Canopus ADVC100: Is it worth it?

MZ wrote on 2/14/2004, 12:44 AM
Up until now, if I needed to capture any analog stuff I've used the passthrough feature of my Digital 8 camcorder. I have the opportunity to get a Canopus ADVC-100 at a reasonable price (I think...$199, is that good?). Would this benefit me at all over using my D8 to capture footage? I pass video from my S-VHS VCR. The only thing I could possibly see as a benefit would be the ability to input and output without having to switch cables and menu settings inside the D8. Is the Canopus better technically as far as video quality?

Comments

StormMarc wrote on 2/14/2004, 1:55 AM
I've found it to be very useful and high quality. Canopus is not the greatest software developer but their DV codec is great. Another nice feature is that you can use it to add 7.5 IRE set-up to your VHS dubs or monitor.

Marc
farss wrote on 2/14/2004, 2:39 AM
The ADVC-100 will not perform as well as your D8 camera. The D8 camera has both a Time Base Correcot and Digital Noise Reduction. To get this level of image prcessing you need the ADVC-300.

How much difference will it make?

Well I have a D8 camera and a ADVC-300, I use both interchangeably althought the ADVC-300 gives me more image control and it handles both PAL and NTSC which the camera will not.
TBC and DNR can make a HUGE difference with poor quality VHS tapes getting rid of all manner of instabilites which cannot be corrected in the digital domain.

Having said all that though if you have a SVHS deck with TBC and DNR then ignore all of the above and go with the ADVC-100.
beerandchips wrote on 2/14/2004, 9:01 AM
For an analog to digital converter "in its price range" it is totally worth it. You could spend more or less for other products. I went with this because of recommendations and am very happy.

kentwolf wrote on 2/14/2004, 9:08 AM
>>Also you can lose Macrovision.

No, it doesn't. Macrovision still holds.

I am speaking of the fade-in-fade-out Macrovision.

I don't know about the others.

The ADVC-100 has performend surperbly for me.
RexA wrote on 2/14/2004, 5:05 PM
>>Also you can lose Macrovision.

>No, it doesn't. Macrovision still holds.

I've never tried to use this on mine, so can't say how well it works. Do you know about the trick of holding the button on the ADVC100 for several seconds? If not, do some web searching and you will find it.

kentwolf wrote on 2/14/2004, 10:44 PM
I certainly *will* take a look?

Really frustrating when I want to back up VHS tapes I legitimately bought and own.

Thanks!!!!!

Update: I found it! I did not know that. I stand corrected... :)

Thanks!
kentwolf wrote on 2/14/2004, 11:12 PM
Does anyone know if this Macrovision bypass exists in newer ADVC units?

Google groups shows nothing.

Thanks!
farss wrote on 2/15/2004, 12:16 AM
Haven't tried mine yet. D8 camera gets rid of it though!