savvie

[As the ages have gone by and I have been silent the tortuous journey has continued! And have I been to hell and back since then! When I was last here I was trying to update the video card driver ( VIA/S3G UniChrome Pro IGP)on my old XP PC which never eventuated. Somehow the driver reference numbers had changed and/or no one from the manufacturer could advise which driver to download and the motherboard maker (Asus) suggested another driver which despite my best efforts just would not download or I couldn't access without spending another 80-90 US$ to purchase. Dopey me then remembered I had an Acer Notebook with Vista OS which was only used to enable music files to be played through a pre-digital stereo system. That's all it had installed on it and thus was not a functioning PC connecting to the Net etc etc.The VHS2DVD software I have is compatible to Vista as well as XP so I installed the software onto the notebook thinking my problems were over but again, the programme simply would not capture any video files - I think lack of memory may have been an issue here! So, finally plucked up the courage to install XP on to the Snow Leopard MAC which works perfectly. Have just installed the Roxio software installed now and it works PERFECTLY also! Video capture from VHS tape is superb but the procedure after that is somewhat convoluted as I have to convert the mpeg video files to MP4 files (courtesy of downloaded Prism Video File Converter) and write them to a CD so that I can transfer them to the MAC to edit in iMovie and then hopefully write to DVD after music, narration and titles etc have been included. The quality of capture from VHS is great reflecting the fact that thankfully there has been no degeneration of the VHS tapes however (circa 1980's), the final edit (I have only carried out a small trial) shows that THERE IS A LOSS OF QUALITY in the final product which I am disappointed about despite allowing for the highest quality bitrate in each of the aforementioned processes (which means the files need to be kept pretty small to allow them to be transferred by CD to the MAC). I need to swot up on whether virtualisation software will enable me to transfer Windows MP4 files directly to the MAC, which would save a lot of time and effort! The final result shows some disappointing pixellation which I guess I will just have to endure (any remedial suggestions welcome) - on the one hand it is extremely disappointing being an avid believer in 'when only the best will do', but then again the 'history' of places and people has (or will hopefully) be preserved. Mind you, it's going to take some long hours and dedication to get some final results!!

Yes, I'll start over as you suggest for I really don't have the time at the moment to reinstall Windows - as I said the PC is my son's former model and as such I don't need much replacement software that one would normally want for a fully functioning computer and anyway he's living in another country so where the installation disk is he's not sure! I really only want to use this computer to handle the V2D programme! Thanks to nobull56 for his input -the foregoing will be pertinent to his comment. If he can't overcome his problems with V2D I suggest he bares his soul to Jim_Hardin for his 'professional' assessment and inexhaustible practical help! For me, this saga must result in success - just when is the issue! I'll keep you posted!

I now have had a reply from them which I am most grateful for. I really appreciate their time and effort AND of course your inexhaustible knowledge and generous willingness to help too. This has proven to be a most frustrating and perplexing problem! The gist of their latest reply is 'quote' Thank you for sending us the dxdiag and sorry for the late response. We checked it and we see that your VIA/S3G UniChrome Pro IGP is out of date. Please update the video card driver to help resolve the issue. If you have any issues, please contact the VIA/S3G UniChrome Pro IGP support. 'quote' In addition and understandably, their recommendation includes a complete CLEAN/INSTALL etc as has been undertaken by me on more than several occasions, so I have a further few hours to go yet! Unfortunately, time is of the essence for me at present and it may be several days before I can proceed with doing anything. - I feel as if I have done everything possible prior to this, without success as we know and just to repeat the previous actions is simply going to result in 'more of the same!' Your point re formatting the hard drive is probably timely and perhaps that's where I should start. Before I do this have you any other comments re procedures, what to do, what not to do etc etc that you think may assist me/? Im not overly proficient as you can probably detect!!

Still no contact from Roxio - have emailed them today enquiring whether they have any further comment to make!

Just to let you know, I have sent the DXDiag file to Roxio but have had no reply as yet!

Subsequent to the above, the Roxio people have asked me to send them the DXDIAG folder which I will do. I am perplexed though, for contrary to my advice to you, I see listed in the SYSTEM INFORMATION the DIRECTX version is listed as DIRECTX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904) I'm lost!!

I can no longer find DIRECTX 9.0 on the computer - it was there but I assume it was 'deleted' when I installed DIRECTX SDK (2010), which I did at Roxio's prompt to 'update' to the latest version. In this event I assume I should delete the latter and then proceed with your other recommended sequences? Yes, my screen is running at 1024 X 768.

I can assure you that on occasions I have contemplated far more dramatic action than biting through the pencil but thankfully, restraint has won the day, so far!! Have been into Windows Explorer - Program Files\Roxio Easy VHS to DVD\Roxio Central4\ but the only file listed in the right hand pane is PLUGINS, nothing else! So cannot advance this suggestion. Using the SEARCH option, the RoxioCentralFx.exe file is not detected on the computer! The other suggestion - 'Program Files\Roxio Easy VHS to DVD\VideoUI\ and open the VideoWave11.exe: I carried out but when clicking on VIDEOWAV11 a message ' There are insufficient graphics capabilities for the application to run. This can be caused by the following, your video card driver may not fully support DirectX 9.0. Check to see if an updated driver is available for your card.' Now, this is territory in which I am completely unfamiliar although I would point out that I downloaded DirectX SDK (June2010) as reported earlier and which shows in my ADD/REMOVE Programmes folder! How does that fit with the DirectX9.0 reference aforementioned. I am reluctant to go further without your comments as I feel I could get into trouble! Just a statement of fact which you may be able to explain (if pertinent) - my original complaint that 'on clicking on the DESKTOP shortcut, the Roxio device would display for 5 seconds or so' has never been repeated in all the procedures we have instituted since! The DESKTOP shortcut has never been installed following each installation either! Bizarre or easily explained?

Herewith is a copy of my reply to the good people at Roxio who have enquired as to whether the problem has been solved which I trust is pretty much self explanatory. I'm truly disappointed that I cannot get the software to work as it was intended and have suggested perhaps I should 'quit whilst I'm ahead'. Perhaps it's taking the easy way out but despite your best efforts and Roxio's input, I cannot make the thing work! I have invited Roxio to comment further and naturally wonder whether you have any other comment/suggestions? My reply to Roxio 'quote' In conjunction with your kind support and generous help from Jim_Hardin on the Discussion Group forum the following procedures have been undertaken. *Uninstalled V2D Uninstalled MicrosoftNET 3.5 and SP1 *Installed latest DirectX SDK (June 10) *Clean/Install and eliminate all Roxio/Sonic files *Install Microsoft NET 3.5 without SP1 *Attempt to reinstall V2D with Capture Device in USB port at back of PC - would not install because 'new hardware cannot find the software' *Disconnected Video Capture Device and install software - successful although again no shortcut on the DESKTOP *Attempt to open programme through START sequence again unsuccessful as 'V2D folder empty' *Un-install V2D software and attempt re-install, this time copying the files to a folder on the DESKTOP *Open folder but none of the files contained will open the programme *Revert to procedure suggested earlier by Jim_Hardin - reinstall driver for Video Capture Device and open in MovieMaker *Successful! VHS tape downloads with sound - perfect! After all the to-ing and fro-ing I guess all is not lost in that I CAN use Moviemaker to download my tapes and perform the edit function and add titles, music etc etc. Why the programme will not install and let me use it as the software was intended however is most frustrating and completely baffles me but perhaps I should 'quit' whilst I'm ahead!! I welcome your comments and input in view of the above and thanks again for your patience and help! 'quote'

FYI the Roxio people have kindly reported back to me in between our last posts. There's probably nothing new in their report for you Jim but I reproduce it for it may be of benefit to other users. 'quote' After reviewing your notes, I understand that you cannot open Easy VHS to DVD after installation and following steps provided by the previous agent. We appreciate the opportunity to assist you. Please check and follow the steps below so that we can continue resolving the issue. Step 1 Please make sure that your computer meets all the basic requirements for Easy VHS to DVD. Easy VHS to DVD system requirements Knowledgebase Article : 000222CR http://kb.roxio.com/search.aspx?URL=/content/000222CR&PARAMS=set-locale=en Step 2 Make sure that there are are no previous versions of Roxio and Sonic software installed on your computer. You may perform a clean uninstallation. The article applies to Easy VHS to DVD as well. Complete Uninstall of Creator 2009 and 2010 (Windows Vista and 7) Knowledgebase Article : 000207CR http://kb.roxio.com/search.aspx?URL=/content/kb/WinOnCD/000207CR&PARAMS=set-locale=en Complete Uninstall of Creator 2009 and 2010 (Windows XP) Knowledgebase Article : 000206CR http://kb.roxio.com/search.aspx?URL=/content/000206CR Step 3 Update your computer. Preparing your computer for installing Roxio products Knowledgebase Article : 000080GN http://kb.roxio.com/search.aspx?URL=/content/000080GN&PARAMS=set-locale=en Step 4 Disable your startup applications using MSCONFIG. This will disable any unnecessary background or system tray applications from loading. * Go to Start -> Run/Search Bar. Type 'msconfig' (without quotes) then click OK. * Select the Startup tab. * Click the Disable All button. * Click the Apply button, then click the OK button. * Click the Restart button. To reverse this at the end of installation, go back into MSCONFIG and select Enable All and restart (that can be done once installation is complete). Note: Some anti virus/spyware programs may not be disabled using the steps listed above. You may need to check with your anti virus/spyware vendor on how to temporarily disable them. Step 5 Re-install Easy VHS to DVD If you are installing from a physical disc, please try to copy the content of the disc to a folder on your hard drive then install from the hard drive. To do this: * Create a new folder on your Desktop. * Go to Start -> My Computer, then right-click on the Creator installer disc and select Explore. * Select ALL of the files in the installer window and copy to the folder you just created. To install from the folder or from the saved file on your desktop: - Right-click on the setup package and choose Properties. - Click on the Compatibility tab in the Properties window. - In the Compatibility mode section, check the box that is labeled Run the program in compatibility mode for: - Click the drop down arrow then choose Windows XP SP3. - Click OK to save the changes. - Re-run the Easy VHS to DVD setup package. Step 6 Update your software. Go to http://www.roxio.com/enu/support/easy-vhs-to-dvd/software_updates.html. - If you are using the Windows 7 compatible version, download Service Pack 1 - If you are using the older version, not compatible with Windows 7, download the Service pack 2 Step 7 Improve software performance. Improving Creator and Easy VHS to DVD performance Knowledgebase Article : 000103CR http://kb.roxio.com/search.aspx?URL=/content/kb/Creator/000103CR&PARAMS=set-locale=en Perform maintenance the Microsoft way. Scan the computer for any malwares as well.: -- http://www.microsoft.com/atwork/maintenance/speed.aspx 'quote' I am going back to start the sequence again although I'm sure I comply with Steps 1-3. In view of your last comments do you want me to delete and re-install the NET 3.5 and its SP1 - I didn't do so before because both are installed on the PC? There is no Registry Cleaner installed on the PC - the A/V, what and where do I check for this? It goes without saying that I appreciate your patience and help!

GREAT NEWS - and not so good! Followed your instructions faithfully and it worked a treat in Moviemaker. I copied a 30 sec segment off a VHS tape created in 1988 - quality looked superb (tape quality obviously hasn't deteriorated) in the Moviemaker monitor, sound present (a bit muffled but audible). As an aside, it's a 3 hour tape and to keep the quality I guess it's going to take a bigger HD than the 24GB available on this computer! Step by step this is what followed with the Clean/Install that followed. Deleted V2D . Didn't know whether to delete the USB device program which in ADD/REMOVE was listed separately - rightly or wrongly, opted not to!! I thought the 'Clean' process would remove the Driver file you told me to download but it didn't so left that installed also. Similarly with the SP2 service pack. Reinstalled V2D - again no shortcut placed on the desktop. Look in START menu and program not listed. Check in PROGRAM files and yes it's listed with all its folders also. Cannot open the program by 'conventional' means - no DESKTOP icon and no listing in START files! I confirm that SP2 and the Driver files are still installed with icons on the DESKTOP. Tried again to emulate the Moviemaker sequence just in case you asked me - same result as first encountered - 'the 'new hardware wizard cannot install the USB 2861 device because the wizard cannot find the necessary software' and thus that procedure now doesn't work either! I guess I have done something wrongly! So close and yet....!

I'm going to be absent from the PC for a couple of days but will follow your advice then! I really appreciate your help and like you, I'm keeping my fingers crossed - we can't let it beat us after all this!

Yes, XP with SP3 applied. I must confess the Windows Movie Maker suggestion never occurred to me and I have just tried it- result is the 'new hardware wizard cannot install the USB 2861 device because the wizard cannot find the necessary software' which we know IS installed on the computer although (as per the last post) in trying to open the program previously, I couldn't and got the message 'the V2D folder was empty!' I have no other Roxio software installed and never have had!

Of course I'll keep you updated - hopefully some problem solving procedures will eventuate. I sent my problem to Roxio and their reply was