DV versus S-VHS output

[orbital]

Hi

Does anyone know why do I get a perfectly crisp picture when I transfer my footage back to my camera (via Fire wire) and then output that footage to my VCRs via the cam`s S-VHS output......
and get a relatively softer picture if I output straight from my computer to my VCRs via my Matrox G400 TV!!!!!

Thanks
Orbital

set-up: dual processor (2X1000mhz), 120GB HD (7200 rpm) 512 MB ram, Matrox G400 TV, Win 2K VT 2.04

[Ted222]

My guess is...the camera's playback is better quality(hardware) than the computer's, the files should be identical.

Some of the guys here have suggested using a color correction converter like the Sima SCC. I have one, but only use it to clean up DVD TV out. Not much call for VHS tapes any more, most are wanting DVDs for their final product.

Ted

[Brian Ellis]

Orbital

There is another option: output DV to, say, a Canopus ADVC-100 which will convert it to analogue. I've never tried it because I use the ADVC only for capturing analogue as DV - and it seems quite good for that. Even VHS-C tapes shot 10 - 12 years ago on a cheapo camera make an acceptable DV signal, obviously not as good as DV tapes I've shot in the past 6 years or so, but acceptable.

[orbital]

Hi

thanks Brian

I had a look around the Canopus and found this interesting site:

http://www.simplydv.co.uk/advc100.html

They seem to like it.

May I ask you. Does it allow you to output your own DVD footage or does it switch on the macromedia thing?

Best regards
Orbital

[Debbie]

Hi Orbital,

I have also encountered the same problems. What I do as regards sharpness is that just before the VCR input I use a Vivanco enhancer to slightly sharpen the picture and boost the chroma signal.

As for macrovision I have a Panasonic Video mixer which I place between the computer and the DVD player, this will compleatly remove macrovision
since the mixer will produce a new sync. pulse.

Regards,

Debbie

[Brian Ellis]

Orbital

I have used only to convert A-D up to now, with my own footage as source. I believe it does have Macromedia protection and I've heard that it can be disabled by pressing the Input Select button 4 times, but I cannot confirm this (not in the manual).

[orbital]

...so it seems to be what I was afraid of! I was hoping that a driver or a setting should fix the problem.
I shall be experimenting with a new Video card very soon.
Thanks
Orbital