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TV CAPTURE CARDS FAQ

I cannot get channel xx on my TV Tuner Card/Box

Always use an external aerial for best reception. Digital TV requires a 100% signal.

Unlike Analog, where if the signal is poor, you would just end up with a poor picture. With Digital if the signal is not 100% then you get nothing at all. There are no in betweens with digital.

If you get some stations and not others, it is a clear indication that the signal is not 100%
Check & possibly redirect your outside aerial for better reception. Check all cables.

I can hear the Audio but I cannot record it.

TV/Capture Cards DO NOT produce Audio at all. They rely on your computers sound card (separate sound card or onboard sound).

If you are recording from your VHS Player, Camcorder etc, the best way to hook up your audio is directly from your players audio (red & white plugs) to your computers Sound Card input (blue 3.5mm socket) We supply these cables with most of our TV/Capture cards. (see picture below)

Make certain LINE-IN in the recording console is switched ON: Find your volume control (speaker icon) in the system tray (bottom right) and double click to open it. Select OPTIONS then PROPERTIES, Check RECORDING and click on OK. The Recording console should now appear. Select LINE-IN and make certain the volume is up. (pictured right)

In your capturing software, make certain Line-In is selected for recording.

What is the best way to hook up my VHS Player, Camcorder etc for recording?

With most of our TV/Capture cards we supply all the necessary cables.

Your VHS Player/Camcorder should have 3 RCA Outputs.

The Yellow one is for VIDEO and the Red & White ones are for Audio (stereo).

Use one RCA cable to connect from the Yellow Output to the Yellow Input of the capture card.

Use the RCA/3.5mm cable to connect from the Audio Output (Red & White) of your unit to the computers Sound Input. Use the above picture for reference.

When I record Video the result is a very jerky/out-of-sync picture.

Capturing Video to your computer will rely on the speed of your computer. The best way to determine the appropriate capturing rate for your computer is to start at the very lowest rate and work your way up. Start with MPEG 1, VCD quality (352x288 @1150kpbs) and work your way up from there.

What is the best format to capture in?

The best format that would suit most standalone DVD players is MPEG2.

Most DVD Players will also play MPEG1 files in most formats, ie VCD XVCD etc

How do I burn the files to DVD so my standalone DVD player will play them?

The easiest way is to simply create a DATA DISK in your Burning program (ie NERO etc) and burn the files directly to the DVD (you will need to finalise the disc). You can, however use Authoring Software that will allow you to create a normal DVD with Chapters etc.

I am having trouble installing the TV card

Make certain that you do not have a previous installation of another TV Capture card on your system. This can create a software conflict. Make certain all your software , like XP and drivers for your motherboard & soundcard are all up to date. Please visit the appropriate manufacturers website for updated drivers and software.

I cannot get a TV Picture at all, it is fuzzy/all black

Make certain you have set the unit to PAL or PAL/BG (Not NTSC)

I get a clear picture when I am viewing my Video Tape but it goes all black when I record.

This is caused when trying to record a Video Tape with Copy Protection on it.

What are Standard Definition (SD) pictures?
SD picture quality is superior to that obtained from analog 4:3 sets, and is 'ghost free' and in widescreen format.
The SD picture resolution is 576 lines x 720 pixels @ 50Hz interlaced (576i).
The Federal Government requires broadcasters to provide a digital SD signal at all times, even when HD programs are being broadcast. This is to ensure that viewers with Standard Definition receivers will always be able to receive a digital television service even when the higher quality HD television signal is being transmitted.

What are High Definition (HD) pictures?
HD pictures have image resolution which is superior to SD pictures and to the existing analog, with up to six times the improvement in detail.
The minimum HD picture resolution is be 576 lines x 720 pixels @ 50Hz progressive (576p).
This means that the benefits of HD pictures are particularly noticeable on larger screen sets and when using projection equipment.
HD pictures are also ghost free and in widescreen format. When viewed on an HDTV screen the viewer can enjoy cinema-quality viewing with Dolby surround sound.

For more information on this and many other topics please visit www.videohelp.com