Ugly Horizontal Lines In Raw Mpeg-2 Files

[Tsac77]

I have transferred several VHS tapes at high quality and when I look at the resulting raw Mpeg-2 files using a VLC player, they all have horizontal lines running across them and the edges of every object look jagged and pixily.

 

Is there any way I can fix this when converting these files into a format I can edit with in Final Cut Pro? Or is it a problem with the way I'm digitizing the original files?

[tsantee]

I am looking at it in actual size, as well as full screen. Both have this issue.

Ogdens suggestion of doing a test capture with a different source device will help in the diagnosis. It sounds to me that the video being received by the Roxio device is the culprit. If so, it could need some video stabilization. I've read where running the video from the VHS deck through the inputs and outputs of another device before connecting to the Roxio device can sometimes provide the needed stabilization. I have a video stabilizer for this purpose but rarely have needed it.

[Tsac77]

Ogdens suggestion of doing a test capture with a different source device will help in the diagnosis. It sounds to me that the video being received by the Roxio device is the culprit. If so, it could need some video stabilization. I've read where running the video from the VHS deck through the inputs and outputs of another device before connecting to the Roxio device can sometimes provide the needed stabilization. I have a video stabilizer for this purpose but rarely have needed it.

 

Using a DVD player as the source yields the same result. I'm no video genius, but it looks like it might have something to do with interlacing. The "twitter" shown in the graphics on this page, is exactly what my problem looks like: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interlace

[Jim_Hardin]

I don't have a MAC so I cannot look into this personally but I think you are pursuing the wrong direction…

 

The device & software have been around for 1 1/2 years now and others don't have this problem. That pretty well eliminates a Software issue.

 

You say it showed up while using both a VCR and a DVD Player.

 

Of course you want to have the Device plugged directly into your MAC USB Port and have no other devices using the USB Ports. (mouse is OK but that is it!)

 

To help break the chain, use an S-Video if you have one! You can then use the Yellow RCA to make a ground, metal to metal, between the Player and your MAC.

 

Also if you can move to a different location in your house or better yet to another home that would be eliminate Line Interference.

 

The only thing you can't test is the RCA/S-Video to the Device wiring and the device itself…

 

It is possible the device is faulty, so get these tests done to eliminate outside problems then if it persists, get on the Phone and talk to Roxio for a replacement.

[Tsac77]

Using a DVD player as the source yields the same result. I'm no video genius, but it looks like it might have something to do with interlacing. The "twitter" shown in the graphics on this page, is exactly what my problem looks like: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interlace

 

My issue also look like the picture in this thread, but it's the raw converted file, not the DVD output:

http://forums.support.roxio.com/topic/9415-poor-video-interlaced-lines-when-creating-image-or-dvd-burn-with-toast-70/

[Tsac77]

Update: Deinterlacing the videos using Final Cut Studio's Compressor program seems to solve the problem.

[tsantee]

My issue also look like the picture in this thread, but it's the raw converted file, not the DVD output:

http://forums.support.roxio.com/topic/9415-poor-video-interlaced-lines-when-creating-image-or-dvd-burn-with-toast-70/

I'm sorry but I don't know what to suggest. The video is of course interlaced but I don't know if your captures are what's normal or not. There could be some kind of interference causing a problem. The connecting cable that came with my unit was defective but I fortunately had another cable that worked from an Elgato device. So it could be that your cable has a defect. I'm just guessing. I do know there is nothing that can be adjusted by the capture application.

[duk242]

To fix interlacing in VLC Media Player, go to the Video Menu -> Deinterlace -> On

If you've got an older version of VLC, go to Video Menu -> Deinterlace -> Blend

 

If you're using a Video Conversion program you can also turn on a deinterlace filter.

[ogdens]

I have transferred several VHS tapes at high quality and when I look at the resulting raw Mpeg-2 files using a VLC player, they all have horizontal lines running across them and the edges of every object look jagged and pixily.

 

Is there any way I can fix this when converting these files into a format I can edit with in Final Cut Pro? Or is it a problem with the way I'm digitizing the original files?

 

 

As a test, try using another input source like a DVD player or camcorder.

[tsantee]

Be sure to view the videos in actual size on your computer screen. Are these problems still apparent at that size. Also, burn one of the videos to DVD and look at it on your TV using the DVD player. Does it look worse than the original VHS playback on the TV?

[Tsac77]

Be sure to view the videos in actual size on your computer screen. Are these problems still apparent at that size. Also, burn one of the videos to DVD and look at it on your TV using the DVD player. Does it look worse than the original VHS playback on the TV?

 

I am looking at it in actual size, as well as full screen. Both have this issue.

[Tsac77]

I'm sorry but I don't know what to suggest. The video is of course interlaced but I don't know if your captures are what's normal or not. There could be some kind of interference causing a problem. The connecting cable that came with my unit was defective but I fortunately had another cable that worked from an Elgato device. So it could be that your cable has a defect. I'm just guessing. I do know there is nothing that can be adjusted by the capture application.

 

If there's nothing that can be done with the capture app, then what about using Compressor or some other app to fix it?