Vhs to PC - Which method/device/card gives the BEST PICTURE QUALITY?

Discussion in 'Video capturing from analog sources' started by creativeL, Dec 10, 2005.

  1. creativeL

    creativeL Member

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    In searching the web, I have not found a good answer to these questions...can you help me?

    - What is the BEST way to download a standard VHS videotape into my Dell XPS 400 computer and still retain the Highest Degree of Picture Quality-Sharpness-Color? The LEAST amount of picture loss...

    - Do I go with a video capture card or video converter? Should I capture as uncompressed .avi? Or capture as .mpeg4? (I'll be buying a 2nd hard drive to store the digitized footage, so storage space is not an issue here) One tech I spoke to said I should avoid all video compression in the analog-to-digital conversion process, which degrades the image. What do you guys think? What brand & model should I buy? I can spend up to $400.

    The footage in the vhs tapes are some spectacular landscapes shot by a studio, and my intention is to do film editing --- plus I want to manipulate the imagery by inserting/compositing in some CGI futuristic vehicles and structures into it - I'm studying CG special effects right now. Is it possible to work with material from a digitized VHS? (yes, I know I'm crazy to do this, but...) What kind of analog-to-digial conversion would yield something I could "get in to" and actually work with?

    Please give me all your thoughts and suggestions. You folks are the most knowledgeable experts I've yet come across in any forum on the web. I eagerly look forward to what you have to say.
     
    creativeL, Dec 10, 2005
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  2. rebootjim

    rebootjim Active member

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    Canopus ADVC-110/300 and Canopus Procoder.
    Consider an inline stabilizer too.
     
    rebootjim, Dec 11, 2005
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  3. Minion

    Minion Senior member

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    Yes ,the Canopus ADVC-110/300 Line of Analogue To Digital Converters are the Best you will get within your Price Range.....

    You can check them out here:

    http://www.canopus.com/products/ADVC110/index.php

    Cheers

    PS: You can Find them for cheaper than are Posted on there site if you Look at some Online Stores or ebay.....
     
    Minion, Dec 12, 2005
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  4. jimbucc

    jimbucc Member

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    Hi.
    I have used the TV capture cards and was not satisfied. I recently purchased the Canopus ADVC-300. It is an amazing device since it not only keeps the quality of the original VHS signal it allows the user to tweak and clean up the video as it is captured. I am using it on some very old tapes and it is doing an amazing job.
    I wouldn't recommend anything else.

    Jim
     
    jimbucc, Dec 15, 2005
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