Analogue recording with HVR-4000

[qu1rk]

I have a HVR-4000, and recently wanted to capture some VHS tapes through the external input.
However, the card will only capture at 640x480, 30 fps.
The card also does this on all 5 terrestrial analogue channels.
Obviously, this is no good to me, I need 720x576 at 25 fps (like my old HVR-1300).
How do I achieve this ?

[sykkes]

i have a hvr 4000 too, and was just about started searching online looking for the best way to capture from a vhs to my pc. by the looks of things i'm gonna have to install my old pvr-250 if i want something decent, as the hvr series appears to be made with digital tv a priority. i was reading http://forum.videohelp.com/threads/3...capture-device but didn't find anything useful as of yet.

i was also thinking it might be better to get some kind of vhs->pc device, whereby you would connect some sort of usb connector directly to your pc and the other end should connect to an electronic box which connects directly to your vhs box's scart output. i don't know if such a device actually exists, but it's surely better than having to put up with a limit resolution via a hvr 4000...?

[alanhewitt]

I have a DAC200 which connects via the firewire pc connection. This would do exactly what you require but only works successfully with new tapes. as they strech frames are dropped. The device cost over £100 a few years ago. When i questioned why this happened I was told that I needed another piece of kit as well, this was going to cost as much again. My hvr1110 gave acceptable, ie watchable results with no dropped frames. Maybe no of the same overall quality but at least watchable.

[qu1rk]

Thanks very much for your helpful comments Sykkes.
My old HVR-1300 would capture analogue as PAL, and very nicely too.
The VHS → PC device you are describing is a USB/RF Modulator.

HAUPPAUGE: are you reading this ?
Since in the UK we use PAL equipment, I need to be able to capture analogue signals as PAL.
Why can't I do that with an HVR-4000 ?

[qu1rk]

Thanks for your comments alanhewitt.

Good to hear you are pleased with your HVR-1110.
Likewise, I was happy with my HVR-1300, and I can thoroughly recommend it to anyone who wishes to capture high quality analogue signals as PAL.

I just want to be able to do the same with my HVR-4000.

[Mr X]

I'll try and check this out tommorow for you. It should do 720x576 as far as I remember.

[sykkes]

qu1rk, when setting up your composite/s-video channel on the hvr4000 did you leave it at 'AUTO'? maybe ntsc was selected automatically for your os locale...try forcing it to PAL from the dropdown (delete the channels and then set them up again)

[qu1rk]

Mr X
Thanks very much for looking into this for me

[qu1rk]

>sykkes
Already tried this with both AUTO and by selecting PAL I.
Seems to make no difference mate.

[qu1rk]

Mr X

Have you tried analogue recording with an HVR-4000 yet ?
If so, what did you find ?

BTW, installed an HVR-1300 alongside my HVR-4000 to solve this temporarily - it captures fine at 720x576, 25 fps...