Fluctuating Saturation Level at DVinfo.net

Tim Buege · September 18th, 2003, 03:01 PM

Hi,

I'm trying to capture some live broadcast video to my PC. I have a Matrox RT.X100 Extreme and a Canon GL2.

I've tried a couple different methods. First, I connected my GL2 to the s-video out of my S-VHS VCR, set the channel, and recorded. After capturing the clip, I plugged the GL2 into the RT.X100 via the Firewire port.

Problem: the saturation levels fluctuated. It was particularly noticable in the skin tones.

So, I tried a different method. I plugged the S-VHS VCR directly into the break-out-box of my RT.X100 using the s-video in port, effectively removing the GL2 from the equation.

Problem: the saturation levels still fluctuated, plus the picture was dark and with a overall weak color signal. Adjusting the Proc Amps took card of that, but the saturation fluctuation was still present.

I'm thinking this is a problem with the broadcast signal, and not the RT.X100 or the GL2, but I don't see this problem when watching the show live with my TV plugged into the S-VHS VCR.

Anyone have any ideas here?

Thanks!

Mike Rehmus · September 18th, 2003, 08:45 PM

Possibly a copy protection scheme.

When I used to shove all my inbound video through my Sony SLV-R1000 S-VHS deck, the vido levels would go up and down. When I went through my Sony Home Theater amp, the level jump stopped (but of course it blocks output to the tape deck when the DVD is supplying the signal.

September 18th, 2003, 03:01 PM	#1
Tim Buege Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Maplewood, MN, USA Posts: 62	Fluctuating Saturation Level Hi, I'm trying to capture some live broadcast video to my PC. I have a Matrox RT.X100 Extreme and a Canon GL2. I've tried a couple different methods. First, I connected my GL2 to the s-video out of my S-VHS VCR, set the channel, and recorded. After capturing the clip, I plugged the GL2 into the RT.X100 via the Firewire port. Problem: the saturation levels fluctuated. It was particularly noticable in the skin tones. So, I tried a different method. I plugged the S-VHS VCR directly into the break-out-box of my RT.X100 using the s-video in port, effectively removing the GL2 from the equation. Problem: the saturation levels still fluctuated, plus the picture was dark and with a overall weak color signal. Adjusting the Proc Amps took card of that, but the saturation fluctuation was still present. I'm thinking this is a problem with the broadcast signal, and not the RT.X100 or the GL2, but I don't see this problem when watching the show live with my TV plugged into the S-VHS VCR. Anyone have any ideas here? Thanks! __________________ Tim Buege tjbuegeATvisiDOTcom

September 18th, 2003, 08:45 PM	#2
Mike Rehmus Wrangler Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vallejo, California Posts: 4,049	Possibly a copy protection scheme. When I used to shove all my inbound video through my Sony SLV-R1000 S-VHS deck, the vido levels would go up and down. When I went through my Sony Home Theater amp, the level jump stopped (but of course it blocks output to the tape deck when the DVD is supplying the signal. __________________ Mike Rehmus Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel!