Cannot capture video from vcr

Chief C wrote on 10/29/2006, 5:22 AM

I am having difficulty capturing video/audio with vcr hooked. Problem is I can see it in the preview pane (both audio & video), but when I click on capture it shows it is in capture mode but zero audio/video is captured.

Comments

farss wrote on 10/29/2006, 5:36 AM

Think we need some more details.
How is the VCR connected.
Which Capture method are you using.
Which VCR are you using.
Which version of Vegas.

Chief C wrote on 10/29/2006, 5:41 AM

I am connected through composite using this card and it's attaching cable.
http://support.gateway.com/s/vidcard/TVTuner/104185/104185brv.shtml

I am using the AV in on this card with cable...letter d is connected to my comp
http://support.gateway.com/s/vidcard/TVTuner/104185/104185mvr2.shtml

When i use Vegas 6.0 or screenblasr 3.0, same thins happens.

Have an RCA vcr

Chief C wrote on 10/29/2006, 6:41 AM

why was the message deleted. I am new to this forum. What does this mean?

Chanimal wrote on 10/29/2006, 6:50 AM

I have the ATI All In Wonder Card which can capture from VCR, TV or any non-protected analog video source (commercial films with MacroVision will not record (unless you use an adapter like GoVideo, etc. which enable recording videos with copy-protection).

Are you trying to capture a commercial video, or non-protected one?

I do not use Vegas to capture analog video, I use the application that came with the ATI video/capture card. I only use Vegas to capture digital video via the firewire card.

I hope this helps.

Chief C wrote on 10/29/2006, 6:55 AM

No, just trying to capture home video. Doesn't it seem as though if I can see and hear it in the preview pane and the Capture Video button is lit up I should be able to capture it?

Chief C wrote on 10/29/2006, 2:42 PM

can anyone else help or suggest where else to go with this problem please?

Thanks in advance

PeterWright wrote on 10/29/2006, 4:31 PM

One thought - have you disabled device control in Capture preferences?

If this is still enabled, Vegas will be expecting there to be a tape in a DV camera/deck.

PeterWright wrote on 10/29/2006, 4:32 PM

One thought - have you disabled device control in Capture preferences?

If this is still enabled, Vegas will be expecting there to be a tape in a DV camera/deck.

Chief C wrote on 10/29/2006, 5:23 PM

Yes, I have done that, but after playing around for a bit, I can now capture video from my vcr. One problem still exists though...I cannot see in preview what I'm capturing because there is no audio or video, but you can tell something is there. But I still clicked on capture and then eventually stop capture and save the file. When I play the file back it plays beautifully, just can't see it in preview???

Very confused I am. Please send for more help.

Grazie wrote on 10/30/2006, 1:40 AM

" . . but after playing around for a bit, I can now capture video from my vcr. " - What did you "alter"?

"One problem still exists though...I cannot see in preview what I'm capturing because there is no audio or video, but you can tell something is there. " - In "Preferences" > "Capture" can you also confirm you have deselected "Enable DV Scene detection" too? Let's see if that helps - yeah?

Have you got a DOT next to the "Always Preview Video" and CHECKmark next to "Preview Audio" under the "Options" Menu?

" . . just can't see it in preview??? " . . Not good. I feel your pain. Let's see if we can get this happening - yeah?

farss wrote on 10/30/2006, 2:41 AM

One thing to keep in mind.
As far as I know Vegas's VidCap was never designed to capture via the method you're using. That it works at all is due more to good luck than design I think.
As others have suggested you would do better using the capture utility that comes with the video card. I've used this method of capture way, way back in the dim dark ages. Needless to say the results were not particularly good. From memory others have also tried and had issues with the video and audio getting out of sync with long captures.
If you need to capture from analogue sources such as VHS I'd suggest doing yourself a favour and getting a proper analogue to digital converter such as the Canopus ADVC 100 or better yet the ADVC 300. The additional signal processing that these units provide prior to conversion to the digital domain can make quite a difference, particularly with older / worn VHS tapes.
You've spent a decent sum of money on a PC and Vegas, why cripple what you're doing.
Can't afford a Canopus box?
Buy a second hand D8 camera off eBay, you need one of the older ones that does pass through, it seems on the newer models Sony crippled this feature. The camera will not only do analogue to digital conversion from VHS, it'll also let you capture 8 or Hi8 tapes directly into Vegas. No doubt at some point along the rocky road to Video Nirvana you'll get asked to work with these tape formats and the gear to play them is getting harder to find so think of the camera purchase as an investment that'll appreciate in value to you.

Bob.