25 replies to this topic

[Jason Protheroe]

I'm having trouble capturing video without dropped frames.

It seems that whenever my video reaches certain sections, my processor usage (via Activity Monitor) goes to around 110% and easy vhs to dvd starts dropping 3 second sections here and there or the video.

Since it always seems to be the same part of the video, I thought that it might be that the video itself didn't have a clean signal out anymore. So I connected the same VCR to a television to see if there was a tracking issue or the like. There was none. The video on the TV for that section looked flawless.

I've already plugged the capture device directly into my MBP and unplugged all other devices as well as shutdown all applications except for activity monitor and easy vhs to dvd with no success. Please help!

[Judboy]

Are you using version 1.0.1 of the software? What are your system specs?

[patatrox]

I'm having trouble capturing video without dropped frames.

It seems that whenever my video reaches certain sections, my processor usage (via Activity Monitor) goes to around 110% and easy vhs to dvd starts dropping 3 second sections here and there or the video.

Since it always seems to be the same part of the video, I thought that it might be that the video itself didn't have a clean signal out anymore. So I connected the same VCR to a television to see if there was a tracking issue or the like. There was none. The video on the TV for that section looked flawless.

I've already plugged the capture device directly into my MBP and unplugged all other devices as well as shutdown all applications except for activity monitor and easy vhs to dvd with no success. Please help!

As Judboy mentions, are you using the 1.0.1 software update?

[Judboy]

Well, I can testify even with the 1.0.1 update that I got some dropped frames here and there. I also tested with Elgato Video Capture and everything was 100% perfect so I think Roxio still has some tune up work to do for this to be ready for serious conversions.

[Judboy]

It looks like Macworld's review is consistent with our experience as well.
Macworld's Review.

[patatrox]

It looks like Macworld's review is consistent with our experience as well.
Macworld's Review.

We're looking into what could be causing this.

For anyone experiencing this, does this always happen at the same points in a recording?  Is there anything consistent between sections where this occur such as dark scenes or fast moving/high action scenes?

[Judboy]

We're looking into what could be causing this.

For anyone experiencing this, does this always happen at the same points in a recording?  Is there anything consistent between sections where this occur such as dark scenes or fast moving/high action scenes?

I will check about the same points in the recording. For now, all I know is that I captured a 47 min. concert video and one of the places it dropped frames was in a fast camera sequence from the guitar player to the group, but the other placed was in a slower area with fades and pans. I had to trash the entire capture due to it being not fit to put on a DVD. I ended up capturing with Elgato Video Capture and using iDVD to author the DVD.
It would be beneficial to use the Roxio product if it worked without dropped frames if you were definitely going to DVD and nothing else. VHS resolution is roughly 320x480 pixels so both products can easily get a nice capture, but if going to DVD the Roxio device would be preferred since it captures in MPEG-2 if it can have the dropped frame issue resolved.

I will try and get a short sample of a new MPEG-2 encoding if you desire that.

Edited by Judboy, 01 June 2009 - 04:47 AM.

[Jason Protheroe]

I'm using 1.0.1 on a MBP 2.16Ghz Core Duo (not a Core 2 Duo if it matters) with 2GB of RAM and over a 100 GB of free disk space.

We're looking into what could be causing this.

For anyone experiencing this, does this always happen at the same points in a recording?  Is there anything consistent between sections where this occur such as dark scenes or fast moving/high action scenes?

It does always occur in the same points of recording. That is to say that if I play certain sequences of the video over the capture it will always happen. I've tested several tapes that do this. I think it is fair to say that there is a lot of motion and fast transitions during those sequences.

[patatrox]

I will check about the same points in the recording. For now, all I know is that I captured a 47 min. concert video and one of the places it dropped frames was in a fast camera sequence from the guitar player to the group, but the other placed was in a slower area with fades and pans. I had to trash the entire capture due to it being not fit to put on a DVD. I ended up capturing with Elgato Video Capture and using iDVD to author the DVD.
It would be beneficial to use the Roxio product if it worked without dropped frames if you were definitely going to DVD and nothing else. VHS resolution is roughly 320x480 pixels so both products can easily get a nice capture, but if going to DVD the Roxio device would be preferred since it captures in MPEG-2 if it can have the dropped frame issue resolved.

I will try and get a short sample of a new MPEG-2 encoding if you desire that.

It would be helpful to try and get a pre-capture version that we can run through and replicate this issue with, unfortunately most of my home videos are anything but fast moving.

[Judboy]

It would be helpful to try and get a pre-capture version that we can run through and replicate this issue with, unfortunately most of my home videos are anything but fast moving.

Well, it is on VHS so what format do you want it in?

[patatrox]

Well, it is on VHS so what format do you want it in?

Short of getting the VHS tape, an H.264 file I could put on VHS tape myself and try to capture back may work if you're willing.

thanks

[Judboy]

Short of getting the VHS tape, an H.264 file I could put on VHS tape myself and try to capture back may work if you're willing.

thanks

I sent you two sample H.264 files last night. Also, I recaptured the sample 1 section I sent you and it dropped frames again in the same place and possibly one new place (can't remember about the second place for sure).
I do know the first place is the same as before. Let me know if you want me to send the actual VHS tape.

[sknis]

I sent you two sample H.264 files last night. Also, I recaptured the sample 1 section I sent you and it dropped frames again in the same place and possibly one new place (can't remember about the second place for sure).
I do know the first place is the same as before. Let me know if you want me to send the actual VHS tape.

How old is the tape?  Did you record it or is it a commercial tape?  Does there seem to be anything particular going on in the movie,when the frames are being dropped.  If you recorded it can you tell if the camera was turned of and then on around when the frames were dropped.

[Judboy]

How old is the tape?  Did you record it or is it a commercial tape?  Does there seem to be anything particular going on in the movie,when the frames are being dropped.  If you recorded it can you tell if the camera was turned of and then on around when the frames were dropped.

VHS is 19 years old and is commercial. Guitar action and quick cuts from scene to scene. In another place just fades and overlays.

Note: I will add again that the Elgato Video Capture device works 100% flawless on this.

Edited by Judboy, 02 June 2009 - 12:13 PM.

[bruce2]

Hi,
I too am seeing some serious dropped frame issues.

Dual 2.0GHz Power Mac G5, Mac OSX 10.5.7 - all latest updates,
running Easy VHS to DVD for Mac 1.0.1.
I couldn't find my S-Video cable, so I'm using the composite/RCA video connector.
I've tried multiple USB 2.0 ports - same issue.
I've restarted, and tried only running the Easy VHS app, and also tried Standard rather than High quality.
The source is my old and tired Sony Handy Cam TR101, Hi-Band 8, with a fairly fresh tape of an elementary school program.

I guess I'll try on a MBP dual core 2006 version, and see if there's any difference.

[bruce2]

I guess I'll try on a MBP dual core 2006 version, and see if there's any difference.

Much better on the 2GB, 2.16GHz Intel Core Duo MacBookPro, also running 10.5.7, and Easy VHS 1.0.1.
Is the code just not optimized for the G5?

[isoteb]

I am running a G5 Dual 2GHz PowerPC OS 10.5.7 and getting very bad dropped frames. Maybe something about non intels?

[patatrox]

I am running a G5 Dual 2GHz PowerPC OS 10.5.7 and getting very bad dropped frames. Maybe something about non intels?

We're planning for a software update in the very near future that should resolve the dropped frames and the iMovie issue reported.

[Jason Protheroe]

We're planning for a software update in the very near future that should resolve the dropped frames and the iMovie issue reported.

Any idea about when it'll be released. I don't mean to be rude, but I'm keeping an eye on how long I have to do a return. I do like the fact that this captures natively to MPEG2 which is good for DVDs, but the dropped frames is too big of an issue for me. I'd rather go with the MPEG4 encoder from Elgato and convert to MPEG2. It wouldn't be as convenient, but I'd get the whole video.

[Yota]

Hi everyone!
I bought the VHS 2 DVD product and I am also experimenting the same issues. Indeed, it is extremely troublesome and I hope a fix will be provided very soon. If I can bring some foods for thoughts, it seems that that the frames start to drop when there is a "marker" on the video. I have an old Sony Steadyshot camera that I am using to convert the videos and, there is an interesting function on this camera that you can record a chapter marker in order to move forward or rewind the tape to the chapter you are interested in. Well, everytime there is one, it seems the recording via Roxio product is going nuts. That's maybe it?
In any case, please fix the issue soon, unless I'll be asking to be paid back since the product is not working.