I don't really have the time to test all these options, as I have ALOT of vhs to archive in the next few weeks. I have a few methods to archive my vhs tapes to DVD, the majority of the vhs are in LP (6hr) mode, but some are in SP (2hr mode) so if the answer differs for the different modes, please let me know. Here are the methods I have
1. Capture VHS into computer via the ADS DVD Xpress capture box and the Capwiz program (I know that 4000kbps is all I need for VHS, any more is waste of space), edit, render using smart render, and burn
2. Capture VHS through pass through on mini-DV camera, edit, render, burn (will the advantage of using DV-AVI files be present with original footage on LP VHS tapes, or should I use the DV-AVI since I will be editing? or is it a waste of space to go pass through with such poor quality footage?) - hope that made sense
Keep in mind that the original footage is on VHS LP quality, I will be editing the video, and rendering to burn to DVD. I am looking for an answer for both VHS LP, and VHS SP quality, if the answer is different, please share your personal preferences, I have over 125 VHS to archive, and don't want to discover that I could have had better quality once I am finished.
Thank You for all responses
Various Capture options to archive, what is best?
Moderator: Ken Berry
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Trevor Andrew
Hi
Method Two.
If you are looking for quality.
Capture using through-pass to Dv-Avi will give you the best quality, but at 13 Gb per hour you will need serious memory to store the 6 hours.
Capture using through-pass to Dvd (mpeg2) files may be the answer, At 4000 kbps will allow you to get 120 minutes per disc.
I have not tried these but the options are there.
Capturing or Rendering to ‘Half D1’ will capture to Mpeg 2 standard with half the frame size at 2500 kbps allowing 3 hours per disc.
Look at the ‘Options Cogwheel’ from the burner module and select ‘change mpeg settings’ here you can view a list of options.
If you want 6 hrs per disc you may have to consider a dual burner.
Method one.( I would not use)
You may encounter trans-code buffering this will interrupt the capture but not the tape recorder, that will have to be stopped manually.
Using method one, should the input signal fade for any reason (the tape may have a blank section) VS may cease capture.
The only difference between Lp and Sp is the length of your Vhs tapes. Capture should be the same. The only reason to adjust the bit-rate is to accommodate the length of your video.
If you are after quality you will have to perform a few tests.
Quote:- and don't want to discover that I could have had better quality once I am finished.
Trevor
Method Two.
If you are looking for quality.
Capture using through-pass to Dv-Avi will give you the best quality, but at 13 Gb per hour you will need serious memory to store the 6 hours.
Capture using through-pass to Dvd (mpeg2) files may be the answer, At 4000 kbps will allow you to get 120 minutes per disc.
I have not tried these but the options are there.
Capturing or Rendering to ‘Half D1’ will capture to Mpeg 2 standard with half the frame size at 2500 kbps allowing 3 hours per disc.
Look at the ‘Options Cogwheel’ from the burner module and select ‘change mpeg settings’ here you can view a list of options.
If you want 6 hrs per disc you may have to consider a dual burner.
Method one.( I would not use)
You may encounter trans-code buffering this will interrupt the capture but not the tape recorder, that will have to be stopped manually.
Using method one, should the input signal fade for any reason (the tape may have a blank section) VS may cease capture.
The only difference between Lp and Sp is the length of your Vhs tapes. Capture should be the same. The only reason to adjust the bit-rate is to accommodate the length of your video.
If you are after quality you will have to perform a few tests.
Quote:- and don't want to discover that I could have had better quality once I am finished.
Trevor
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DaveO
Re: Various Capture options to archive, what is best?
Well I am doing this from 8mm tapes which are VHS quality.gordon_fan_24 wrote: 2. Capture VHS through pass through on mini-DV camera, edit, render, burn (will the advantage of using DV-AVI files be present with original footage on LP VHS tapes, or should I use the DV-AVI since I will be editing? or is it a waste of space to go pass through with such poor quality footage?) - hope that made sense
The reason I am doing it not just a quality issue but is because while I am also going to put the footage on DVD I will also copy the edited AVI file to mini-DV tape in SP mode. This then becomes my backup master copy.Keep in mind that the original footage is on VHS LP quality, I will be editing the video, and rendering to burn to DVD.
I have seen too many DVD's get sctratched and become unplayable to trust DVD as my archive medium.
With the amount of tapes you have that would be a tidy investment in mini-DV tapes not to mention time and organisation to split the 6 hour tapes over several mini-DV tapes, but better safe than sorry if the footage is important.
I suppose you could back the AVI files up in some other way and I would certainly think of preserving them once you have rendered your DVD's if putting the footage on mini-DV is impractical.
Dave
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gordon_fan_24