Canopus ADVC-100, VirtualDub and Huffyuv

Carel wrote on 10/20/2002, 7:21 PM
Capturing through the ADVS-100 using VidCap30 works, but now I want to capture using VirtualDub and Huffyuv. I get messages that I am missing a VFW compatible codec. What drivers/codec do I need to get this to work and where could I find it/them? Windows XP Pro is my OS.

Sorry to post this to the VV board, but the most knowledgeable people seem to hang out here...

Comments

Chienworks wrote on 10/20/2002, 11:00 PM
I don't have a definitive answer since i have used precisely zero of the three items you list in your subject. However, i suspect that you won't be able to do this. The Canopus converter changes the analog Audio/Video signals into a DV stream. VidCap doesn't really "capture" this stream; it's already a digital data file and all VidCap is doing is storing this file to your hard drive as it streams in over firewire. The converter is using the Canopus DV codec to digitize the video before it ever gets to your computer. As far as i know, the only file type you can obtain this way is a DV .avi file.

If you want to capture to some other codec, you'll probably have to install a capture card in your computer and feed the analog A/V signal to this card, bypassing the Canopus converter entirely. I really doubt you'd get a better capture in less space than using DV though.
salad wrote on 10/21/2002, 10:16 AM
Good answer!
As far as I know, Virtual Dub is unable to capture via 1394 successfully, so you will need a capture card.
Vdub does support Huffyuv, but you really are better off capturing using the DV format & VidCap, especially if you're going to be capturing a LOT of footage. The file sizes are pretty big using Huff, but you prob'ly already know that.

I believe Spidey2000 captures using Huffyuv successfully, but not sure how he's configured. Where are ya Spidey?
Carel wrote on 10/21/2002, 11:53 AM
Maybe I should rephrase my question: I want to capture some analog footage in a format that VirtualDub can handle. So its OK with me to first capture with VidCap, but when I feed that captured file to VirtualDub, I get: "Couldn't locate decompressor for format "dvsd" (unknown). VirtualDub requires a Windows (VFW) compatible codec to decompress video. DirecShow codecs, such as those used by Windows Media Player, are unsuitable.".

I have read a number of comments on this forum about using VirtualDub and going back and forth between VV and VirtualDub, so it must be something in my setup (or my limited understanding of this subject matter :-(
owlsroost wrote on 10/21/2002, 1:29 PM
What you need is the Mainconcept VfW DV codec - http://www.mainconcept.com/downloads.shtml

Install it and you should find that VirtualDub will open DV AVI files - provided they are type-2 DV, which I think is what VV3 captures.

As far as I know, the demo version is fully functional for decode - it just watermarks the encodes.

Tony
salad wrote on 10/21/2002, 1:59 PM
Thanks for clarifying Carel.
Like Tony says, VDub needs a 3rd party DV codec installed on your system in order to open them.
The MainConcept's should work. On one PC I have the DVsoft codec from Adaptec, from installing then uninstalling MGI's VideoWave.

You can also have VV3 render the files to Huffyuv.....or uncompressed. People have reported having to check off the "Always suggest RGB format for output" box in the Huffyuv config. for Huff to work in VV3. This is only if you've ever had any prob's importing Huff files into VV.

Let us know how it works out.
Carel wrote on 10/21/2002, 2:29 PM
OK, things are getting a little clearer now. When capturing with VidCap I don't get any options for capturing to Huffy or any other format. ALSO, when doing a "File->Render As" of footage already capured with VidCap, Huffy does not show as an option, even though it has been properly installed. But again - maybe I am just looking in the wrong places?

Thanks to everybody for your willingness to share your hard earned experience.
salad wrote on 10/21/2002, 2:38 PM
If Huffyuv is installed, it should show up in: Render As/select Video for Windows .avi/NTSC DV template/ click the Custom button/click the Video tab at the bottom/ click on the drop down menu under Video Format....it should be listed there along with a lot of other codecs. After selecting Huffyuv, you can then click on the Configure button and note the Huffyuv settings.

Is Huff listed there?

VidCap can't capture to Huffyuv via firewire....this is where an analog capture card would be needed....that gets messy, let's not go there.

Carel wrote on 10/21/2002, 2:54 PM
Got it! I don't know how I would ever have found that on my own. Thanks.
PAW wrote on 10/22/2002, 2:06 AM

There is also a free Matrox codec available, search for matrox on the forum and you should find the link.