DIY Video Tape Encoding Station
I was sitting in my kitchen looking around for something (I forget what) and saw a pile of VHS tapes that were just getting in the way. The thing about VHS tapes is this, I don’t have a VCR hooked up anymore and to be honest I haven’t had one set up in years. A lot of those tapes I have repurchased on DVD but the majority are still stuck on vinyl.
So in attempt to tidy up I decided to digitize them and move the physical tapes into a box and then into storage at the bottom of the closet.
So the question was how to digitize all this video.
This is one of those time I am glad I have so much gear. I disconnected my Neuros MPEG4 Recorder 2+ from my home theatre and went nosing around and found my old 4Head Hi-Fi VCR. It was a simply matter of connecting the Neuros inputs to the VCR’s output. Now I needed to find a way to display the video from the setup since the Neuros has no buttons on it, and no screen either you NEED a monitor to view the menus to control the whole thing.
I didn’t want to move the setup to one of the TV’s so after looking around I found an old Zenith Xbox 5” LCD. I took out one of my handy mini AV to RCA cables plugged it in and hooked it up. I stacked up the screen and Neuros on top of the VCR and created a standalone VHS to MPEG 4 convertor.
The Neuros records in real time and is actually billed as a digital VCR that uses flash cards that I have in abundance. Basically the operation is as simple as sticking in the tape, turning on the Neuros and Hitting record when the movie starts. The Neuros has a limitation of recording up to 2 hours per file and frankly there should be a firmware update to fix that but apart from that it works perfectly. The standout feature of the Neuros is that it completely ignores Macrovision copy protection. They as a company really believe in Fair Use so I really find them to be a company that gets my support.
I have it setup to record the tapes in 340x240 resolution at superfine quality. The playback looks great and really the 640x480 is kinda overkill for old tapes. Once they are finished recording I just pull the card out stick it into my laptop, rename the files and copy them off the card and start again.
Too easy.
The Setup recording "Natural Born Killers". Gotta love that movie.
An added benefit I hadn't counted on is the fact that MP4 files it creates work perfectly on my Zune. No conversion necessary. Its a beautiful thing, the sync of "Independence Day" Took only a few minutes. This Neuros MP4 Recorder is just getting more and more handy.
Trackbacks
-
1/23/2008 7:54 PM
MAKE: Blog wrote:
Ryan writes in - Here's a video tape encoding station I setup using some old gear I had laying around and a Neuros MP4 Recorder. I'm recording the tapes at 320 x 240 at super fine quality and the...
I don't know what is so profound about this. It looks like someone just hooked up a VCR.
Reply to this
It's not profound, its a convenient reuse of components to make a compact self contained solution for encoding tapes.
It's actually been expanded on, since this was written. I've included a simple RCA switch box, and tossed a small cyberhome DVD player into the mix.
Not everything at recklessphilosophers.com is profound. But it may simply be useful, random, etc. Thanks for your comments nevertheless.
Reply to this
I've been considering getting the Neuros to plough all my tapes and disks and files into one central library. Sounds like you're quite happy with it. Any quibbles or concerns? I know they're working on a PVR function for it. Worth the buy?
Reply to this
Well they have 2 versions. One the Neuros Recorder 2 Plus, is great. But its essentially a digital VCR, the Neuros OSD on the other hand may do timeshifting if thats what your after.
As for am I happy with what I have? The answer is a whole hearted yes. It's very handy and just works. ITs versatile even, I've read about it being used as a recorder for helmet cams and what not.
If I had it to do over again though I would have bought the OSD because from what I've heard its more capable and it can record to USB Hard disks and not just memory cards. With the one I haev I can get about 2 full length movies at 320x240 at Fine or Superfine quality compression.
I got my Neuros for $119 at CompUSA (RIP) on sale and the OSD goes for about $229. Bang for the buck I say go with the Neuros Recorder 2 Plus, for versatility go for the OSD.
Of course I might even recommend them if their product didn't work well just because of their stance on Fair Use and the complete ignoring of Macrovision.
Reply to this
You can find the Neuros OSD for about $180 if you shop around. It is indeed more versatile than the Recorder 2 and will create file of higher quality as well. The bonus with the Neuros OSD is its open source firmware. It also does not have the 2h recording limit the Neuros Recorder 2 has.
If a low cost solution is your priority, the Neuros Recorder 2 will do just fine.
If you look for a more versatile solution, the Neuros OSD is what you want.
Reply to this
I remember seeing the OSD when it first came out and looked interesting but with it looking kinda like a cool beta product I was inclined to steer clear.
The Recorder 2 fulfills my current needs but I do like what I see about the OSD now. I just can't justify its purchase yet without a little hands on.
Of course the lack of limitations of 2 hours and the ability to record to a HD is incredibly appealing. Along with the functionality increasing firmware upgrades it may swing me to try one out.
Reply to this
I use my Aiptek A-HD (US Version) to do essentially the same thing. It has a display so you only need it and the VCR/DVD player. $119 recently at Target.
Reply to this
I have a few pieces of equipment that acts as DVR's with built in screens. One is a Flashtrax XT 40gb, and the other is a VuPoint DV-DA1-VP digital camcorder.
The flaw with the Flaxtrax is it recognizes and honors Macrovision. The camera probably could do it, but since it is my camcorder it generally goes around with me. I don't want it to livein the setup.
Does your Aiptek record Macrovision protected content?
Reply to this
Switch the VCR to TV mode (if it has a tunner) and you get... a TV2MP4 solution... YAY!
Preserve those VHS moments... keep on using your old camera... or plain simple, watch letterman while on the subway.
Nice job!
Reply to this