Eliminating noise in VHS to DV conversion

[nanosound]

I was trying to convert VHS playing through my Elura 40MC camera into iMovie which I'd then like to burn as a DVD. I noticed a lot of noise in the clips. Is there a better set-up to reduce video noise, or some kind of software to clean it up?

[crazytom]

Yes, there's a piece of software from Bias, Inc. that will clean it up really well. It's called SoundSoap. They just released their stand alone app (it was a VST plugin). You can find it for $79 at AudioMidi.com (http://www.audiomidi.com) (most places sell it for $99!). To find out more, visit the Bias website. (http://www.bias-inc.com/)

[LethalWolfe]

Originally posted by nanosound
I was trying to convert VHS playing through my Elura 40MC camera into iMovie which I'd then like to burn as a DVD. I noticed a lot of noise in the clips. Is there a better set-up to reduce video noise, or some kind of software to clean it up?

Do the clips have noise in them before you captured them? Unfortunetly VHS is pretty ******* and there isn't much you can do to clean it up.


Lethal

[wuntrikpony]

For video noise(not audio noise) you really cannot do anything. I have done tons of vhs conversion with many different convertors(cameras, a/d boxes) and there is really nothing to do about video noise. It is there to stay. Just always try to get the best quality tape(not some 4th generation piece of trash). Some times if there is a lot of noise at the bottom of the screen in one place you can just crop it out but you cannot "de-noise" your image. Sorry

[nanosound]

Can iMovie crop those edges off or do I need a third-party software?

[wuntrikpony]

I personally have no idea, I don't use the program. I use Final Cut Pro. Anyone else know?

[nanosound]

I'll look into FCP. Thanks for the tips.

[crazytom]

Whoops. Just realized that I was previously posting about audio noise...:o

With FCP you can crop and resize the video. Be forewarned: it will probably take a lot of crunch time!!

Also keep in mind that some noise won't be visible on a regular TV set, there are different tolerances (depending on the TV) for how much 'edge information' is displayed.

[LethalWolfe]

Originally posted by nanosound
I'll look into FCP. Thanks for the tips.

FCP can do it and I'm sure FCE can as well. cropping probably wouldn't be the best idea because then the image won't "fit" the TV screen. To get rid of a line along the edge of an image you'd want to zoom into the image until the bad edge is no longer viewable. Of course zooming into your VHS footage would probably make it look worse than it already does.


Lethal

[DVDSP]

Originally posted by crazytom
Also keep in mind that some noise won't be visible on a regular TV set, there are different tolerances (depending on the TV) for how much 'edge information' is displayed.

Good point. The video you see on your computer monitor will actually show you more than your TV will. TVs lose a little of the picture at the top, bottom and sides and those parts can frequently be noisy.

Is this the noise you are seeing or is it throughout the whole picture? If it's throughout the picture then it is probably there to stay.

[nanosound]

It's throughout. I guess this is not uncommon with VHS tapes. Well, I am probably best off to just run it through iMovie and burn a disc in iDVD. Seems to be the most turnkey for me. Thanks for all the info.