I recently borrowed a friend's Hauppauge PVR. The box has inputs for your VCR to drive (RCA composite video and stereo audio) and connects to your host PC via USB. Provided is an OEM version of Arcsoft's TotalMediaExtreme software to run on the PC. TME allows you to select either M2TS or TS file formats for the output and you can select various bitrates (constant or variable) to use for encoding of your captured video.

I was able to play the generated M2TS files using the VLC (v1.0 and higher) and Mirrilis Splash players. But every time I try to create a new Vegas Project and bring in the M2TS, Vegas (using Platinum Pro 9.0b) crashes. The intent was to edit in Vegas, then create a DVD. Haven't figured out why this is happening yet. A Google search reveals other Hauppauge/Vegas users are having a similar problem.

I could transcode the M2TS into a different container & encoding using something like WinFF before bringing into Vegas, but that's just going to reduce the video quality.

I'm going to try another friend's Pinnacle capture device (I believe it creates some sort of MP4 output, not sure of the codec or container). Another more turnkey option is to purchase/borrow a DVD recorder such as those made by Panasonic.

The moral of the story ... unfortunately, some due diligence is required to get a working solution.

I've used a VHS/DVD Player to transfer from one to another and it was OK as long as you didn't want to capture more than one and a half hours or so on the DVD --- I've found that anything longer means compression and loss of quality.

I agree that you should avoid using USB and use firewire instead. I've transferred a couple of dozen VHS tapes to Vegas using the Canopus ADVC110 as the convertor between the VHS player and the computer and have found this to work well.

Richard

I have a Canon Elura 85 DV Camcorder with AV, DV, and USB connectors. What is the procedure for doing this? Do I need a tape in the camcorder when doing this? I assume you are suggesting that the Roxio VHS to DVD is not the wisest solution.

You'll find the analog to digital out option in the playback (vcr) settings on your Elura. You will use the firewire (DV) connection from your camcorder to your computer. You do not need a tape. Turn device control "off" in your capture app.

I don't have any experience with Roxio VHS to DVD.

My preferred method (for a few years now) is a set-top Panasonic combo recorder. Records VHS direct to DVD with slightly better quality than the original tape (yes it's true).

Would it be possible to outline a few options for getting the DVD video into Vegas? I've never ripped a DVD before but suspect the flow would require ripping the DVD into .... VOBS (?) and then somehow converting that into a file for dropping into Vegas. Some recommended tools or links to read would be much appreciated.

I do have access to one of those Panasonic combo recorders.

Would it be possible to outline a few options for getting the DVD video into Vegas? Some recommended tools or links to read would be much appreciated.

I use VideoReDo exclusively for ripping and importing non-encrypted DVDs since, as you have found out, it always works .

Vegas does have an "Import DVD Camcorder" function that is really a basic ripper, but it has bee hit-or-miss with regular DVDs.

musicvid - I've since found some posts by other Vegas users who have seen video breaks and unsync'd audio when importing VOBs directly.

After reading a Panasonic-created VOB into VideoRedo, would you recommend writing the file out in M2TS, then running a Quickstream Fix prior to dropping in to Vegas? It looks like running QSF on the VOB is also possible.

As an alternate to VideoRedo, I found this method. Looks like they are splitting the video/audio streams and perhaps doing some timestamp repair:



p.s. I know I am at risk of hijacking this thread, so with apologies to the OP, this is my last question, a new thread will be opened if more questions arise.

I am doing that currently after many many questions .. my route is SVHS deck > TBC > ADVD300 > PC
using separate good quality Svideo cables & stereo audio leads.

Plugged direct into a IEE1394 interface and using WinDV (free) to do the capture.

Then run DV files through VirtualDub (free) and the VHS conversion script, this tweaks up colours, contrast, reduces noise etc.

After that drop file into Vegas and edit as necessary ,,,, finally rendering as separate AC3 and MPEG video files ... and use DVD architect to create the DVD.