Audio Video VHS to firewire

[BuddyB]

I'm trying to record/capture from a VHS to the computer through MS13. I'm looking for composit to firewire, but cannot find anything. I may be looking in all the wrong places trying the wrong approach.

[Kent Frost]

This is what I use. ION Video 2 PC, it goes from composite to USB. Works like a charm. Mine came with Power Director 9.

http://www.amazon.com/ION-Video-Analog- ... B002MT7JFQ

[BuddyB]

Thanks Kent, very much! That is what I've been looking for and couldn't find. Just thought, I have USB 2.0, will that make any difference? I just ordered one; hopefully will get it before the end of the week.

[Steve Grisetti]

The quintessential composite-to-firewire digitizer is also a Muvipix favorite, the Grass Valley/Canopus AVDC.
http://www.amazon.com/Canopus-ADVC-110- ... alley+avdc

If you look around Amazon and eBay, you'll likely find used ones much cheaper.

Digitizers that connect via USB (like the one Kent recommends) can be a bit iffier. They may not produce true DV-AVI video, and a number of them are designed to either go directly to a DVD or to be used only with the editing software that comes with them.

However, if the quality is there and the ION Video 2 PC interfaces well with Vegas (or whatever program you're using to edit) it could well be a cheaper alternative.

[BuddyB]

Thanks Steve; ordered a used one. Basically, I'm cheap, not always to my benefit

[Kent Frost]

However, if the quality is there and the ION Video 2 PC interfaces well with Vegas (or whatever program you're using to edit) it could well be a cheaper alternative.

I actually don't use it with Vegas, but rather the software it came with in order to generate files that I can use with Vegas if I want. I can't remember now, but I'm pretty sure they're AVI containers, not sure which codec though. Here's one I got via the ION (keep in mind that this originated on Super VHS, and then this is a VHS copy of a VHS copy of that original, so the levels are wonky as is):

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaGuLXCh86Y[/youtube]

[Steve Grisetti]

Wow! Remember when Super VHS was as good as it got, Kent?!

[Kent Frost]

Yeah, that and Hi8. But the gear we had in school for SVHS was the good ol' fashioned A/B cuts editing between decks using the controller. 15 minutes with that thing and I was sold on video for good, circa 1995. We had about 5 of these Panasonic AG-465U camcorders and the JVC BR-S800U decks with the controller:




I actually still have a couple of SVHS tapes I can't do anything with. I've looked around and considered buying a SVHS, Hi8, MiniDV, and Digital8 decks/cameras on eBay and maybe start offering a transfer service.

[Steve Grisetti]

Wow! A little bigger than a Go Pro, I guess!

[BuddyB]

BTW Kent that's a good idea. I have an old Betamax..how 'bout them apples?

[BuddyB]

Kent, I got the ION today, and it works absolutely fine!! Thank you for sharing your information. Got my first two VHS tapes into the computer, our wedding 30 years ago. I captured in Power Director, saved and opened in MS13. Too too cool. Thanks again. PS, Codecs, that's one thing I'm totally void in knowledge of. And Steve yer absolutely correct about the compatibility.

[Steve Grisetti]

Great news all around, Buddy!

[Kent Frost]

Glad to hear it's working out for you, Buddy!