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FilmFix
226 W. Ojai Ave., Ste 101 #455 Ojai, CA 93023 Phone: (805) 640-8883
"Magic Cords" - Do They Work?These video transfer cords hit the market, and people started digitizing their tapes at home. However, it seems people are not getting satisfying results with these things. It appears that it is probably not capturing true "S-Video quality" analog signal to digital. Perhaps, it is instead using a little trick of utilizing the signal from pin 2 and 3 of the 4 pin mini-Dim plug (wiki info on S-Video) to "capture" a less colorful and softer looking video image. These days specs are hard to read and sometimes difficult to trust. There is a reason why we do NOT use any of this here at FilmFix -- we stick with what we know for a fact works exceedingly well! If you already have a so-called Magic cord with converter like this, and are intent on using it, it would be good to jump down to our "Set-up Check List."
Diamond VC500 available here at B&H for less than $36.00, but before you buy, it's good to know its limitations. The Diamond VC500 specs say ...."Video Capture Formats: MPEG 4, MPEG" and "(600 MB to 3GB required for 1 hour of recording)". The upshot is: You will be capturing a highly compressed video, because a standard quality video file uses about 13GB for 1 hour of recording -- not merely their advertised 600MG - 3GB. Sure, using their cord you'll end up having the convenient MP4 file, but later if you want to upscale your video to 1080, it won't work. It will just look muddy and unsatisfying. This is why we don't use this type of "magic cord." It's advised to do your research and read other's reviews -- available online. Sure, it's easy to set up -- but user beware!
Video decks and cameras normally provide a video-out connection. Only a few higher-end units provide you with an additional S-Video connection. Please make sure to NOT use the yellow connection for the video signal, but instead use the S-Video mini-Dim plug. You will be able to get an image using the yellow plug, but it is a substandard, much lower quality image.
A clean S-Video signal "is king." If your unit only has a yellow RCA plug, consider using a different unit that has an S-Video plug. It really makes a difference! You may want to try your luck on eBay for a unit that is in good shape and which provides you with an S-Video port. Don't be fooled by this adapter cord
Our advice: Do not use one of these converter plugs. They will not bump up the image quality, they will only bump it down. What we use at FilmFix:
We use professional decks that offer S-Video signal in and FireWire out (a.k.a. IEEE 1394.) And, we go from FireWire out straight into our computer to produce the best quality recordings possible.
The magic really starts to happen when we start up-scaling the captured material to 1080 HD. Here is a link to our do-it-yourself blog post on how to go about that. Set-up Check List
Stay digital if it is already digitalMini-DV and Digital-8 tapes hold digital data. If you have Mini-DV tapes or Digital-8 tapes, please do not use the above discussed "analog" magic cord. Instead, stay "digital" by using a fire-wire connection to your computer.
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