Very New to VideoStudio

[Vdanny]

Hi Candive,
Thanks for the feedback with your setup. Out of curiosity do you have the option in audio devices to set the default sample to "DVD quality" or do you also have the odd 96000hz one channel option? There is no need to test David's setup with a VCR as trying his camcorder with the AV2HDMI device connected to a TV worked fine. The HDMI capture card appears to be the problem. If you can capture in Videostudio it may be worth a try for David.
I think we can all agree that Firewire capture is the best option if available for miniDV or HDV but I think analogue capture is an avenue worth exploring for a couple of reasons. Someone might be working on a modern laptop or very small form factor computer. They might be wanting to digitize older formats such as Hi8 or VHS-C whose camcorders don't have Firewire ports or have a camcorder that has a burnt out port. They may also feel uncomfortable opening up their computer and prefer an external option (I also recommended the Elgato video capture device as a possibility).

[lata]

David
Video Interlacing.......
can you check your captured video that it is using Lower Field First

It is worth checking as most software now default to Upper Field First, its easy to miss when setting the capture properties.

Once you do capture a suitable video you also have to retain the interlacing during editing.

Out of interest how many tapes do you need to transfer to the pc? don't think anyone has asked

I was also going to ask where you are in this big wide world, then Candive picked up on the 3 pin plug, how did I miss that! so are you in the UK.

[Candive]

Hi Danny,
I also have the 96000hz one channel option.

Hi Lata,
When I use the HDMI method using OBS the resulting mp4 is progressive but if your mp4 is jittery, then in OBS you may need to change the field order. If I use the HDMI method in Video Studio and capture to DV AVI the field order is Bottom Field First. As a side note using the HDMI method on VS, is that you gain the camcorder's player controls, like firewire.

With regards to the number of tapes, David mentioned about 40 in a previous post.

[Candive]

As for the Analog to digital capture devices like the Elgato, they are certainly one of the three options to consider. They range in price from less than $5 to $100. I have two of these devices and I tested mine on VS and OBS and they both had problems capturing the video using this software. They do work with the software supplied with the device and with Virtualdub. As for the Elgato specifically, Amazon UK has it listed for 75 pounds. The PCIe firewire card only costs 20 - 25. And since he only has digital tapes that is the way to go for his situation. Another option is to source an old computer with firewire installed. Anything with Window's XP and up will do. Probably less than 75 pounds. That way, David doesn't have to touch his new computer. So many options....

[Vdanny]

Hi Tevor and Candive,
The minAV2HDMI that David is using upscales and outputs the incoming composite video to either 720P or 1080P so there isn't any need to worry about interlaced field order.

[lata]

Sorry Vdanny
I had thought there was a reply explaining why converting from interlaced to progressive could be a problem, maybe a different topic as I cannot find that now,

I would say it may be best to capture retaining the original frame order, lower field, and if progressive is needed to convert during editing with VS.
David has a lot to think about before making his final decision, i’m sure things are getting quite confusing.

[Vdanny]

Hi Trevor and David,
Thanks for your message, Trevor. It is unfortunate that this has become problematic and so close other than the crackling audio. I just did a test from a camcorder with a similar spec HDMI capture card and recorded in OBS without any audio issues and in perfect sync. One thing I can ask David (if he is still there ) is about the OBS recording settings. If you click "Settings" on the bottom right side of OBS and then "Video" can you have the Common FPS values set to "25 PAL". Can you also set the Base and Output resolution to 1280x720 and the selector switch for the AV2HDMI to 720. Under "Output" change the format to MP4.

[detectingdavid]

Just got back in from work and started to read the latest replies...jees my head is spinning
Forgive me if its takes me a while to revert/answer the additional questions but really appreciate all the advice and input.
Thanks

[Candive]

Hi Danny,
I didn't realise you had the same setup. Can you capture in Video Studio as well?

[Vdanny]

Hi Candive,
You are right, it is a rabbit hole and a very deep one. I tried my setup using Videostudio and was able to capture video with no dropped frames with synched audio and no distortion. In fact, the video quality was very good and appeared superior to OBS Studio from my short test. My equipment is not exactly the same as David's since they are from different manufacturers but provide the same function. My cheap HDMI capture card also had the odd 96000hz one channel audio but I had never used it to record video, only to steam. I am also familiar with the AV2HDMI device as these units all do more or less the same thing. I have seen recordings from that unit to dedicated HDMI recorders and the quality appears quite good. The fact that David can connect the mini AV2HDMI and play camcorder footage to his TV with good audio and video would indicate the unit is working correctly. I am unable account for the crackling audio he is experiencing but perhaps you have a suggestion? It would certainly be worth a try for David to use Videostudio to capture and see if it records successfully.

[Candive]

The fact that David can connect the mini AV2HDMI and play camcorder footage to his TV with good audio and video would indicate the unit is working correctly. I am unable account for the crackling audio he is experiencing but perhaps you have a suggestion? It would certainly be worth a try for David to use Videostudio to capture and see if it records successfully.

I can not replicate his issue either. Perhaps his HDMI dongle is defective. Maybe the cable that connects the device to the usb has a loose connection? (see photo below) Or maybe the USB port on his computer is loose? I would try a different USB port to determine if this resolves the issue.

Another test would be to connect a different device directly to the HDMI dongle such as a modern camera or even a computer/laptop with HDMI out port. Capture from these devices, Does the crackle continue? But even if he gets it to work on a different device, its not going to help him with his tape transfer if it crackles. So I think we are flogging a dead horse and my recommendation would be to return the HDMI dongle for a refund from Amazon.

Then David has three options; buy another HDMI dongle and try again, buy an Elgato or Ezcap equivalent and try that or buy a Firewire PCIe card which is guaranteed to work. I think lata said it best:

If connecting the audio directly to Line-in does not help then I would go back to the beginning of the post when Firewire 1394 was mentioned, certainly the best method to transfer the footage, that is what the camcorder was designed to do.

[detectingdavid]

I decided to return the Video Capture dongle and ordered a new one which arrived late this afternoon and 'BINGO.!' it works....
Good quality video with no distortion, and NO cracking (thank god)...

Rather than using OBS, I decided to treat myself and purchased VS2023 yesterday and after another frustrating day not being able to install the download, tech Support etc etc, I finally managed to get it installed with more help from the experts on here (thanks to those who helped me).
I'm currently running a few tapes through Capture and will give you an update and maybe have a few more questions at some point.

Thanks alot to all those that gave their help and advice and suggestions.
Thanks and goodnight

[Candive]

David,
Glad to hear you're up and running!
Let us know how you go.

[detectingdavid]

Thanks again for all the help over the last couple of weeks.
Been busy last week converting my handycam tapes, loads still to do but now also have other family members tapes too. Been working through some old JVC 45 VHSC tapes captured on an old Panasonic NV-G202 and I'll probably go and purchase an old VHS recorder for some really old VHS tapes.
Also learning some of the basic functions of the VS2023, I can tell I'm going to get totally immersed in this project or projects.

[Vdanny]

Hi David,
Glad to hear your setup has been working out and a good choice since you have older VHS(C) material to digitize as well.
I hope you're having a great weekend.