Convert older formats

Frenchie wrote on 9/6/2009, 10:45 AM
I am having fun with playing with older tapes I have stored in some shoe boxes covered with dust. It's amazing how much can be done with just some basic editing including trimming, crossfades, and other effects included in Vegas. So far, I had no trouble with capturing through firewire with my old trusty camcorder - Mini Dv Tape. But I also have an extensive library of Betamax and VHS I'd like to tackle next. Any of you have experience with Dazzle? Or can you think of a better way to import my Betamax and VHS into Vegas. Thank you in advance for your input.

Comments

musicvid10 wrote on 9/6/2009, 10:58 AM
Does your miniDV camcorder have A->D passthrough? Almost all Canon's and some other brands do.

If your tapes do not need Time Base Correction you don't need anything else.

If you are going to buy an external device, Dazzle and other USB devices may not be your best choice. A firewire solution such as those by Canopus may serve you better for a number of reasons.
Chienworks wrote on 9/6/2009, 12:42 PM
Never had a Dazzle, but i've talked to a lot of people who have. The general consensus seems to be that the case isn't strong enough to use it as a doorstop.
Frenchie wrote on 9/6/2009, 1:40 PM
As Always, I get the right answer here! First time I hear about A/D passthrough. Ignorance is Bliss! I have a Sony trv19. So Am I to understand that vcr will connect to camcorder (please explain what is preferable input on camcorder) and it then pass through firewire to computer?
musicvid10 wrote on 9/6/2009, 3:46 PM
A quick look at the CNET review for the TRV19 indicates that it does not do A->D passtrhough.

However, my lowly ZR80 does, as do most other Canon mini-DV's.
donnier wrote on 10/1/2009, 3:46 PM
I have a Dazzle and Movie Studio does not recognize it as a capture device, at least I can't figure out how to make it work.
Chienworks wrote on 10/1/2009, 5:14 PM
If you're determined to use the Dazzle then you have to capture using the software that came with it. VidCap isn't designed to use that kind of device. After you've captured you can then use those files in Vegas.

If you're a masochist, that is.
musicvid10 wrote on 10/1/2009, 5:31 PM
Recovering masochist here.
Don't buy Dazzle or Pinnacle.
If you don't need TBC, see posts above.
If you do need TBC, Canopus is well-regarded.