Why our workflow looks different
The equipment and signal chain matter. Capturing unstable analog video with consumer USB devices often leads to dropped frames, sync issues, and early compression. We stabilize and capture correctly first.
True Capture Workflow 
(Professional, preservation-focused)
Professional Playback Deck (with Line TBC) Full-Frame TBC / Frame Sync Broadcast SDI Capture Path Lossless/Uncompressed Ingest Raw FFV1 Interlaced QTGMC Deinterlacing ⭐ Gold Standard ⭐ ProRes MOV Mezzanine Master MP4 Viewing Copy
Why this matters
- Stable timing before capture
- Cleaner motion and detail
- Preservation-grade master files
- Raw capture for advanced archival needs
Typical Consumer Workflow
(Common low-cost transfer services)
VCR / Camcorder USB Capture Dongle Consumer Software Compressed MP4 File
Common issues
- Dropped or duplicated frames
- Unstable timing and sync
- Poor motion handling
- Compression applied immediately
- No true archival master
Equipment & Signal Chain
Archival-quality results don't come from software alone. They start with stable playback, proper timing correction, and professional capture hardware designed to handle unstable analog signals.
Most transfer services don't list their equipment because it reveals shortcuts. We list ours because archival work demands transparency.
Time Base Correction & Capture
Leitch DPS-575
Broadcast-grade frame synchronizer / full-frame TBC
Blackmagic Decklink 4K Duo
Professional Broadcast SDI PCIe capture
QTGMC Deinterlacing
Preservation-grade motion-compensated deinterlacing
Playback & Source Control
JVC SR-VS30U
Professional S-VHS VCR with built-in Line TBC
JVC HR-V10U
Prosumer S-VHS VCR with Line TBC
Sony DCR-TRV330
Digital8 camcorder with Line TBC (Video8/Hi8/Digital8/MiniDV)