VHS to DV conversion

[alignment productions]

I'm looking to capture from old VHS format tapes and convert to DV. I just got a loan and I am in the process of setting up shop. Here's my setup: MAC G5 2.7Ghz w/Final Cut studio. I'm ordering the Sony DSR-11 DV Deck and was considering also the JVC SR-VS30U S-VHS Mini DV combo Deck. That is of course until I stumbled across this site and read a post from a student trying to convert old tapes as well. Your response was that you haven't heard good things about those combo decks. My question is should I just pick up a decent VHS deck for about $300? and do I need a DV converter box to link up to the DSR-11? or should I bypass that all together and go directly to the MAC from the converter to capture? sorry if this is unclear?...Let me reiderate: options--

----1. VHS deck -to- converter -to- DV deck -to- MAC?
----2. VHS deck -to- converter -to- MAC?
----3. VHS deck -to- DV deck -to- MAC?
----4. VHS deck -to- MAC?
----5. go back to waiting tables?

Thanks

 

[Digigenic]

Re: VHS to DV conversion

----3. VHS deck -to- DV deck -to- MAC?

That is the only method i'm familar with, I never really noticed a difference in quality, but then again, we weren't really too concerned about it at the time. I'm not really sure if the other procedures would ensure a higher level of quality or not.

----5. go back to waiting tables?

Haha, well some people might say that because you're investing in a tape based workflow you probably might have to go back to waiting tables :wink:
I say that only because we're experiencing such a huge format free for all right now -- with P2, firestore direct to disk, blu ray, and even holographic now, tape for acquisition and especially storage is definitely nearing the end.

 

[alignment productions]

thanks digigenic...

thanks digigenic...

...capturing from VHS is not my primary form of media, but I know I will be forced to deal with it, be it VHS to DVD transfers, personal compilations etc. As far as workflow- I'm working with my cousin's Canon DV camera, and I learned logging and capturing onto the DSR-11 @ NYFA. I guess thats my bias or knowledge, (or lack there of). Anyhow, thanks for the heads up...Zack Gietek (Alignment Productions).

 

[surjones]

well I might have some insight, then again I might not

well I might have some insight, then again I might not

I was doing a doc on a WW2 pilot, and I needed some footage from the aircraft he flew, and the only copyright free I found was on vhs, SO this is what I did to acheive a great looking conversion. I took my SVHS Deck, I got from a TV station that closed, and hooked than into my camera using the RCA, Video and Audio connectors. Then on the Camera Settings I made the camera an video IN mode. Now since is is a video in mode, I simply did a Log and capture. being the FCP5 reads the camera as a VTR. so Probelms solved. And like my subject says. maybe you find this helpful, and maybe you wont

thanks
Patrick

 

[ezbrown]

If you're going to capture through the Sony deck, which is the way I work, just make sure that the DVEE setting on the deck is set to 'off' or it won't act as a throughput from your VHS.

ez