Imported A/D Video Cleanup

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Imported A/D Video Cleanup

I'm sure there are many folks out there that have (or will, or are) converted their home movies from obsolete analog formats to digital. I am halfway through the process, having run my old video tapes through an A/D converter onto RW DVDs several years ago. Now I'd like to clean up those videos by removing artifacts, reducing shakiness, increasing low resolution, improving the audio clarity, etc., then store them on my home server so the family can actually enjoy them. My question is: can anyone recommend software to do the cleanup? I'd prefer to stick with Mac software, but at this point I will even consider purchasing a *gasp* Windows machine if I must. Unfortunately, every software company out there touts their product as the best thing in the world, which is generally so much marketing hype. I'm asking for experiences that might point me toward which application(s) can actually perform. Anyone?

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 14.3

Posted on Feb 22, 2024 6:49 AM

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Answer 1

Feb 23, 2024 1:48 AM in response to NewNurse57

Ideally you should convert your tapes again as they should be of slightly higher quality than a DVD.

I have converted old tapes and am appalled at their low quality compared with the hi-def we are now accustomed to. At the time, we thought they were OK as they were all we had.

Whether it is worth trying to "improve" them is another matter.

There are expensive AI systems that claim to clean them up but the advantages seem to be marginal and it takes a huge amount of computing power and time to do it.

Realistically you are the only one who is bothered about quality . . . the rest of the family and friends will be more than satisfied if they can recognise a shaky soft focus image of uncle Bill pottering on the beach.

In short, I have come to the conclusion that it's not worth the effort.

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Answer 2

NewNurse57 Author

Level 1

5 points

Feb 23, 2024 9:00 AM in response to Ian R. Brown

Unfortunately, both of my Sony miniDV cams are dead, as well as the old Sunpak 8mm, so I can’t access the original tapes. My intent was to capture the original digital footage directly into my storage drive, but without the cameras or a tape player that’s not possible. I’m scrounging around family members closets for old cameras since I’ve been unable to find an online source that I can both afford and trust. Some of the DVDs are useable as is, but some really need help (8mm film to VHS to DVD). I’ve tried one of the “AI” software products, with exactly the results you noted: slow and a barely noticeable improvement in resolution. Frustrating.

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Answer 3

Feb 23, 2024 10:46 AM in response to NewNurse57

The only advice I can give you is what I have given to myself . . . accept the videos for what they are, a relic of a bygone time. Be thankful that you have a record and don't beat yourself up about the quality.

I cringe when I look at some of my Super 8 cine transfers but my family don't seem to bother.

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Imported A/D Video Cleanup

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