logo Sign In

A query about straight LD rips for DVD back up....I AM a newb at this.

Author
Time
 (Edited)

Hey all,

 

While trying to wade through endless discussions about video/audio editing here I was not able to find something strictly relating to creating straight quality back-up DVD's from Laserdisc.

It is obvious that the forum has some very accomplished video editors so I'd like to learn what I might expect to accomplish with the equipment I have.  My budget isn't huge but, if needed, I would be capable of light additions to what I have to get better transfers.

So, with that said, this is the hardware I have on hand to utilize.....

1.  Pioneer DVL-90 (Made In Japan) Laserdisc/DVD Player

2.  Panasonic DMR CA18 DVD Recorder

3. Sony STR DG510 AV Receiver

...and if needed.....

4.  Panasonic AG-1980 SVHS Desktop Editor Pro-Line Machine w/ TBC (In case my un-opened 1997 Silver SE VHS Box Set needed to be utilized)

I would prefer to end up with back-ups that need Dual Layer DVD's to make the most out of audio/video options for quality.

Questions I'd like to find straight & simple layman answers to are.....

1.  What is the best way to hook these up to maintain audio/video quality?

2.  Should I consider a separate TBC of some kind to go between the LD and it's next connection?

3.  Should I consider a different DVD Recorder if I want a "lossless" audio/video quality?

4.  Concerning software for the DVD authoring/editing process, what should I consider using to connect the actual video portions while editing out the side-flips and such?

5.  Lastly, are there those here with open slots in their schedules with no projects in line that might consider offering their assistance to do these for me if I cannot afford any possible higher end equipment to complete such a project?

(Of course, if someone did offer an assist they would obviously be entitled to copies of their work for future use in edits and such.  I would also supply the media for burning & postage paid both ways....in addition to my life long gratitude for such assistance.)

 

At this point, what I would like to transfer is....

Star Wars 1997 SE Trilogy:  Japan Silver Box Source (I also have the repackaged 2000 set, Japan Source and the U.S. Black Box SE)

Star Wars 1999 Phantom Menace:  Japan LD

Star Wars 1995 Faces Trilogy:  U.S. Source

 

I have other Laserdiscs that I'd like to see get a transfer for home use but these would probably be the ones I'd like to start with.     

My sincerest apologies now if I missed a thread dedicated to this and my gratitude to those who feel compelled to actually read this and respond.

:)

Shawn

 

 

 

Author
Time
 (Edited)

Jetrell Fo said:

Questions I'd like to find straight & simple layman answers to are.....

1.  What is the best way to hook these up to maintain audio/video quality?

Hook the LD player straight up to the DVD recorder. I suspect that in this case s-video will be best, but I'm not certain. You will need to test both s-video and composite video connections to see which gives the best results.

2.  Should I consider a separate TBC of some kind to go between the LD and it's next connection?

No, TBC is only worth it for VHS. Not required for LD capture.

3.  Should I consider a different DVD Recorder if I want a "lossless" audio/video quality?

DVD recorders compress to MPEG-2, so are not lossless. Use the highest quality mode you can for the initial capture.

If you want lossless, you should consider a video capture/TV card for your PC. A cheap one would be adequate for your needs.

4.  Concerning software for the DVD authoring/editing process, what should I consider using to connect the actual video portions while editing out the side-flips and such?

This is a matter of choice. Personally I would use AviSynth for editing/putting the sides together, CCE for the final encode then Muxman for the authoring (or something else if DVD menus are required).

5.  Lastly, are there those here with open slots in their schedules with no projects in line that might consider offering their assistance to do these for me if I cannot afford any possible higher end equipment to complete such a project?

Pass.

Guidelines for post content and general behaviour: read announcement here

Max. allowable image sizes in signatures: reminder here

Author
Time
 (Edited)

Moth3r,

Thank you very much for your response.  It is appreciated.

Ya know, this all started because I was watching my 1997 Star Wars Trilogy SE 5 Star Edition DVD's (yes, I actually have a set) and I thought wow, these could look better than they do and I have the basic materials to do it but how.

Regarding video capture cards....I realize there is probably personal preference involved....what should I consider within a reasonable budget?

My PC specs..........

[ EVEREST Home Edition (c) 2003-2005 Lavalys, Inc. ]

Version EVEREST v2.20.405  Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Professional 5.1.2600 (WinXP Retail) Date 2010-02-05 Time 11:17

[ Summary ]

Computer: Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Professional OS Service Pack Service Pack 3

DirectX 4.09.00.0904 (DirectX 9.0c) 

Motherboard: CPU Type AMD Athlon XP, 2200 MHz (11 x 200) 3200+

Motherboard Name Asus A7V600 (6 PCI, 1 AGP, 1 WiFi, 3 DDR DIMM, Audio, Gigabit LAN) Motherboard Chipset VIA VT8377 Apollo KT600 System Memory 2048 MB (PC3200 DDR SDRAM) BIOS Type Award Modular (06/28/05) Communication Port Communications Port (COM1) Communication Port Communications Port (COM2) Communication Port ECP Printer Port (LPT1)

Display: Video Adapter ATI Radeon 9550 / X1050 Series Secondary (256 MB) Video Adapter ATI Radeon 9550 / X1050 Series (256 MB) 3D Accelerator ATI Radeon 9550 (RV350)

Monitor Plug and Play Monitor [NoDB]

Multimedia: Audio Adapter E-MU 0202 | USB Audio Adapter Playback through TotalRecorder Audio Adapter Total Recorder virtual device.

Storage: IDE Controller (VT3149)VIA Serial ATA DMA Controller IDE Controller VIA Bus Master Ultra ATA Controller

Floppy Drive Floppy disk drive

Disk Drive WDC WD32 00JB-00KFA0 USB Device (298 GB, USB)

Disk Drive WDC WD800JB-00FSA0 (74 GB, IDE)

Disk Drive WDC WD800JB-00JJC0 (74 GB, IDE)

Disk Drive WD My Book USB Device (698 GB, USB)

Optical Drive ATAPI iHAP322 8

Optical Drive LITE-ON DVD SOHD-16P9S (16x/48x DVD-ROM)

C: (NTFS) 76308 MB (13506 MB free)

D: (NTFS) 76316 MB (18603 MB free)

G: (NTFS) 305242 MB (78747 MB free)

H: (NTFS) 715402 MB (380294 MB free)

Total Size 1145.8 GB (479.6 GB free)

 

I just wanted to provide as many relevant tech specs as possible.

 

 

Author
Time
 (Edited)

 

If you want lossless, you should consider a video capture/TV card for your PC. A cheap one would be adequate for your needs.

 

 

Okay, for a lossless A/V Laserdisc capture, which kind of capture card should I be on the look out for?

I looked at these.....

 Hauppauge HD-PVR Model 1212 HD Capture
Sony Handycam CCD Camcorder w/ Plextor USB Video Capture Device
They are both on eBay.

 

I only have a PCI slot available, NO PCI-Express.  I also want to make sure there won't be any sync issues with A/V.  Probably a card that works with VirtualDub would be a good idea but I'm not sure.

At this point, a price range could be up the $400.00USD mark for suggestions.

Thanks in advance..........

 

:)

 

 

 

Author
Time

This is the capture card I have. Very cheap, but old hat now (surprised it's still available - I've had mine about 6 years!)

If you're looking for a new card, I'd suggest something that uses the Philips Saa7163 or Saa7164 chipset, or the ATi Theatre 550 or 650 (the latter may not work with VirtualDub, though). These chips include 3D comb filters to get better quality from composite sources - but because of the way some LD players process the signal this may not be a benefit.

Guidelines for post content and general behaviour: read announcement here

Max. allowable image sizes in signatures: reminder here

Author
Time

Moth3r said:

This is the capture card I have. Very cheap, but old hat now (surprised it's still available - I've had mine about 6 years!)

If you're looking for a new card, I'd suggest something that uses the Philips Saa7163 or Saa7164 chipset, or the ATi Theatre 550 or 650 (the latter may not work with VirtualDub, though). These chips include 3D comb filters to get better quality from composite sources - but because of the way some LD players process the signal this may not be a benefit.

 

It says this doesn't process any sound.  How do you yourself process the audio to add when you're ready?

 

Thanks

Author
Time

Depends what processing is required. For normalization, or click & pop removal, I use Soundforge.

Guidelines for post content and general behaviour: read announcement here

Max. allowable image sizes in signatures: reminder here

Author
Time

If you start with a player that has the digital out-does it still need a demodulator to get the 5.1?

VADER!? WHERE THE HELL IS MY MOCHA LATTE? -Palpy on a very bad day.
“George didn’t think there was any future in dead Han toys.”-Harrison Ford
YT channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/DamnFoolIdealisticCrusader

Author
Time

I just won an ATI TV Wonder 650 PCI HD PVR for $35.00USD.  I'm excited for sure.

Specs at a glance........

Model
Brand ATI
Model 100-715331
General
Type Tuner Card
TV Tuner Combo Tuner
TV Standards ATSC / NTSC
FM Tuner Yes
Remote Control No
Interface PCI
Features
Features Highest quality analog TV on your PC
"Free-to-Air" HDTV with No Monthly Fees
FM Radio
Video Input and Capture
Personal Video Recorder
Feature-packed, User-Friendly Interface
Made for Windows Media Center 2005
Ready for the Future with a Windows Vista on your PC
Specifications
PVR Yes
Video Format MPEG 4/2/1
System Requirements
Processor Intel Pentium 4, Celeron, AMD Athlon Sempron or compatible
Memory 256 MB or more of system memory
Available Slot Available PCI slot
Operating Systems Supported Windows XP Home Edition
Windows XP Professional Edition
Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
ATI Certified - Windows Vista Premium Ready
Others Sound Card and speakers
Cable TV signal or amplified antenna for NTSC TV signals
Amplified antenna for ATSC HDTV signals and FM Radio
Installation software requires CD-ROM drive
DVD Authoring requires DVD Burner
DVD decoder is included with Catalyst Media Center
Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 requires use of a compatible remote control (not included)
Package Contents

 

100-715331
Driver Disk
FM Cable
ATI Input Adapter

 

If you start with a player that has the digital out-does it still need a demodulator to get the 5.1?

 

As for this question I have no answer.  My receiver would decode it but I would guess I'd have to run the LD player through it and then from their run it into the capture card.

 


Author
Time

captainsolo said:

If you start with a player that has the digital out-does it still need a demodulator to get the 5.1?

 Yes.

"Digital out" on a laserdisc players outputs the disc's digital track, which is 2 channel 44.1kHz PCM. You can capture this digitally without a demodulator - but it won't be 5.1.

AC3 audio is stored in modulated form on the LD analogue track, so on a LD player the AC3 out is a different connection to the digital out. 

Guidelines for post content and general behaviour: read announcement here

Max. allowable image sizes in signatures: reminder here

Author
Time

I got my card, the capacitor was not connected to the board when it arrived, and I am rather bummed.  Guess it's going back to the seller and I will start over in my search.

 

:(

Author
Time

What is a good way to edit and sync 5.1 ac3 to an LD capture? (Am using DE's 97 5.1 rips which are separated into 3 sides each.) I captured LD footage into FCP and of course Final Cut doesn't allow ac3 files.

VADER!? WHERE THE HELL IS MY MOCHA LATTE? -Palpy on a very bad day.
“George didn’t think there was any future in dead Han toys.”-Harrison Ford
YT channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/DamnFoolIdealisticCrusader

Author
Time

With regard to "syncing", I would expect that a digital rip of the LD audio should sync up to a 29.97fps video capture without any modifications; you should only need to set the initial delay, trim to the exact length then join the three files together.

I don't know of a way to do it on a Mac, but on a PC I would probably try delaycut and/or BeSplit.

 

Guidelines for post content and general behaviour: read announcement here

Max. allowable image sizes in signatures: reminder here

Author
Time
 (Edited)

Well,

I'm sorry for the time it's taken.  I lost my home and my family and I had to find an apartment.  We've moved in and I'm a going to try and start some capturing.

 The DVL-90 has these features for video/ audio,

Full Output Complement:
Gold Plated AC-3 Bit Stream / PCM Optical Output
Gold Plated AC-3 Bit Stream / PCM Coaxial Output
Gold Plated PCM Coaxial Output
Gold Plated Analog Audio Output x 2
AC-3 RF Output for LD
Gold Plated S-VIDEO Output x 2
Gold Plated Composite VIDEO Output x 2


If I were to use the composite (yellow, red, white) connection, can anyone tell me if this machine keeps or rearranges the signal inside which might cause a loss of quality?  I'm not even sure if I'm describing this properly so please go easy on me.  I am trying to decide which connection would be better on this machine as I'm sure there are better ones out there.

I have 2 ways avaialbe for capture right now...

1.  Leadtek WinFast 2000 XP Expert TV Tuner for PC
2.  Dazzle DVC 100 Rev. 1.1 USB for Laptop

I still have this, ATI TV Wonder 650 PCI HD PVR, but I've set it aside for now.

 


If there is anyone who owns this machine and can offer some capture insight, I'd greatly appreciate it. 

Thanks Big!!!!


Shawn

 

I'm running Window's XP Pro on both machines.

 

 

Author
Time
 (Edited)

I have noticed this just from watching the movies with this machine....

I use the Cinema2 setting for video and I turn the V-DNR to variable and I  utilize the digital audio....it gives a darker picture for the format.  Cinema1 is a nice setting too...I'm guessing these are like home theater settings of sorts.

The T.V. I watch on is a Phillips HD 42 Inch LCD.

 

Author
Time

Jetrell Fo said:

The DVL-90 has these features for video/ audio,

Full Output Complement:
Gold Plated AC-3 Bit Stream / PCM Optical Output

A gold-plated optical output? Why?

If I were to use the composite (yellow, red, white) connection, can anyone tell me if this machine keeps or rearranges the signal inside which might cause a loss of quality?  I'm not even sure if I'm describing this properly so please go easy on me.  I am trying to decide which connection would be better on this machine as I'm sure there are better ones out there.

Composite video is the yellow RCA. Red and white are audio. I don't know for definite, but I believe that this player's composite video output is a recombined s-video. My original advice still stands - try both composite and s-video and use the one that gives the best quality.

I have 2 ways avaialbe for capture right now...

1.  Leadtek WinFast 2000 XP Expert TV Tuner for PC
2.  Dazzle DVC 100 Rev. 1.1 USB for Laptop

I still have this, ATI TV Wonder 650 PCI HD PVR, but I've set it aside for now.

I would avoid the USB device and use the Leadtek. Did you get a replacement ATi card then, you said above that the original was damaged in transit? These are supposed to be pretty good for capturing.

Guidelines for post content and general behaviour: read announcement here

Max. allowable image sizes in signatures: reminder here

Author
Time
 (Edited)

 

Did you get a replacement ATi card then, you said above that the original was damaged in transit? These are supposed to be pretty good for capturing.

 

Thanks for the response Moth3r.

I decided to keep the card in the hopes I could find someone to solder the capacitor back on.  I found a shop and I will pop in today to see what it would cost.  I agree that it's probably the best option from the hardware I have.

UPDATE:  I had the card looked at and the tech said it looks like the card has had home-made repairs done to it and it looked as if it was refurbished somewhere in the chain....he said he wouldn't trust it.  I will keep the accessories it came with and look for a replacement....at least it was only a small monetary loss....it could have been worse. 

 

 

 

Author
Time

The Leadtek uses the Conexant CX2388X chipset, is this worth using?

Author
Time

The CX2388X has a 10-bit ADC (the old BT878 was only 8-bit) so I would say it's definitely worth a go.

Guidelines for post content and general behaviour: read announcement here

Max. allowable image sizes in signatures: reminder here

Author
Time
 (Edited)

ATI TV Wonder HD 550 Elite Card
100-703205 PCI OEM

 

The above card has a 12-bit decoder but I don't know much more about it.  It says it has 2D & 3D Comb Filter, Automatic Gain Control, MPEG-2 Encoding.  Uses ATI's Theater Pro processing from what I can tell.

I really wanted the ATI HD650....I just missed one, got outbid and lost while I was sick....totally sucks because the seller lived close and the card went for under $30.00....I'm so ticked.

LOL

 

Author
Time

ATI TV Wonder HD 650 pci (Digital/Analog) TV Tuner

Well, while getting ready to install the Leadtek card I found the above to replace the damaged one I had.  Got it for a little less but the shipping cost was a little higher.

Anyways, I know Virtualdub seems to be a capture program of choice for a good many enthusiasts here, any other suggestions?

This will take a few days to arrive so I'd like to get prepared.  Any suggestions and what not are always appreciated.

:)

Author
Time

Has anyone ever had a problem with copying a laserdisc using an S-VHS connector and had what looks like waves moving through the picture?

         

 “You people must realize that the public owns you for life, and when you’re dead, you’ll all be in commercials dancing with vacuum cleaners.”

– Homer Simpson

Author
Time

Monroville said:

Has anyone ever had a problem with copying a laserdisc using an S-VHS connector and had what looks like waves moving through the picture?

Sounds like the S-Video connection probably not being the best for video...is there a composite connection on the machine....that might produce better results.

Author
Time

Jetrell Fo said:

ATI TV Wonder HD 650 pci (Digital/Analog) TV Tuner

Well, while getting ready to install the Leadtek card I found the above to replace the damaged one I had.  Got it for a little less but the shipping cost was a little higher.

Anyways, I know Virtualdub seems to be a capture program of choice for a good many enthusiasts here, any other suggestions?

This will take a few days to arrive so I'd like to get prepared.  Any suggestions and what not are always appreciated.

:)

OK, the above capture card has arrived.  What capture software is best suited for a card of this type?  It has a 3D motion adaptive comb filter which I hear is pretty nice.

Thanks