DV Capture codec?

EdinKent wrote on 6/4/2009, 2:34 PM

Hello,

I'm using Vegas 7 (still)., on Windows Xp (still) with a standard definition camcorder (still). Am I the only one? could be..

Anyway thats not why I'm here. Just wondered if anyone can suggest some DV capture codecs that improve on Sony's good but I think lossy codec that comes with the Sony Video Capture 6.0..?

No?

Oh well just thought I'd ask. Go on with your high definition gizmos and gadgets now. I'll catch up when budget allows.

Thanks.

Comments

John_Cline wrote on 6/4/2009, 2:42 PM

First of all, Vegas capture doesn't involve a DV codec. The DV compression has already taken place inisde your camcorder when you shot the video, all you're doing when you capture is transferring the already DV-compressed video from the camcorder to the hard drive. It's basically a straight file copy.

Now, once the video is on the hard drive, then the DV codec comes into play. The DV codec that comes with Vegas is generally regarded as the best one available anywhere.

Former user wrote on 6/4/2009, 2:43 PM

AFAIK there is no codec involved in the Capture process. When you capture from a DV camera, you are basically doing a DATA transfer. The codec comes into play when playing back the file and when rendering to another file.

That being said, the Sony Codec for DV is one of the best out there. If you are seeing poor quality in your files, I would tend to look toward your camera, not the Sony codec.

Remember DV is a lossy codec. The normal thought is it is about a 5 to 1 compression.

edit: John beat me to it but we agree with almost the same words.

Dave T2

EdinKent wrote on 6/4/2009, 3:07 PM

Thank you Dave, and John Cline.

You both say the same thing.

I'm sure you're both right about DV capture being a type of file transfer and codec coming into play after the event... assuming I understand you correctly. A couple of things spring to ming though; Why does Vegas have an option to "ignore third party DV codecs"? (surely a rhetorical option since video quality isn't compromised until after the video has been transfered?) And, since you both kind of acknowledge that DV avi capture is inherently lossy, does my original question - request for alternates that improve, not perfect, still stand?

I've tried out MainConcept DV capture codec version 3.06 - can't recall the version number exactly, but the latest one, and its the same really, not better, so maybe Sony's own is best...?

Camera at fault? I don't think so. It performs as well as the day I bought it... Sony DCR PC350 (pal version)...

The problem I have with the DV avi videos I capture from it via firewire is mostly to do with interlacing artifacts which I cannot subsequently erradicate completely when rendering out.. I've looked at the problem every which way and can't find a satisfactory solution. Ok, I know there are so many variables here, and I'm too tired to type them all out, but I realise that even my LCD monitor may come into play when discussing interlaced video, but I figure that starting at the beginning, ie. when the video is first captured, is the best place..

Thanks again, gents..

rmack350 wrote on 6/4/2009, 3:38 PM

The DV media has certain characteristics that are set in stone. It's interlaced, its data rate is about 25MB/second, it uses 4:1:1 or 4:2:0 sampling depending on whether NTSC or PAL.

While it's a straight data transfer off the tape, different COmpressor/DECompressors may decompress the file differently. For instance, I think the Microsoft DV CODEC maps values differently than Vegas' CODEC. Other CODECs may sharpen color a little, etc, etc.

Remember, the DV file is compressed. The codec doesn't just compress video, it also decompresses it so you can see the image.

Your LCD display isn't interlaced so it'll make interlaced media look a little worse. The interlacing artifacts shouldn't be bad on a PAL interlaced monitor.

Rob Mack

Marco. wrote on 6/4/2009, 3:41 PM

The Vegas option is for decoding (and encoding), not for capturing. DV-Capturing within Vegas isn't lossy at all. Only the DV compression which takes place inside the camera is lossy.

Interlaced is the way video normally works or worked. It's not a matter of (DV) codecs. In times of SD video and DV progressive video was rare.

Marco

Jøran Toresen wrote on 6/4/2009, 3:48 PM

If you install the MainConsept DV Codec you can use this codec when you render out from Vegas - after you have edited your clips. (The latest version is 2.4.16)

The option "ignore third party DV codecs" means that you only can use the built in codecs that comes with Vegas.

The name is NOT MainConcept DV capture codec, but MainConcept DV codec.

Jøran Toresen

Former user wrote on 6/4/2009, 3:52 PM

DV AVI capture is lossy, but the loss happens while shooting. The camera is compressing the video. The capture to computer does nothing.

Interlacing is normal for DV video. When are you seeing the interlacing problem? While editing? Playing to tape? Making DVD? or are you trying to watch it on a computer?

Dave T2