June 27, 2013 - 21:10
I have been given a SVHS Tape to convert to a DVD. The tape lasts for 1 Hr 39 Mins. My problem is that I cannot capture it to my PC. I have tried my usual method of connecting the SVHS VCR to a USB Video Grabber (this always worked so far) but the signal is scrambled. I have transferred the Tape to my Panasonic PVR but the result is in Mono. I have also tried to record the Tape to a DV Recorder and then hopefully capture via Firewire to the PC but again the signal is scrambled. I have tried using the DV Camera as a Pass through to the PC and capture with Premiere CS6. I am led to believe that the Tape must have copyright protection (Macrovision?) and would like to know if there is anything else I can try as my ideas seem to be exhausted.
BTW Audio captures is fine.
Harry
June 27, 2013 - 21:42
#1
Re: SVHS Capture
Macrovision on SVHS is very unlikely.
My guess would be NTSC. Some people claim that their capture cards could handle a PAL60 signal (Psuedo NTSC) but in my experience you need a proper NTSC deck or a standards converter to do the job.
I'm happy to take a look for you - contact page on my website or drop me line via any of the social media links on my site.
June 27, 2013 - 21:45
#2
Re: SVHS Capture
Have you checked if it is PAL or NTSC and Long Play or Standard Play?
Gordon
June 28, 2013 - 12:11
#3
Re: SVHS Capture
sorry if this sound obvious but is your deck an SVHS one?
A normal deck won't play S but some desks do play a pseudo version.
It can't be NTSC if the audio plays as the decks play at different speeds.
Have you tried connecting via a SCART to a TV and miss the whole computer/camera /capture out until you've verified the tape's format?
NTSC tapes have the designation "T" before the numbers as opposed to "E"
It is possible that it's an NTSC but you're using an NTSC play only UK tape deck? In which case the pseudo NTSC is never recordable.
June 29, 2013 - 11:35
#4
Re: SVHS Capture
SECAM ???
Fergie
There's only one eF in Ferguson
I now seem to spend a lot of time arguing with inanimate objects
June 29, 2013 - 13:19
#5
Re: SVHS Capture
SECAM would play as black and white on a PAL setup
Oh and there's PAL B which is Brazil;ian and really weird.
I think it's PAL but at 30fps. It's ages since I had one of those.
June 29, 2013 - 16:42
#6
Re: SVHS Capture
Thanks for all the suggestions for my problem. I have been "tinkering" with all that I have at my disposal. I tried Dave's suggestion and connected a Scart (using an adaptor) to the VCR and this did not work. However when I reconnected the S-Video cable to the VCR and tried one more time it worked so it must have been a wee bit loose. I am grateful for your time and apologise for maybe wasting it but your suggestions might help someone in the future.
A very humble, Harry
BTW Dave M PAL_B shows up as 25fps on my capture software.
July 1, 2013 - 09:47
#7
Re: SVHS Capture
Glad you got it sorted and thanks for explaining what caused it. The info and solution is good.
July 1, 2013 - 10:52
#8
Re: SVHS Capture
Still makes me feel like a fool, Gavin, especially when that reason (a loose cable) is one of the basic "try this" answers.
. Anyway the video captured nicely.
. Anyway the video captured nicely.
Thanks again. Harry
July 1, 2013 - 10:54
#9
Re: SVHS Capture
just to say, I don't think that "NTSC Playback" works using a SCART Adaptor. I am pretty sure that it needs to be a fully wired SCART as the blacking info is used to switch the TV to the mode required.