The original post: /r/datahoarder by /u/QuestionsToAsk57 on 2025-04-19 23:56:00.
Hello!
During the end of last summer, I became interested and then addicted to digitizing VHS, Video8, Hi8, Digital8, and MiniDV video tapes. I worked on this project for a few months then I got burnt out. But recently, I've decided I need to Get Back to digitizing as I have video tapes that are 40+ years old and I don't want anything to happen to them.
Obviously Digital8 and MiniDV are the easiest to digitize, but all the analog tapes are different. BTW, my Digital8 camcorder can play Video8/Hi8 tapes.
This is what I have (using all S-Video):
JVC HR-S35005 to Panasonic DMR-ES15 to Blackmagic Intensity Shuttle to my Windows 10 PC.
I've done a few VHS transfers using Blackmagic's software, YT link here (They are not deinterlaced). How do they look?
The reason why I am posting is that I got lost and then overwhelmed when I started this project. My end goal is to get archival lossless transfers. I would love to post my tapes online but I am worried that I might be not getting the highest quality possible using my setup as I don't really know all of the specifics of everything. I do know that what I am doing is steps head of using a crappy $15 device but I would like feedback and advice.
I was using/mostly learning VirtualDub for my digitizing software but I got all of the settings made me lost what are the most important ones for analog video tapes?
P.S. I know I am ranting a bit here but I'm trying to remember and pick up the pieces that I left 5+ months ago. I've got all the stuff lying around and I went to use them as I spent a few pretty pennies on them lol.