ADVC300 and black & white movies

[chameleonchick]

Hello, I have the ADVC300 on a mac. I have used it for transferring VHS tapes to DVD's. I have had no problems so far until I want to transfer a black and white VHS tape. I have adjusted the brightness, contrast, black expansion, white peak, white step, the 2D, 3D, almost every setting. I get the picture to look good, but it doesn't stay good. The picture comes and goes.

My question would be does anyone know how to help me? Can the 300 handle black & white tapes?

Thank you for your time and help,
Michelle

[GrassValley_BH]

The ADVCs can't handle a true 30 fps monochrome (pre-color TV) signal. But, it's highly unlikely that your signal is really a true monochrome signal, and really a standard 29.97 fps color NTSC signal that happens to not have color.

Is this a commerically-produced tape? If so, it probably is protected by Macrovision.

[chameleonchick]

No this is not a commerically produced tape. The VHS tapes are old 1960's home made movies on VHS tapes, there is even no sound on some of them. How do I know if it is a standard 29.97 fps or a true 30 fps? Also I'm really new to the lingo of video editing and have no idea what you just said. (I have just be transferring VHS, Hi8 and DV movies and adding the effects & transitions with iMovie and iDVD - so simple.) In other words if you answer these questions, could please kindly tell me what it means and what I'm supposed to do?

If these VHS tapes are true monochrome, what video converter would be able to handle the transfer to DVD?

I appreciate your time and help,
Michelle

[GrassValley_BH]

Hi Michelle,

I don't know of an easy way to check the signal - but if you can see it, then it's probably a true monochrome signal, which is a good thing, because the ADVC doesn't like that.

Does the color go in/out when you play it to a TV? Sometimes just plain tape wear will make things go funky.

Does the Status light on the ADVC on?

[chameleonchick]

Well I believe there is a problem with my ADVC300, and perhaps the reason for the problem with the picture coming and going.

I do have a question, should I start a new thread to ask about my new converter problem or should I ask the questions on this thread?

Thank you for your time and help,
Michelle

[GrassValley_KH]

You can start a new thread if you want, but here is fine as well. Have you tried different cables? (Analog/FireWire)

[kallisjaque]

ADVC300 and black & white movies

It is admitted fact that the ADVCs can't handle a true 30-35 fps monochrome signal. but i think you are luck who has good vision on 29..