Device for turning VHS to DV?

Sz wrote on 11/23/2007, 8:10 AM
I know there are different types of hardware for bring VHS into the computer to make it non linear. I'm involved with a documentary short and I am being given lots of VHS tapes. if anyone has any suggestions that would be great. We tried ADS Tech brand, turned out not to work with my computer, if this infor is helpful.....AMD 64 processor 3700 + window XP I know this is done all the time would really like to find one that is the simplest without all extras like instant TV etc.

Comments

JohnnyRoy wrote on 11/23/2007, 8:25 AM
I would recommend the Canopus ADVC300. Several forums members here use it and swear by it. It has digital noise reduction and image stabilization using Line Time Base Correction which the lesser priced units like the ADS Tech A/V Link and Canopus ADVC110 don't have.

~jr
MozartMan wrote on 11/23/2007, 8:43 AM
Sz,

Buy stand alone DVD recorder and save some money:

Protron DVD Recorder, PD-DVR100 - $56.00 Link

SV2000 DVD Recorder w/ Analog Tuner, WV10D6 - $49.99 (in store) Link

1. Record to stand alone DVD recorder from VCR
2. Rip DVD disk to your PC using DVD Decrypter in IFO mode to get one VOB file.
3. Do whatever you need to do after that.
Harold Brown wrote on 11/23/2007, 9:04 AM
I have the ADVC100 but I agree that the 300 is the way to go. I bought mine in 2003 and it is still going strong. I use it to output to my monitor as well.
TGS wrote on 11/23/2007, 11:27 AM
Another choice is using a Sony Digital 8 camera. Some models have a built in A/D converter and it's sort of a cheap version of the Canopus 300. It has TBC and Digital noise reduction but not with all the options of the Canopus 300. In fact, the only option is have each one either 'On' or 'Off'. But is works very well for me.
Plus, you may end up with a spare SD camera too.
They vary in price used on Ebay from about $100 to $300, depending on the model and condition.
Some of the models that have this "Pass-Through" feature are:
TRV-120, TRV-520, TRV-720, TRV-730, TRV-820, TRV-830, others too, if you can find the manual to check and there are also a couple of units where you have to record to Digital 8 first then you can transfer to PC. (all these usually have s-video, composite and stereo RCA inputs and a mini Firewire in/out (4 pin)
The TRV-120 is one of the first ones made, so they are usually the cheapest. This model is ancient, but mine still works.

If you decide to go this route, make sure your Ebay seller has a 99% + positive selling record.
Also, the term "Pass-through", is not mentioned in the manual, it will say "Using with analog video unit and PC - Signal convert function" And Sony also insists on using the term "iLink" instead of Firewire. Both terms mean the same thing.
farss wrote on 11/23/2007, 11:28 AM
That's not going to give you the best possible result quality wise. Assuming Sz's final output will be DVD that's two passes through mpeg-2 encoding, not good with a noisy source like VHS.

First off get a second hand professional VHS deck made by Panasonic. These units had manual tracking, balanced audio in/out and separate FM and linear audio controls. They didn't do LP. I missed out on two of these at a recent auction when the bidding hit $800. You might find them on eBay but those that have them don't seem to want to part with them. A tape cleaner / winder can come in handy too, we did score one from a video rental shop for $25 with a supply of cleaning tape.

As JR said, get an ADVC300 or else an old Digital 8 camera that does pass through although these are getting hard to find as Sony ditched that feature on the later models.

Bob.