VCD to VHS..need specs.

ROBSCIX · Mar 23, 2006, 11:58 PM

Hey guys, I will be transfering some home VCD'S to a VHS Tape for a family member and I was wondering about a few things. WHat are the specs for VHS?..what is the Resolution? and color depth? What would I set the output to? 640X480? 16 bit? 800X600 32 bit? I have never attempted this before. They are MPEG picture CD's so it's like a slideshow of family pics. and it won't play in their DVD player so it need to be tranfered to VHS. Thanks guys for any help you can give me. WHat I am really looking for is the native resolution of VHS..if there is such a thing...

H3X4D3C1M4L · Mar 24, 2006, 03:59 PM

That gets set automatically over the composite connection. No need to set it.

It will just look like VHS. I've done it before.

swimtech · Mar 25, 2006, 04:25 AM

For the record, VHS only records at 240 lines of resolution - but feed it a 640x480 or 800x600 signal (experiment...) at 32 bit color depth to give your VCR the best quality and most compatible (closest to NTSC composite signal specs) you can. Those output characteristics should also give you a picture that most closely fits the screen and doesn't distort or blur details...

H3X4D3C1M4L · Mar 25, 2006, 04:30 AM

MMC autoformats it. I've done this before.

If you had to format it, it would be an 800x600 signal at 29.97 FPS

ROBSCIX · Mar 25, 2006, 06:02 PM

Yeah, I ran some test to figure out the easiest way to do the transfer, I went an bought a DVD player for $19 no tax....hooked that to the AUX input on the VCR then ran the RCA outs of the VCR to my AIW, so I can monitor the whole thing. These are some old Family photo VCD's that belong to my grandmother, but her DVD won't play them and she's not so technological..So I figured copy them on a VHS. I did some studying after I posted this and figured out most of the info myself. I really appreciate the help though..thx.
BTW after much thought I figured this was the EASIEST way to accomplish what I want to do..before that I was gonn run it on my PC and clone over to the VCR..would have been a big mess this seems very easy..

H3X4D3C1M4L · Mar 25, 2006, 07:14 PM

I think you can extract the pictures from the VCD, no?

I haven't messed with a VCD in a while, I think theres a folder structure it has where the pictures go in one folder, video in another, etc.

VCD videos are just MPEG files renamed

ROBSCIX · Mar 25, 2006, 07:23 PM

Yeah it links them all into a large file. I don't know why my cousins would give a 85 yr old lady a VCD an hope for the best? LOL, I was just gonna give her the DVD player I bought but I figured VHS is about as far as she can go. Got a nice little DVD player though to add to my PC. So I have a DVD player on my S-video and audio is routed from the VCR so the VCR needs to be turned on to hear the DVD..all in all it seems like a good setup. Then I can use MMC to monitor either DVD or VCR. Besides I like the look of all the Audio/Video gear on my desk. Looks very cool. Functions good too. This is why I bought the AIW I might aswell use it.
SO now on my desk. I have a Stereo Equalizer, Dual Cassette Deck, Single tray CD player. Yorkville 12 Channel mixer a DVD player and A VCR with JOG wheel. It is all hooked in and functioning.

H3X4D3C1M4L · Mar 25, 2006, 07:29 PM

SUppose so. The AiW part of my card is sitting idle right now

ROBSCIX · Mar 25, 2006, 07:57 PM

I can't stand it if ANYTHING on my system isn't functioning properly. IT all runs like a top. Mind you it takes alot of up keep to keep it running smoothly. I bought the AIW for the Video functions. SO I use them. I like watching TV as I am doing other things...

H3X4D3C1M4L · Mar 25, 2006, 08:04 PM

Yeah well my blood pressure can't take the aggrivation of fixing my PC right now.

Soon I'm going go back up things I care about into a space of 250GB and everything else gets the Peter Gutmann treatment.

ROBSCIX · Mar 25, 2006, 08:13 PM

Yeah I am thinking about getting a 300gb, need it for video....but this is the wrong thread..

H3X4D3C1M4L · Mar 26, 2006, 05:50 PM

Its a discussion, who cares what turn it takes

It still pertains to DV and such

If you're looking for a good hard drive for video capture, find a DiMax 10 Maxtor SATA drive. Fast buggers and they're REALLY cheap per GB.

swimtech · Mar 26, 2006, 06:26 PM

It hasn't been much of a problem, but it does help those reading the threads (and doing searches to find information) if the topics and discussions within them are kept narrow, kind of like knowing when to start a new paragraph in a document - each paragraph should translate to a new thread.

H3X4D3C1M4L · Mar 26, 2006, 06:28 PM

SUppose so. Still we don't get all that much action over this corner of the forum, just the regulars mostly

swimtech · Mar 26, 2006, 06:33 PM

Know what you mean, but gets a LOT of reads - new paragraph???

ROBSCIX · Mar 26, 2006, 08:35 PM

My Mobo doesn't support SATA, my new one will so I am just gonna wait. I am surprised how much Video gear has attached itself to my PC since I bought the AIW. I always had the Audio gear hooked up but now I have to make room for the Video gear. DV I have been looking around for a Video Camera IF it's DV or jut analog doesn't make a difference to me but I guess DV would be the way to go. Local 2nd hand shop has a older analog Video camera for $89 I think it takes those 8mm tapes. I am not sure if it's worth the money or if it would be more trouble than it's worth.

H3X4D3C1M4L · Mar 26, 2006, 09:19 PM

If the batteries work why not. Even still I have an old one where the batteries don't work but I keep it plugged in and use it hooked into my AiW for fast action shots (webcams can't handle those)

ROBSCIX · Mar 27, 2006, 12:18 AM

I guess you right, But I will have to have a look at it I prefer a Camera with S-video and RCA out's right on the Camera..but for that price I can't be picky. THough that would be the optimal setup for me, then I wouldn't have to use that VHS tape converter thingy to get the video off the camera I could just plug it into my Video in. Hey H3X, would the quality of the Video be the same if I used that Tape size converter in a good quality VCR hooked to my Video ins.OR just using lines out on the Camera? Would quality be pretty much the same? I thinyour right though I am gonna have a look at it tommorow and see if everything looks good. Can you give me some pointers oif things to look for and things to avoid..even for $89 I don't want a camera thats totally junk...Thx for any help..

H3X4D3C1M4L · Mar 27, 2006, 12:23 AM

$89 is still alot of scratch so I understand.

Basically, get them to let you try it out. Ask if the batteries still work (if they last 10 minutes its no good). If they're afraid to let you try it out then you know somethings bunk.

As for the tape converter, anything that converts there will naturally be some degredation especially in analog sources, but it shouldn't be noticeable. If you're happy with the quality of an average VHS tape then it should be good, because that's about the weakest point quality wise in the whole system

ROBSCIX · Mar 27, 2006, 12:37 AM

Well I would get a 30 day warraty but that doesn't mean I can get back my money I will only get store credit. I bought 2 DVD plyers from them and they worked great, but I am very UNtrusting when it comes to 2nd hand electronics. I would rather save or put a deposit on a better model. YOu seem to know about this stiff H3X, so What should I look for, I mean what constitutes a good analog video camera? or I guess I should try to get DV correct? they have firewire. I think I am gonn break down and buy one within the next 4 weeks. SO if you can give me some pointers as to what to look for in a older model that would really help, so I got the battery thing, so I should try and record for ten minutes and see if the batterey dies? thx for the info..

H3X4D3C1M4L · Mar 27, 2006, 12:47 AM

Well the battery I meant like... the battery is the first thing to go so I watch for that on second hand laptops. The next thing is the lenses and such, the physical well being of the camera tells you how well the previous owner treated it so you learn alot like that.

As far as cameras I have no idea about those things beyond basics TBH but I can ask a friend for you if you want.

swimtech · Mar 27, 2006, 04:11 PM

About a used camcorder...

If you get a used 8mm model, you won't be able to use an adaptor to play the tape in your VHS machine - you'll have to use the camcorder to play back the tapes, and use the camcorder's audio and video outputs to connect to another device.

The format that uses the tape adaptor is VHS-C (Compact VHS...), which will allow you to play the tapes in your standard home VHS VCR - but make sure the adaptor is included in your purchase as they are somewhat expensive to buy outright, and just so you know, they can be mechanically 'touchy'.

Decent consumer DV camcorders are available for about $300.00 new. Good brand names to look at include Panasonic, Canon, Sony, and JVC. You'll still have to use the camera to play the tapes you make on it and use the line out capability for audio and video to hook up to a TV, another VCR, or your AIW A/V inputs. Some camcorders also include the capability (as you mentioned) to hook up to a computer using the Firewire port - I've done this and it works well. You move the data off the camera via Firewire, then edit the video on your computer, then output the video and audio via your AIW to a VCR or TV. DV camcorders also can have USB connectivity, but most use the USB just to move off still photos taken on the camcorder (yes, most DV cams out there now do double duty and have the capability to take still photos). Hope this helps a bit...

H3X4D3C1M4L · Mar 27, 2006, 04:45 PM

Just out of curiosity do pure digital transactions (DV camera and using firewire to transfer it) come out better than analog --> digital in your experience? I was having this argument with a friend and I'd just like a third opinion

swimtech · Mar 28, 2006, 12:31 AM

I can't speak personally about the end result, but I'll ask the fellow (who works with me here in the shop, and does this at home a lot...) whose file I moved from the camera via firewire, then burned to a CD (almost filled the CD - small video file though) to take home, what he thought of the result and let you know...

ROBSCIX · Mar 28, 2006, 01:53 AM

I used to help customers work with DV video etc.. I akways thought the end result was suposed to be better. I will have a lok at that used camcorder and see what it has to offer..even for $89 I don't want somebody's junk. He said the price was low because of the age. We shall see. Thx for the info guys.

Mar 23, 2006, 11:58 PM	#1
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	VCD to VHS..need specs. Hey guys, I will be transfering some home VCD'S to a VHS Tape for a family member and I was wondering about a few things. WHat are the specs for VHS?..what is the Resolution? and color depth? What would I set the output to? 640X480? 16 bit? 800X600 32 bit? I have never attempted this before. They are MPEG picture CD's so it's like a slideshow of family pics. and it won't play in their DVD player so it need to be tranfered to VHS. Thanks guys for any help you can give me. WHat I am really looking for is the native resolution of VHS..if there is such a thing...

Mar 25, 2006, 04:25 AM	#3
swimtech HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 4,040 Rep Power: 122 System Specs	For the record, VHS only records at 240 lines of resolution - but feed it a 640x480 or 800x600 signal (experiment...) at 32 bit color depth to give your VCR the best quality and most compatible (closest to NTSC composite signal specs) you can. Those output characteristics should also give you a picture that most closely fits the screen and doesn't distort or blur details... __________________ It's not so much getting your way that matters or not - what matters is how you go about getting it.

Mar 26, 2006, 06:26 PM	#13
swimtech HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 4,040 Rep Power: 122 System Specs	It hasn't been much of a problem, but it does help those reading the threads (and doing searches to find information) if the topics and discussions within them are kept narrow, kind of like knowing when to start a new paragraph in a document - each paragraph should translate to a new thread. __________________ It's not so much getting your way that matters or not - what matters is how you go about getting it.

Mar 26, 2006, 06:33 PM	#15
swimtech HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 4,040 Rep Power: 122 System Specs	Know what you mean, but gets a LOT of reads - new paragraph??? __________________ It's not so much getting your way that matters or not - what matters is how you go about getting it.

Mar 27, 2006, 04:11 PM	#22
swimtech HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 4,040 Rep Power: 122 System Specs	About a used camcorder... If you get a used 8mm model, you won't be able to use an adaptor to play the tape in your VHS machine - you'll have to use the camcorder to play back the tapes, and use the camcorder's audio and video outputs to connect to another device. The format that uses the tape adaptor is VHS-C (Compact VHS...), which will allow you to play the tapes in your standard home VHS VCR - but make sure the adaptor is included in your purchase as they are somewhat expensive to buy outright, and just so you know, they can be mechanically 'touchy'. Decent consumer DV camcorders are available for about $300.00 new. Good brand names to look at include Panasonic, Canon, Sony, and JVC. You'll still have to use the camera to play the tapes you make on it and use the line out capability for audio and video to hook up to a TV, another VCR, or your AIW A/V inputs. Some camcorders also include the capability (as you mentioned) to hook up to a computer using the Firewire port - I've done this and it works well. You move the data off the camera via Firewire, then edit the video on your computer, then output the video and audio via your AIW to a VCR or TV. DV camcorders also can have USB connectivity, but most use the USB just to move off still photos taken on the camcorder (yes, most DV cams out there now do double duty and have the capability to take still photos). Hope this helps a bit... __________________ It's not so much getting your way that matters or not - what matters is how you go about getting it.

Mar 24, 2006, 03:59 PM	#2
H3X4D3C1M4L DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 6,794 Rep Power: 0	That gets set automatically over the composite connection. No need to set it. It will just look like VHS. I've done it before.

Mar 25, 2006, 04:30 AM	#4
H3X4D3C1M4L DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 6,794 Rep Power: 0	MMC autoformats it. I've done this before. If you had to format it, it would be an 800x600 signal at 29.97 FPS

Mar 25, 2006, 06:02 PM	Thread Starter #5
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	Yeah, I ran some test to figure out the easiest way to do the transfer, I went an bought a DVD player for $19 no tax....hooked that to the AUX input on the VCR then ran the RCA outs of the VCR to my AIW, so I can monitor the whole thing. These are some old Family photo VCD's that belong to my grandmother, but her DVD won't play them and she's not so technological..So I figured copy them on a VHS. I did some studying after I posted this and figured out most of the info myself. I really appreciate the help though..thx. BTW after much thought I figured this was the EASIEST way to accomplish what I want to do..before that I was gonn run it on my PC and clone over to the VCR..would have been a big mess this seems very easy..

Mar 25, 2006, 07:14 PM	#6
H3X4D3C1M4L DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 6,794 Rep Power: 0	I think you can extract the pictures from the VCD, no? I haven't messed with a VCD in a while, I think theres a folder structure it has where the pictures go in one folder, video in another, etc. VCD videos are just MPEG files renamed

Mar 25, 2006, 07:23 PM	Thread Starter #7
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	Yeah it links them all into a large file. I don't know why my cousins would give a 85 yr old lady a VCD an hope for the best? LOL, I was just gonna give her the DVD player I bought but I figured VHS is about as far as she can go. Got a nice little DVD player though to add to my PC. So I have a DVD player on my S-video and audio is routed from the VCR so the VCR needs to be turned on to hear the DVD..all in all it seems like a good setup. Then I can use MMC to monitor either DVD or VCR. Besides I like the look of all the Audio/Video gear on my desk. Looks very cool. Functions good too. This is why I bought the AIW I might aswell use it. SO now on my desk. I have a Stereo Equalizer, Dual Cassette Deck, Single tray CD player. Yorkville 12 Channel mixer a DVD player and A VCR with JOG wheel. It is all hooked in and functioning.

Mar 25, 2006, 07:29 PM	#8
H3X4D3C1M4L DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 6,794 Rep Power: 0	SUppose so. The AiW part of my card is sitting idle right now

Mar 25, 2006, 07:57 PM	Thread Starter #9
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	I can't stand it if ANYTHING on my system isn't functioning properly. IT all runs like a top. Mind you it takes alot of up keep to keep it running smoothly. I bought the AIW for the Video functions. SO I use them. I like watching TV as I am doing other things...

Mar 25, 2006, 08:04 PM	#10
H3X4D3C1M4L DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 6,794 Rep Power: 0	Yeah well my blood pressure can't take the aggrivation of fixing my PC right now. Soon I'm going go back up things I care about into a space of 250GB and everything else gets the Peter Gutmann treatment.

Mar 25, 2006, 08:13 PM	Thread Starter #11
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	Yeah I am thinking about getting a 300gb, need it for video....but this is the wrong thread..

Mar 26, 2006, 05:50 PM	#12
H3X4D3C1M4L DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 6,794 Rep Power: 0	Its a discussion, who cares what turn it takes It still pertains to DV and such If you're looking for a good hard drive for video capture, find a DiMax 10 Maxtor SATA drive. Fast buggers and they're REALLY cheap per GB.

Mar 26, 2006, 06:28 PM	#14
H3X4D3C1M4L DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 6,794 Rep Power: 0	SUppose so. Still we don't get all that much action over this corner of the forum, just the regulars mostly

Mar 26, 2006, 08:35 PM	Thread Starter #16
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	My Mobo doesn't support SATA, my new one will so I am just gonna wait. I am surprised how much Video gear has attached itself to my PC since I bought the AIW. I always had the Audio gear hooked up but now I have to make room for the Video gear. DV I have been looking around for a Video Camera IF it's DV or jut analog doesn't make a difference to me but I guess DV would be the way to go. Local 2nd hand shop has a older analog Video camera for $89 I think it takes those 8mm tapes. I am not sure if it's worth the money or if it would be more trouble than it's worth.

Mar 26, 2006, 09:19 PM	#17
H3X4D3C1M4L DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 6,794 Rep Power: 0	If the batteries work why not. Even still I have an old one where the batteries don't work but I keep it plugged in and use it hooked into my AiW for fast action shots (webcams can't handle those)

Mar 27, 2006, 12:18 AM	Thread Starter #18
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	I guess you right, But I will have to have a look at it I prefer a Camera with S-video and RCA out's right on the Camera..but for that price I can't be picky. THough that would be the optimal setup for me, then I wouldn't have to use that VHS tape converter thingy to get the video off the camera I could just plug it into my Video in. Hey H3X, would the quality of the Video be the same if I used that Tape size converter in a good quality VCR hooked to my Video ins.OR just using lines out on the Camera? Would quality be pretty much the same? I thinyour right though I am gonna have a look at it tommorow and see if everything looks good. Can you give me some pointers oif things to look for and things to avoid..even for $89 I don't want a camera thats totally junk...Thx for any help..

Mar 27, 2006, 12:23 AM	#19
H3X4D3C1M4L DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 6,794 Rep Power: 0	$89 is still alot of scratch so I understand. Basically, get them to let you try it out. Ask if the batteries still work (if they last 10 minutes its no good). If they're afraid to let you try it out then you know somethings bunk. As for the tape converter, anything that converts there will naturally be some degredation especially in analog sources, but it shouldn't be noticeable. If you're happy with the quality of an average VHS tape then it should be good, because that's about the weakest point quality wise in the whole system

Mar 27, 2006, 12:37 AM	Thread Starter #20
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	Well I would get a 30 day warraty but that doesn't mean I can get back my money I will only get store credit. I bought 2 DVD plyers from them and they worked great, but I am very UNtrusting when it comes to 2nd hand electronics. I would rather save or put a deposit on a better model. YOu seem to know about this stiff H3X, so What should I look for, I mean what constitutes a good analog video camera? or I guess I should try to get DV correct? they have firewire. I think I am gonn break down and buy one within the next 4 weeks. SO if you can give me some pointers as to what to look for in a older model that would really help, so I got the battery thing, so I should try and record for ten minutes and see if the batterey dies? thx for the info..

Mar 27, 2006, 12:47 AM	#21
H3X4D3C1M4L DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 6,794 Rep Power: 0	Well the battery I meant like... the battery is the first thing to go so I watch for that on second hand laptops. The next thing is the lenses and such, the physical well being of the camera tells you how well the previous owner treated it so you learn alot like that. As far as cameras I have no idea about those things beyond basics TBH but I can ask a friend for you if you want.

Mar 27, 2006, 04:45 PM	#23
H3X4D3C1M4L DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 6,794 Rep Power: 0	Just out of curiosity do pure digital transactions (DV camera and using firewire to transfer it) come out better than analog --> digital in your experience? I was having this argument with a friend and I'd just like a third opinion

Mar 28, 2006, 12:31 AM	#24
swimtech HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 4,040 Rep Power: 122 System Specs	I can't speak personally about the end result, but I'll ask the fellow (who works with me here in the shop, and does this at home a lot...) whose file I moved from the camera via firewire, then burned to a CD (almost filled the CD - small video file though) to take home, what he thought of the result and let you know... __________________ It's not so much getting your way that matters or not - what matters is how you go about getting it.

Mar 28, 2006, 01:53 AM	Thread Starter #25
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	I used to help customers work with DV video etc.. I akways thought the end result was suposed to be better. I will have a lok at that used camcorder and see what it has to offer..even for $89 I don't want somebody's junk. He said the price was low because of the age. We shall see. Thx for the info guys.