OT ADVC-110 Video Level Fluctuate

Former user wrote on 2/6/2008, 7:30 AM
I have posted this before, I think and I have also contacted Canopus, but I was just wondering if anyone else has this issue.

When capturing VHS through the ADVC-110 device, on Mac and Windows, some video causes the video level to change. (setting in 7.5ire). During a scene the level will "step" up or down, based on the content of the scene. I have seen this problem posted a few times, but no answers. If the dipswitch is set to 0ire, then this problem does not occur. So I assume it is not a copyguard problem, (plus this happens on a variety of sources, but not on all sources) but seems to be related to the black levels of the video. Almost as if it has an AGC, but not quite the same.

Any comments or feedback?

Dave T2

Comments

farss wrote on 2/6/2008, 12:53 PM
Don't know about the 110 but the 300 sure has AGC. You can control it through the control panel widget or DIP switches.
Former user wrote on 2/6/2008, 1:04 PM
The 110 does not list an AGC and there are no controls (dipswitch, etc).

but it doesn't act like an AGC. For example, if the image has a lot of dark lighting, the picture will get DARKER. If the image has a blown out background, like a window, then it will get lighter.

Dave T2
Marco. wrote on 2/6/2008, 1:09 PM
Where exactly do you control the video? In Vegas? If so, do you use the Vegas internal Sony DV codec for decoding or any third party DV codec?

Marco
Former user wrote on 2/6/2008, 1:18 PM
I normally capture with Vegas, but this also happens when capturing in Final Cut using my Mac, and when capturing using Pinnacle Studio software. So it is a hardware issue, I think.

I just can't figure out if they all do this, if it is related to my VCR, or what exactly.

Dave T2
Marco. wrote on 2/6/2008, 1:57 PM
I did not aim the capture software, but the player used for viewing the captured files and the codec used for decoding. These points could make the difference.

Marco

Former user wrote on 2/6/2008, 3:18 PM
Marco,

Thank you for your questions.

The codec and player varies. When I capture from Vegas, then I use Vegas to view it as well as Windows Media Player. It is the DV codec.

When captured on the Mac, it is using the QT DV codec and viewed in Final Cut on the mac.

I got a response from Canopus. They say if it does not appear to be a Macrovision issue, then they will send a replacement unit.

Thanks again,
Dave T2
John_Cline wrote on 2/6/2008, 3:52 PM
If you're copying commercial VHS tapes that have Macrovision, then the levels are going to fluctuate.
Former user wrote on 2/6/2008, 4:59 PM
John Cline,

Thanks for the response, but these are not macrovision videos. Some of these are recorded from cable TV, some are commercial videos that are not macrovision protected.

But I am only using these videos to troubleshoot the problem. I am not copying these videos for any other reason. I have made personal DVD copies of some of them. And not all videos manifest the problem. Some videos capture fine. And if it was a macrovision/copyguard issue, why would it only appear in the 7.5 ire setting? The 0 ire setting does not show the fluctuation.

If you have the time, here is an example:

http://www.onecompanyway.com/davet2/

The first 12 seconds were captured using the 7.5 ire setting. Notice as the camera moves in, the face starts to blow out. Getting brighter along with the black level rising.

The second 12 seconds is the 0 ire setting. Although, a less contrasty video, the image does not change level, and the face stays consistent.

The video is a QT h264. Thanks again for feedback and possible suggestions.

Dave T2