Capture VHS and convert to DVD (DRAFT)

[stmok]

My xorg.conf file.

NOTE: I have enabled Nvidia's new driver enabled desktop effects. (which means you DO NOT use AIGLX or XGL with Beryl 0.20)

As well, this enables TV-out in clone form for Nvidia's TwinView function.

You may have to manually do this because it seems the auto detection only works in NTSC mode for me. (In Australia, we use PAL-B, so I forced it into that mode).

Code: Select all

Section "ServerLayout"
    Identifier     "Xorg Configured"
    Screen      0  "Screen0" 0 0
    InputDevice    "Keyboard0" "CoreKeyboard"
    InputDevice    "PS/2 Mouse" "CorePointer"
    #Option         "AIGLX" "true"
EndSection

Section "Files"

# Additional fonts: Locale, Gimp, TTF...
#   FontPath     "/usr/share/lib/X11/fonts/latin2/75dpi"
#   FontPath     "/usr/share/lib/X11/fonts/latin2/100dpi"
# True type and type1 fonts are also handled via xftlib, see /etc/X11/XftConfig!
    RgbPath         "/usr/share/X11/rgb"
    ModulePath      "/usr/lib/xorg/modules"
    FontPath        "/usr/share/fonts/misc:unscaled"
    FontPath        "/usr/share/fonts/misc"
    FontPath        "/usr/share/fonts/75dpi:unscaled"
    FontPath        "/usr/share/fonts/75dpi"
    FontPath        "/usr/share/fonts/100dpi:unscaled"
    FontPath        "/usr/share/fonts/100dpi"
    FontPath        "/usr/share/fonts/PEX"
    FontPath        "/usr/share/fonts/cyrillic"
    FontPath        "/usr/share/fonts/Type1"
    FontPath        "/usr/share/fonts/ttf/western"
    FontPath        "/usr/share/fonts/ttf/decoratives"
    FontPath        "/usr/share/fonts/truetype"
    FontPath        "/usr/share/fonts/truetype/openoffice"
    FontPath        "/usr/share/fonts/truetype/ttf-bitstream-vera"
    FontPath        "/usr/share/fonts/latex-ttf-fonts"
    FontPath        "/usr/share/fonts/defoma/CID"
    FontPath        "/usr/share/fonts/defoma/TrueType"
EndSection

Section "Module"
    Load           "ddc"  # ddc probing of monitor
    Load           "dbe"
    Load           "extmod"
    Load           "glx"
    Load           "bitmap" # bitmap-fonts
    Load           "type1"
    Load           "freetype"
    Load           "record"
EndSection

Section "ServerFlags"
    Option         "AllowMouseOpenFail" "true"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
    Identifier     "Keyboard0"
    Driver         "keyboard"
    Option         "CoreKeyboard"
    Option         "XkbRules" "xorg"
    Option         "XkbModel" "pc105"
    Option         "XkbLayout" ""
    Option         "XkbVariant" ""
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
    Identifier     "PS/2 Mouse"
    Driver         "mouse"
    Option         "CorePointer"
    Option         "Device" "/dev/input/mice"
    Option         "Protocol" "ExplorerPS/2"
    Option         "Buttons" "5"
    Option         "ButtonMapping" "1 2 3"
    Option         "ZAxisMapping" "4 5"
    Option         "Emulate3Buttons" "false"
EndSection

Section "Monitor"
    Identifier     "Monitor0"
    HorizSync       30.0 - 81.0
    VertRefresh     56.0 - 76.0
    Option         "DPMS" "true"
EndSection

Section "Device"
    Identifier     "Card0"
    Driver         "nvidia"
    VendorName     "All"
    BoardName      "All"
    Option         "TripleBuffer" "True"
    Option         "AddARGBGLXVisuals"
    Option         "TwinView"
    Option         "TwinViewOrientation" "Clone"
    Option         "MetaModes"   "CRT-0: 1024x768,  TV-0: 1024x768"
    Option         "HorizSync"   "CRT-0: 30-81;  TV-0: 30-50"
    Option         "VertRefresh" "CRT-0: 56-76;  TV-0: 60"
    Option         "ConnectedMonitor" "CRT-0, TV-0"
    Option         "TVStandard" "PAL-B"
    Option         "TVOutFormat" "SVIDEO"
EndSection

Section "Screen"
    Identifier     "Screen0"
    Device         "Card0"
    Monitor        "Monitor0"
    DefaultDepth    24
    SubSection     "Display"
        Depth       24
        Modes      "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"
    EndSubSection
    SubSection     "Display"
        Depth       32
        Modes      "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"
    EndSubSection
EndSection

Section "Extensions"
    Option "Composite" "Enable"
EndSection

Haven't resolved the slight tearing issues, but I know its to do with the modeline and refresh rate. I'll tweak it until its right. (I really don't want to spend $200 to $400 on a media server solution if I don't need to).

[stmok]

OK, I think I did it.
(There's one clip that still has re-draw issues, but I think its the clip itself being the issue, because the rest of the series for that clip is fine).

I'm using Nvidia driver 1.0-9755 and Xorg 7.2 under Arch Linux.

Be sure NOT to use Beryl or Nvidia's desktop "eyecandy" features. Keep it simple. (There's a few bugs I've run into with Beryl, I guess I'll wait until ver 0.4 then).

The key thing to have is this in your xorg.conf:
(Remember, my config is CRT monitor to VGA, and TV to S-Video)

Code: Select all

Section "Device"
    Identifier     "Card0"
    Driver         "nvidia"
    VendorName     "All"
    BoardName      "All"
    Option         "TwinView"
    Option         "TwinViewOrientation" "Clone"
    Option         "MetaModes"   "CRT-0: 1024x768,  TV-0: 1024x768"
    Option         "HorizSync"   "CRT-0: 30-81;  TV-0: 30-50"
    Option         "VertRefresh" "CRT-0: 56-76;  TV-0: 60"
    Option         "ConnectedMonitor" "CRT-0, TV-0"
    Option         "TVStandard" "PAL-B"
    Option         "TVOutFormat" "SVIDEO"
EndSection

Once you restart X-server go to NVIDIA X Server Settings, in the section X Screen 0, there is a entry called X Server XVideo Settings, click on that.

Now you see three entries.

(1) Video Texture Adaptor
=> Sync to VBlank
(Make sure this is checked with a tick!)

(2) Video Blitter Adaptor
=> Sync to VBlank
(Make sure this is checked with a tick!)

(3) Sync to this display device
Select => TV-0 (TV-0)

Then click on Quit to save changes.

Now in MPlayer, right-click and select Preferences. Select the Video tab. Select xv in the Available Drivers: section.

Also enable (click on it to see a checkmark to enable)
Enable double buffering, Enable direct rendering and Enable frame dropping.

Select OK, close MPlayer and restart MPlayer.

Everything should now work!

[stmok]

Since people seem interested in capturing stuff to a Linux box...This seems like a good one for Ubuntu users.

Welcome to MythTV
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/MythTV

[stmok]

Looks like TVIX (actually DVICO) have upgraded their "media server" solutions to use the new Sigma Designs EM8623 chip.

TViX HD M-5100SH
http://www.tvix.co.kr/Eng/products/5100sh.aspx

TViX HD M-4100SH
http://www.tvix.co.kr/Eng/products/4100sh.aspx

What does that mean? It means:
* more video and codec support!

Format : .avi, .wmv, .mpg, .iso .vob, .ifo, .mp4, .asf, .tp, .trp, .ts, .m2ts, .mov(H.264)
Video Codec : MPEG 1 / 2 / 4, AVI, XVID, WMV9(MP@HL), H.264, AVC(HD) , VC-1(MP@HL, AP@L3)
Audio Codec : MP3, WMA, AAC, Ogg, PCM, M4A, AC3,FLAC, WAV

* Full HD support
up to 1080P

* Supports SATA HDD

I'm downloading the manuals to both models to see what exactly is the difference between them (aside from the external casing)...They use the same firmware, so I doubt if there is any major difference.

Of course, one wonders if they're still using an embedded version of Linux like the last series...(It looks like they do. The GPL v2 is printed in the end of the manuals! And the fact they mention using NFS and Samba sort of gives clear clues about the product). It shouldn't be too much of a problem for Mac and Linux users. The device also functions as an FTP server. Problem is, you need to format the HDD as NTFS or FAT32.

I may hold out for the HD M-4100SH model...rrp: US$359 or about AUD$438. (And get a 500GB HDD).

[stmok]

This is gonna be my dumping ground for a future article.
The end result is that I am gonna be building a MythTV box in Linux that will pretty much do anything that is needed. (You actually can make MythTV record from VHS to PC by making a few custom mods relating to the EPG).

Let the dumping begin!

Welcome to OzMyth
http://www.ozmyth.com/
Great place for setting up MythTV for Australians.

Crap I need for setting it up with Foxtel Digital. (My one is Optus, but its the same crap).

Configuring Lirc for Foxtel
http://www.ozmyth.com/wiki/Configuring+Lirc+for+Foxtel

Setting up Foxtel Channels in MythTV
http://www.ozmyth.com/wiki/Setting+up+F ... +in+MythTV

Foxtel Digital STU Channel Change
http://www.gossamer-threads.com/lists/m ... ers/160732

LIRC (Linux Infrared Remote Control)
http://www.lirc.org/

Using an IR Blaster with MythTV
http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/index.php/Us ... ith_MythTV
IR-Blaster = IR transmitter for controlling stuff. (VCRs, TV, etc)

LIRC Linux IR Control (Third party article)
http://www.turbobit.com/lirc.html

IR Blaster (blog entry)
http://www.ricecheese.com/Computers/PVR ... fault.aspx
Learn from others.

LIRC irsend to turn on TV
http://mythtv.org/pipermail/mythtv-user ... 65209.html

LIRC's remote codes for various devices (TVs, DVD players, STUs, VCRs, etc)
http://lirc.sourceforge.net/remotes/

The one for Foxtel Digital's regular STU is here.
http://lirc.sourceforge.net/remotes/fox ... _Cable_STB


I needed to buy a SCART switch (manual one) because my wiring arrangement is a bloody mess! You can't get them here in Australia, (which is stupid!), so they must be ordered from Europe, as the SCART standard was born from there. This is the one I've ordered. (It'll be here in about a week or so...Takes about 10 days from UK).



You can order brand new ones from Ebay for about AUD$40 including shipping. This is a Philips Scart Switcher. So search for that in Ebay. You'll be able to find some from various sellers.

Be warned though, there's cheap imitations made by other manufacturers. The difference between this Philips one and others are that the Philips one has a metal chassis, while the others are plastic (which may look and feel cheap). They all function the same way though. (I thought I might as well pick the metal one for an extra $10 or so).

Its important that if you're gonna be using a game console, that you NOT pick those SCART switches that automatically detect the signal for displaying your desired appliance (VCR, DVD, etc). You will run into issues with some of them not being able to detect a console's signalling correctly. (as a result, the switch won't switch over to display the console, and you'll probably see a blank screen!). Better off sticking to manual. (You can get ones with remote controls, but they're too expensive for my tastes).

Remember, when you mess with this stuff, make sure you think about how it effects others! There's nothing more fustrating to anger your wife, girlfriend or family member, because you've screwed something up such that they can't watch TV!

The arrangement with the SCART switcher allows me to screw around without interrupting them.

My overall arrangement will be...

VCR 1 <=> Foxtel STU => SCART Switcher <=> TV.

Scart Switcher
SCART Output = TV
Input C = Foxtel STU
Input B = VCR2
Input A = PC's capture card via S-Video (using SCART to S-Video/RCA adapter)

Because this allows me to record from B to A or C to A. (Note the buttons on the Scart Switcher)
So I can capture from Foxtel STU channels OR VCR.

TV
EXT1 (SCART) = Scart Switcher
EXT2 (SCART/S-Video) = PC's video card TV-Out for viewing.
EXT3 (S-Video) = DVD player

The Foxtel STU also has its own SCART connection for VCR or PVR, so that's where VCR1 goes.

The arrangement also allows me to be a bit more future proof. I can upgrade to HDTV at a later date without screwing around with a new arrangement. (It seems all new HDTVs at the shops, seem have at least one SCART at the back)

[stmok]

The Scart switch has arrived from UK! (Took a week to get here from jolly old England.)
Its about the size of a novel. (Far smaller than the pict I've posted). Its all metal chassis provides a solid and durable feel. It supports RGB on all its Scart connections.

This is my layout.

(No, I didn't use MS Paint...I used a tacky KDE equivalent called KolourPaint. No, it won't win awards, but its enough to get the message across.)

NOTES:
* For those Scart to RCA cables, the RCA are Composite NOT Component.
For the differences, see here:
http://lyberty.com/encyc/articles/svideo.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Composite_video
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Component_video

* The Scart (a) to Computer works by getting a Scart to S-Video/RCA adapter. (Buy it from Jaycar, Dick Smith or Tandy Electronics). It has a IN/OUT switch. Set it to OUT so it sends the audio/video signal to the capture card.

* TV-Out of my video card (PC) connects to TV via S-Video cable. PC's content can be easily viewed by switching to EXT3 on TV. Since...
=> EXT1 (SCART 1)
=> EXT2 (SCART 2)
=> EXT3 (S-Video)

* The Scart switch allows me to record from Scart (c) to Scart (a) OR Scart (b) to Scart (a)

* To record from Foxtel Digital: I can do it via VCR 1 or Computer (With Scart (c) to Scart (a) button pushed down on Scart switch). I no longer need to keep the TV on to record to PC.

* Having VCR 2 here allows me to record to Computer, ie: VHS to DVD. (With Scart (b) to Scart (a) button pushed down on Scart switch). There's no need to turn on the TV to do this anymore. (Old arrangement needed this).


...Next, will be to test a few things to make sure everything works well.


On a side note: If you're really curious, and like Sony TVs and set-top boxes, here's the place to get the source code for their appliances.
=> http://products.sel.sony.com/opensource/