Settings for VirtualVcr/codec?

[siskiou]

Over the last few days, I've been trying to get better quality captures (old vhs tapes) by using VirtualVcr instead of the ArcSoft Showbiz preloaded on my pc.

And I hope someone will take mercy on me and understand that even the really great guides here still leave open a few questions (at least for someone, who doesn't understand the internal workings of a computer all that well).


Question 1:
How do I find out if I have WDM or VFW drivers, so I can decide if I should use VirtualDub or VirtualVCR?

I have an HP media center, Pentium 4, 2.8 GHz, 512 RAM, 160GB HD, OS WindowsXP Media Edition, Conexant 23880 Video Capture Card and RealTek AC'97 Audio.

Maybe I should be using VirtualDub instead of VirtualVcr?

Question 2:
Setting up VirtualVCR according to the guide has gotten me picture, but no sound (I've followed the guide to the letter). I do get sound when using the pre-loaded software.

Question 3:

I'm not sure how to find out if VirtualVCR uses the codex I downloaded (Huffyuv). How do I set this up correctly?


PS: After some more checking, I realize that ArcSoft Showbiz lists the Conexant Video Capture Card also as the audio source.

But I can't select this in VirtualVCR. That only gives me the RealTek Audio as a choice.

Does this mean I should just get used to the quality I can get with the Showbiz until I can afford better hardware?

[Boulder]

Originally posted by siskiou

Question 1:
How do I find out if I have WDM or VFW drivers, so I can decide if I should use VirtualDub or VirtualVCR?

I have an HP media center, Pentium 4, 2.8 GHz, 512 RAM, 160GB HD, OS WindowsXP Media Edition, Conexant 23880 Video Capture Card and RealTek AC'97 Audio.


If you use Windows XP, there's a 99.9% chance that you have WDM drivers.


Maybe I should be using VirtualDub instead of VirtualVcr?



Not recommended with WDM drivers. VirtualVCR will probably work a lot better and they both have similar features such as dynamic audio resampling to keep the audio and video in sync.


Question 2:
Setting up VirtualVCR according to the guide has gotten me picture, but no sound (I've followed the guide to the letter). I do get sound when using the pre-loaded software.


Check the Windows mixer and its recording properties. Is the correct one checked, probably Line-in?


Question 3:

I'm not sure how to find out if VirtualVCR uses the codex I downloaded (Huffyuv). How do I set this up correctly?


I'm not sure if I remember correctly, it's been quite some time since I lasted used the program, but I think it's in the Video tab in VirtualVCR. See if you can find the compression options there.


PS: After some more checking, I realize that ArcSoft Showbiz lists the Conexant Video Capture Card also as the audio source.

But I can't select this in VirtualVCR. That only gives me the RealTek Audio as a choice.

Does this mean I should just get used to the quality I can get the Showbiz until I can afford better hardware?

I think that the Showbiz program has been developed specifically for your card and so it can use the audio chip on your TV card. Some cards have audio on-board, but it's definitely better to use your sound card for capturing the audio.

[siskiou]

Originally posted by Boulder
Not recommended with WDM drivers. VirtualVCR will probably work a lot better

Okay.



Check the Windows mixer and its recording properties. Is the correct one checked, probably Line-in?

I'm pretty sure it is (I rightclicked the volume icon, selected properties, and checked line-in as the recording default), but I'm not getting any sound, even though I checked the same in VirtualVCR.

It seems as if the sound only comes through the Conexant card when I connect the VCR.

There is another set of audio-in plugs on the back of the pc, and I'll give those a try, after I manage to separate the audio from the video input cables, so I can reach them.



but I think it's in the Video tab in VirtualVCR. See if you can find the compression options there.

Found them! Thanks!

I appreciate the help.

[Boulder]

Originally posted by siskiou


I'm pretty sure it is (I rightclicked the volume icon, selected properties, and checked line-in as the recording default), but I'm not getting any sound, even though I checked the same in VirtualVCR.

It seems as if the sound only comes through the Conexant card when I connect the VCR.

There is another set of audio-in plugs on the back of the pc, and I'll give those a try, after I manage to separate the audio from the video input cables, so I can reach them.



You'll have to route the audio from your TV card to your sound card's line in jack;)

[siskiou]

Originally posted by Boulder
You'll have to route the audio from your TV card to your sound card's line in jack;)

I would, if I knew how ;)

[Boulder]

Originally posted by siskiou
I would, if I knew how ;)

Well, doesn't the TV card have an audio out jack? The onboard sound chip sure should have a line-in. You just need a short stereo cable with 3.5mm plugs in both ends.

[siskiou]

Originally posted by Boulder
Well, doesn't the TV card have an audio out jack? The onboard sound chip sure should have a line-in. You just need a short stereo cable with 3.5mm plugs in both ends.

Hm..., if you mean the headphone jack, then yes, it has an audio out.

But I'm not exactly clear how to do this, and where to connect the audio cables from the vcr, plus the "routing" cable.

I assume the front connectors belong to the TV card, and the ones on the back of the pc to the sound chip? There is a "line-in" on the back.

As I said, I need the kindergarten version for all of this ;)

[Boulder]

If I were you, I would get the audio straight from the VCR, if it just has an audio-out.

As I don't know your system (i.e. have never seen it), I'm afraid I can't give you any details. You should consult the manual you probably got with the computer, there might be an explanation for the different jacks.

You could simply try getting the audio from the VCR's audio output to the line-in jack you just described (in the back of the computer). There's no specific need for the audio to go through the TV card.

[siskiou]

Originally posted by Boulder
You could simply try getting the audio from the VCR's audio output to the line-in jack you just described (in the back of the computer). There's no specific need for the audio to go through the TV card.

Thanks!
Will give this a try tomorrow, and report back...

[rfmmars]

If you want to try VD capture, you may need WDM2VDF wrapper. Send me a e-mail at rfmmars@cox.net

richard
www.photorecall.net

[siskiou]

Okay, trying the audio cables in the back has not helped.
Still no sound in VirtualVCR.

Any other ideas, how I can get the audio from my vcr to the sound card instead of the TV card?

[Boulder]

Try to record the audio in some audio editor, for example GoldWave. That is, play a tape in the VCR, get the audio from it to your sound card and record the line-in input in GoldWave.

You should be able to record it if you just can get audio out of your VCR (which almost every VCR should do). Try different jacks and experiment, there's an option to monitor only the recording so you'll see when it is receiving some kind of a signal.