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Capturing VHS footage
I thought this was a simple set-up but apparently I’m doing something wrong. I have VHS footage I need to capture, and do not have a VHS input deck. So, I’ve attached my consumer VCR to my DVX100B with component cables, and then gone firewire from the camera to my computer. When I open the Log and Capture window, it says “Not Threaded”, which I expected. But it also doesn’t show that any footage is coming through when I hit play on the VCR and see the footage in my camera’s LCD monitor.
Is this not possible in the way I thought it was?
Many thanks,
Maria -
9 Replies
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Component from a VHS machine? i’ve never seen one that has that. Go Composite or S-Video out of your VCR.
As for the “Not Threaded” error, you need to switch your Device Control to “Uncontrollable Device.”
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
https://www.biscardicreative.com
HD Editorial & Animation for Food Network’s “Good Eats”
HD Editorial for “Assignment Earth”“I reject your reality and substitute my own!” – Adam Savage, Mythbusters
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OK, let me modify this. I changed a setting on the camera to turn “DV Out” on, so now I see the VHS footage replicated on the Log and Capture screen. But when it’s playing and I hit Capture Now, the program tells me it’s waiting for timecode and can’t capture.
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Thanks, Walter! Especially for being so quick. Yes, you’re right, I’m going out composite and I had to change the non-controllable device setting and now it’s all set. Many thanks!
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I suggest that you record the VHS to DV tape first,
then capture the DV tape in the normal manner.This may take extra time, but it can save a multitude of problems in the long run.
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Thank you for the reply – would you mind elaborating what problems your method would avoid?
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As Walter said you also need to turn your device control (In the capture settings tab, above the Capture Input) to “Non-controllable device” This is the bottom selection of that list. Then start your footage on the VHS deck and then push the “Now” button on the bottom of the window. Hit escape when your done.
John 3:16
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Thank you for the reply – would you mind elaborating what problems your method would avoid?
==========For one, you can always re-capture the DV tape later. You have time-code accurate footage. If your current VHS-captured media needs to be re-captured there will be no way to match it to the old stuff. You’ll have to re-edit any place you used it.
If you capture from something with Time Code and deck control you can always batch-capture it again later instantly and be right back where you started with your edit.
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OK, thanks, that’s all fine – this is just for a dub and not for editing purposes at all – just wanted to make sure there were no other advantages to going to DV first.
Thank you everyone!
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[walter biscardi] “omponent from a VHS machine? i’ve never seen one that has that”
Just a refresher…. panasonic AG-DS-850, jvc-BR-S622DXU and 822 and Sony SVO-5800, 5600 VHS/S-VHS all have component out either built in or as an option. These decks are all in the $5000.00 bracket and were the top of the totem for s-vhs technology with dnr, tbc smpte t/c and numurous features found on the betacam decks of the day. If you are stuck with vhs as source you may want to rent one of these decks to get the maximum signal off the tape. Manual video, chroma level/phase, black level and proc amp features can add new life to old video.
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