you can spend a lot more money and buy much better devices which will capture in DV/AVI format via Firewire. A midway point is to use a mini-DV vidcam which allows itself to be used as a passthrough device -- i.e. connecting the VCR to it using the yellow/red (or black)/white cable to the AV-In of the vidcam, and then connecting the vidcam via firewire to your computer. Quality is much better. Or a Sony Digital 8 camera which can actually play an analogue 8 or Hi8 tape, or can also be connected as a passthrough device.

Be aware, though, that neither VS 11/11.5+ or X2 can be used for capture from a passthrough -- or for that matter DV capture -- device. But you can download a small freeware program called WinDV (www.mourek.cz) which works just fine -- you capture and then open the DV in VS for editing.

Russell X · Post by **Russell X** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 3:44 pm

Hi Black Lab and Ken,
Thanks for the welcome to the forum.
The version of VS is in fact 11, and I do not have, nor unfortunately, have the means of obtaining a digital video camera to use as a pass through.
I am accessing the video via a LeadTek DTV TV/capture card, and after reading something on the Doom 9 forum I am capturing sound via my sound card) less noise they say.
The capture card comes with software also (for the digital TV aspects, which also permits capture), which I am presently unable to get it to work as I write this. I will have another free day tomorrow so more persistence may pay off.
Finally Ken I am intrigued by the freeware app you mention, and will be heading in that direction as soon as this post is finished.
I think I like this place. Prompt and helpful replies, friendly people - just like a good forum should be. I shall post on my results, sometimes when people reply to posts they never get feedback on whether their suggestions bore fruit, which can be discouraging. So I will let everyone know what I managed to do with the advice received here.
Thanks again

Post by **Ken Berry** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 10:03 pm

Unfortunately, WinDV as its name implies will only work to capture in DV format, and only via Firewire.You will not be able to use it in conjunction with the Leadtek card.

metmot · Post by **metmot** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 10:37 pm

Russell X wrote:J have seen screenshots of Video (from a VCR) being captured with VideoStudio Movie Wizard at http://www.video-2-pc.co.uk/
I have also read the FAQ which says the SE version I received bundled with my TV/Video capture card may not be fully featured.
So does the SE version allow capture from a VCR?
If this is not possible, can I upgrade to the fully featured version?

In order to capture from a VCR you must have a capture device that allows for input from the RCA outputs of a VCR. Does yours have that? Does VS recognize it? It sounds like you may have a hardware issue to me. My first version of VS came with an alalog capture device I bought for just your kind of project and it had it's own software for the actual capturing of the video. U-Lead VS7 was bundled with it only for editing after the capture.

BTW I bought a leadtek internal tv tuner/capture card one time with high hopes and grand plans. What a POS it was!!! I still have it in my spare parts cupboard.

The device I got that is bulletproof and actually worked to digitalize all my hi8 and vhs movies was this one http://www.adstech.com/products/USBAV-7 ... BAV-709-EF

Russell X · Post by **Russell X** » Wed Jun 03, 2009 4:41 am

Hi Ken,
Yes that little device only works with DV and via Firewire. I may be able to borrow an appropriate video camera and install a Firewire card, but if 11/11.5 don't permit passthrough I am likely to be chasing my tail. Thanks for the suggestion though, filed away in the memory bank for when I have a digital video camera. (And I bookmarked the site).

Hi Metmot,

In order to capture from a VCR you must have a capture device that allows for input from the RCA outputs of a VCR. Does yours have that? Does VS recognize it? It sounds like you may have a hardware issue to me.

As Ken says VS 11/11.5 don't permit passthrough (even if I have a DV source) I don't think that labeling the Leadtek a POS is accurate in this instance, though I recently tried another of their devices, a palm top, and that was a POS! I have book marked the link you posted, which particular device on that page did you use?
I do have the VCR connected by RCA leads, video going to the capture card, and sound was also going to the capture card. After reading something on Doom9 I now have the audio going to the sound card, using the same two into one lead I used when I converted my vinyl to computer files, ah what a walk in the park that was compared to this little adventure!

There are other options though, I have a trial of another app to work with, and there are Internet tutes on a couple of methods using mostly freeware, though I find AviSynth a little scary atm. This is proving less than smooth sailing but I should not have to write script! Also there is iuVCR and associated software. And I was able to save one thing, but only as WMV using Windows Movie Maker. (Someone has since pointed out the, very convoluted path, whereby a WMM capture can be saved as avi), just MS make that as hard to find as they can.
If worse comes to worse a friend has a DVD/VCR that will copy tape straight to DVD and does a good job. I could borrow that and then edit the digital files, but I am not prepared to chuck in the towel just yet.
AND I now know of at least one place I can come for advice and suggestions!
Thanks to everyone here.

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