Introduction

What a nightmare rabbit hole this is! I have never come across a subject that has so many different methods and opinions on how to achieve the aim, being digitisation of analogue (tape) video. That said, I thought it might be helpful if I simply detail what I use for analogue tape digitisation and the workflow. I consider my workflow is “intermediate” because I don’t use a VCR with an inbuilt TBC, nor do I use a dedicated external TBC; I use a DVD recorder as a stabiliser. For Video8 and Hi8, I use a Digital8 camcorder with internal TBC and capture the S-Video Out. For DV and HDV, I use a Digital camcorder and do a DV (or HDV) transfer over Firewire (IEEE1394) OR USB. Note: all steps described on this page are covered in the various sections on this site.

Equipment

VCRs

I have a few: • 3 x JVC HR-S5700AM SVHS VCR-good quality video, S-Video output, great controls and OSD • 1x Panasonic DMR EZ-48 VHS/DVD Combo. Has the Panasonic Diga stabilisation system, similar to the ES-15. S-Video and HDMI output, great all-in-one machine. • Various other Composite VCRs that I use to play tapes that don’t play well in others. • 2 old VCRs for rewinding and tape cleaning/mould removal.

Stabilisers

I don’t use an external TBC. They cost too much money and it’s too risky finding a serviceable unit. My primary stabiliser is the Pioneer DVR-645H. For really bad/wobbly tapes, I use a Panasonic DMR- ES15 (in some limited scenarios, it can increase the brightness a little, so I avoid using it unless necessary).

Digitisers

My primary digitiser is the IOData GV-USB2. A great digitiser that just works. There is an issue with the 2021/112 and 114 driver but is easily countered. I have detailed instructions for the GV here. Other digitisers: • Hauppauge USBLive-2 (for “average/wonky” tapes, it needs a stabiliser before it in the workflow) • Startech USB3HDCAP (good SD video capture, can capture 480i/576i HDMI but needs a splitter for signals from the EZ-48) • Pinnacle USB-710: doesn’t work for me with Win 10 or 11 for analogue capture. Works well for DV transfer via USB using the stock Pinnacle driver.

Software and Workflow

Analogue tapes, including Video8 and Hi8

• Windows 10 and 11. • Brightness/Contrast adjustment prior to capture: Virtual Dub 2, using the Histogram. • Capture: AmarecTV. • Processing: AVISynth for deinterlacing and advanced video restoration, VDub2 for opening the AVISynth scripts, further restoration (CCD filter and Colormil) and cropping/resizing, Magix Movie Studio for editing (with Neat Video noise reduction and Mercalli stabiliser plugins) and easily splitting large captures into individual files for batch export. • Upscaling/export for Youtube and MP4 viewing: Magix Movie Studio.

Digital Tapes (DV, HDV)

• DV Transfer: via Firewire or USB using Scenalyzer or WinDV • HDV Transfer: via Firewire using HDVSplit • After transfer, process as shown in the “Processing” dot point above.

Results

You can view my videos on my Youtube channels: Rodent Flying Films AA Productions