Which ATI SD capture device is best?

Summary

In this video, the creator tests three ATI capture devices by using a poor-quality VHS tape on a Sony VHS player. The devices are compared based on their ability to handle the tape, with the ATI 600 emerging as the best in managing visual issues like tearing and flagging. A mini DV camcorder is also tested, proving effective due to its line TBC. The creator explores various workflows, concluding that the MiniDV method fixes visual issues while offering similar results to ATI devices. The video hints at future tests, especially for audio-video synchronization.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video compares three ATI capture devices, testing their ability to handle a problematic VHS tape.
• 😀 The ATI USB 2.0 N has the older Theater 200 chip, which some consider superior to newer versions.
• 😀 Using a regular Sony VHS player without a line TBC results in unacceptable video quality, showing tearing and flagging issues.
• 😀 The Panasonic ES15, in pass-through mode, is introduced into the workflow to fix tearing and flagging issues on VHS tapes.
• 😀 The ATI All-In-Wonder 9600 XT slightly improves video quality compared to the ATI USB 2.0 N but still struggles without line TBC.
• 😀 The ATI 600 is the most effective of the ATI devices tested, as it fixes tearing and flagging without needing additional equipment.
• 😀 The MiniDV camcorder, which has its own line TBC, also handles the problematic VHS tape effectively, correcting the visual issues.
• 😀 When connected directly to a Sony CRT television, the Sony VHS player provides a much better image quality because CRTs are better at syncing with analog signals.
• 😀 The ATI USB 2.0 N was the worst in terms of handling the bad VHS tape, while the ATI 600 and MiniDV camcorder provided the best results.
• 😀 While the ATI capture devices may yield slightly better images, the MiniDV camcorder method is cheaper, effective, and fixes flagging issues more thoroughly.
• 😀 Future tests will focus on audio/video synchronization in the VHS to MiniDV workflow, as this could be a key factor in choosing the best method.

Q & A

What was the purpose of the comparison video?

The purpose of the comparison video was to evaluate the performance of three ATI capture devices while handling a bad VHS tape, and to see how each device fared with the task. The test also compared a mini DV camcorder's performance.

What was the significance of using the Panasonic ES15 in pass-through mode?

The Panasonic ES15 was used in pass-through mode to eliminate tearing and flagging issues in the VHS tape, as the regular VHS player lacked a line TBC (Time Base Corrector), which caused visual problems.

How did the ATI USB 2.0 N perform in handling the VHS tape?

The ATI USB 2.0 N had significant difficulty handling the bad VHS tape, as it produced unwatchable footage without the addition of a line TBC like the Panasonic ES15.

How did the ATI All-in-Wonder 9600 XT compare to the ATI USB 2.0 N?

The ATI All-in-Wonder 9600 XT was a slight improvement over the ATI USB 2.0 N, but still struggled with the VHS tape. It was better, but still unwatchable without a line TBC.

What was unique about the ATI 600's performance with the bad VHS tape?

The ATI 600 stood out as it handled the VHS tape remarkably well, automatically fixing tearing and flagging issues without the need for a line TBC, which was unexpected and impressive.

How did the mini DV camcorder perform in comparison to the ATI capture devices?

The mini DV camcorder, with its built-in line TBC, handled the bad VHS tape effectively, fixing many of the visual issues, similar to the ATI 600. The camcorder was a good alternative for handling bad VHS tapes.

What was the role of the Sony CRT television in the test?

The Sony CRT television played a role in improving the visual quality when directly connected to the VHS player, as CRTs are designed to sync well with analog signals, resulting in a more stable and watchable image.

Which ATI capture device performed the best in the test?

The ATI 600 performed the best in handling the bad VHS tape, automatically fixing the visual issues without needing any additional equipment like the Panasonic ES15.

What was the conclusion regarding the mini DV camcorder versus the ATI 600 for VHS capture?

While the ATI 600 and the mini DV camcorder produced similar visual results, the mini DV method had the advantage of fully correcting flagging issues. However, both methods provided comparable quality overall.

What future test is planned to evaluate the VHS to MiniDV workflow?

A future test will evaluate the VHS to MiniDV workflow, focusing on whether it can maintain proper audio and video synchronization after capturing an hour of video, which is a key concern for this method.