Capture show a couple of seconds then blue screen

Baldrick wrote on 6/17/2024, 5:59 AM

Hi there

Wondering if anyone here can help/advise re. a problem I have just run into?

I have recently & successfully managed to transfer three VHS videos to my computer after sorting out video grabber-related driver issues.

But when I come to try the fourth one when I start the transfer process all I see in the monitoring window after the first 2-3 seconds of the video display is a blue screen. The tape is still playing, and indeed if I stop the tape and the restart it playing I again see 2-3 seconds of the video and then the blue screen returns. I have tried all of the tapes that I am looking to transfer, including the three already transferred...and they all exhibit the same symptoms.😢

The computer I am using is Win 11, I have version 6 of Video Easy installed, the relevant drivers are:

Conexant
MAGIX Video converter 3
7.0.122.72, 6-8-2015

What I see when I select the source is 'Magix Video Converter 3 (USB-DShow)'; on the three previous captures I do not recall there being '(USB-DShow)' appended to the 'Magix Video Converter 3'...but that may just be me.

However, when I look in the Advanced View, rather than Simple View, option I see that there are also 'Magix Video Converter 3' & 'Magix Video Converter 3 (WDM)' listed under the Audio Source option.

So I am just wondering if something has gotten confused or screwed up...somehow.

For completeness; I an using Composite rather than S-video for the transfer & I have uninstalled, rebooted & then re-installed the software...but that does not appear to have helped with the issue.

I am hoping that one of the more learned members can assist in getting this resolved.

Many thanks in anticipation,

Baldrick

Comments

AAProds wrote on 6/17/2024, 9:07 PM

@Baldrick

I have recently & successfully managed to transfer three VHS videos to my computer

I have tried all of the tapes that I am looking to transfer, including the three already transferred...and they all exhibit the same symptoms.

Probably dirty video heads. The blue screen is a classic sign of signal dropout. Since the setup worked for your first three tapes but now doesn't, I'd say it's the heads.

Cleaning the heads is fairly straightforward. Go to 12voltvids' You Tube channel watch his . Use plain paper (NOT chamois or cotton buds of any type!) and Isopropyl alcohol (99%) from your hardware store.

johnebaker wrote on 6/18/2024, 3:43 AM

@Baldrick

In addition to @AAProds comment does the tape play OK when the player is connected to a TV and viewed?

If it is the heads that are dirty and you have a more tapes to capture I would suggest you use a video head cleaning tape after the 'deep clean' suggested by Al, the tapes may be deteriorating and shedding particles of the coating.

John EB
Forum Moderator

AAProds wrote on 6/18/2024, 3:48 AM

@Baldrick @johnebaker

does the tape play OK when the player is connected to a TV and viewed?

Digitisers tend to be a bit less sensitive than TVs so they may konk out/go bluescreen, while the TV still shows a picture.

Baldrick wrote on 6/18/2024, 4:45 PM

Hi AAProds

Hope that you are well?

Thanks for the response, and the information. I will look to apply the 'deep clean' to my VCR tomorrow...fingers crossed.

Hi johnebaker

Hope that you are well also?

I have been using an Allsop 3 VCR Head Cleaning system before attempting to grab each tape, and will continue to do so once I have tried AAProds recommendation.

But given this I am wondering if it is actually the head that is an issue rather than it being dirty? But, hey ho, if once does not try then one will not know. Will post back once I have delved into the bowels of my machine.

Kind regards, Baldrick

AAProds wrote on 6/18/2024, 7:56 PM

@Baldrick

Don't over-do those headcleaning tapes; they're abrasive and will wear your heads away if used excessively.

Baldrick wrote on 6/19/2024, 3:01 AM

Hi AAProds

Thanks for the warning. Duly noted.

Regards, Baldrick

Baldrick wrote on 6/20/2024, 5:43 AM

Hi AAProds/johnebaker

Well, the results are in and...unfortunately...no change after following the advice...i.e., " I start the transfer process all I see in the monitoring window after the first 2-3 seconds of the video display is a blue screen. The tape is still playing, and indeed if I stop the tape and the restart it playing I again see 2-3 seconds of the video and then the blue screen returns."

So all I can surmise is that the video heads are at fault, dirt does not seem to be the culprit & I am probably looking at getting a replacement player...which is a shame as the current one was rather good.

Thanks for your assistance in this matter.

Regards, Baldrick