@Celiecinema1 If you mean encoding a digital audio/video stream, then yes I think so. Using a highly efficient data compression scheme such as MPEG4 and a multilevel modulation scheme, it should be possible to make fully digital VHS.
It should be possible if I use a SVHS deck and perhaps write the digital data direct to tape using biphase mark encoding...ie bypass all the video circuits and write to tape direct. That would require getting tinto the guts of the deck though.
@bruno70 Right now it's coded for PAL operation.This allows me to record at 44.1kHz. This is unfortunately not the final version.Other commitments keep me from finishing it. Visit my site for more info
@albertusj For sure it's not an easy task, You have made an amazing project. I remember the Sony PCM-501 also gives droputs when used with VHS, S-VHS gives better error correction. It would be interesting if there is a PCM-WAV to interlaced DV video software converter to do tests of decoding only, this to bypass the real time CD via spdif encoding.
@bruno70 The dropouts are caused by buffer under/overruns caused by mismatched playback clocks I haven't been able to fix yet. Right now my PCM processor isn't compatible with the Sony offerings mostly because I have no 501 encoded material to work on.I have the PCM-F1 specs from books and patents, but no ACTUAL tape to test. Thank you for your interest.
@BlueNeon81 Unfortunately my encoding scheme isn't directly compatible with PCM501ES. If you have a tape that needs to be transferred, I have a friend in Japan that may be able to help....
VHS Hi-FI stereo is still analog FM modulated audio. It's "near" CD quality. The point here wasn't to add digital audio to video, but rather to use the VHS tape as a digital data storage medium.
I'm not entirely sure what you mean? VHS tapes store analog video and analog Hi-Fi sound. This method uses the available video storage space to store digital sound instead. This effectively turns a VHS recorder into a DAT recorder. CDs were mastered for years using U-matic video tape and devices similar to the one I constructed. Look up Sony PCM-1 and PCM-F1 also Sony 1630.
Using a PCM adapter to record digital audio to VHS tape as opposed to using the analog Hi-Fi tracks on the tape will bring about ~10dB improvement in dynamic range as well as a reduction in wow and flutter. Yes, It'll sound better.
To transfer from VHS digital to CD one would need the adapter. The adapter is required to extract the PCM audio from the video signal. The adapter has a SPDIF output enabling you to dump the audio data to computer or whatever.
Since each video field on tape stores a certain number of samples, and each frame is made up of two fields, I guess you could say there are audio frames being used. The audio is stored where the video would have been.
what song was used there?
billthejanitor 6 days ago
@billthejanitor "Take Back the City" is a song from alternative rock band Snow Patrol's fifth album - Wikipedia
albertusj 6 days ago
Can this be done with video as well?
Celiecinema1 3 months ago
@Celiecinema1 If you mean encoding a digital audio/video stream, then yes I think so. Using a highly efficient data compression scheme such as MPEG4 and a multilevel modulation scheme, it should be possible to make fully digital VHS.
albertusj 3 months ago
It should be possible if I use a SVHS deck and perhaps write the digital data direct to tape using biphase mark encoding...ie bypass all the video circuits and write to tape direct. That would require getting tinto the guts of the deck though.
albertusj 1 year ago
Is this 24 bit audio and can you make a multitrack or a Dolby Digital version of this thing?
bumtownv2 1 year ago
Nice Work! a DIY PCM adapter. It's only PAL or can work with NTSC signals?
bruno70 1 year ago
@bruno70 Right now it's coded for PAL operation.This allows me to record at 44.1kHz. This is unfortunately not the final version.Other commitments keep me from finishing it. Visit my site for more info
albertusj 1 year ago
@albertusj For sure it's not an easy task, You have made an amazing project. I remember the Sony PCM-501 also gives droputs when used with VHS, S-VHS gives better error correction. It would be interesting if there is a PCM-WAV to interlaced DV video software converter to do tests of decoding only, this to bypass the real time CD via spdif encoding.
bruno70 1 year ago
@bruno70 The dropouts are caused by buffer under/overruns caused by mismatched playback clocks I haven't been able to fix yet. Right now my PCM processor isn't compatible with the Sony offerings mostly because I have no 501 encoded material to work on.I have the PCM-F1 specs from books and patents, but no ACTUAL tape to test. Thank you for your interest.
albertusj 1 year ago
@albertusj Is it possible to send you a VHS PAL encoded with PCM 501 ES? :)
BlueNeon81 6 months ago
@albertusj Is it possible to send you a VHS PAL encoded with PCM 501 ES? :)
BlueNeon81 6 months ago
@BlueNeon81 Unfortunately my encoding scheme isn't directly compatible with PCM501ES. If you have a tape that needs to be transferred, I have a friend in Japan that may be able to help....
albertusj 6 months ago
Nice, but rather pointless, since VHS Hi-Fi Stereo is already CD quality.
vwestlife 2 years ago
VHS Hi-FI stereo is still analog FM modulated audio. It's "near" CD quality. The point here wasn't to add digital audio to video, but rather to use the VHS tape as a digital data storage medium.
albertusj 2 years ago
In the 1990s there were some companies which sold interfaces to hook up your VCR to your computer and use it as a file backup device.
vwestlife 2 years ago
That's right it was called "Backer".
albertusj 2 years ago
So whats the point why not just connect straight to the RCA jacks.
Does this process make it sound more true to the digital signal?
icecoldcity 2 years ago
I'm not entirely sure what you mean? VHS tapes store analog video and analog Hi-Fi sound. This method uses the available video storage space to store digital sound instead. This effectively turns a VHS recorder into a DAT recorder. CDs were mastered for years using U-matic video tape and devices similar to the one I constructed. Look up Sony PCM-1 and PCM-F1 also Sony 1630.
albertusj 2 years ago
So tell me what does it matter that the audio is digital? Does it sound better that way?
Yo know like say I wanna hook my computer into my VCRrecorder right. I just straight connect my RCA jacks from my VCR to PC.
so whats the difference?
Does the recording sound any better with or without the PCM converter?
icecoldcity 2 years ago
Using a PCM adapter to record digital audio to VHS tape as opposed to using the analog Hi-Fi tracks on the tape will bring about ~10dB improvement in dynamic range as well as a reduction in wow and flutter. Yes, It'll sound better.
albertusj 2 years ago
oh one more thing so if I want to transfer what I recorded on VHS Tape onto a CD do I still have to Use The Adapter or will I not need it for that.
Like once the signal is recorded on VHS digital.
Do I have to use the adapter to transfer recording to maybe my computer or my stand-a-lone cd burner?
icecoldcity 2 years ago
To transfer from VHS digital to CD one would need the adapter. The adapter is required to extract the PCM audio from the video signal. The adapter has a SPDIF output enabling you to dump the audio data to computer or whatever.
albertusj 2 years ago
Since each video field on tape stores a certain number of samples, and each frame is made up of two fields, I guess you could say there are audio frames being used. The audio is stored where the video would have been.
albertusj 2 years ago
Very impressive. I've heard they do something similar with cinema sound.
Does this mean that there is such a thing as audio frames in digital audio?
bumtownv2 2 years ago