====== VHS ======

**Note:** The notes below are not the easiest way to rip VHS tapes. I found a great solution that still works to this day, and I wrote an entire blog post about it: [[https://wonkabar.org/ripping-vhs/]]

=== archives: VHS to DVD conversion ===

VHS to DVD conversion

The best way I've found to do this is by using MythTV to record, since 
the PVR-500 provides the best picture on a component input.  My VCR 
won't work with coaxial out.  The sound and picture look pretty good, 
though.

To record in Myth, just unplug the coax cable from the IVTV card so that 
the component is the only input.  Myth will detect the input stream 
fine, and use that when you go to Watch TV.

Star the VHS tape.  Hit 'r' to start recording, and exit out.  Go to the 
Watch Recordings page and edit the entry so that it won't flag for 
commercials or transcode.  Myth will record it as whatever title is set 
for the program guide for that show.

You also need to tell it to extend the recording past the normal end 
rate so it doesn't stop.  Arrow over in the menu so you have the 'Stop 
Recording' option available -- there is a bug if the recording goes past 
the program guide time, it will remove that menu option if you aren't 
already in there.

Once the VCR tape stops, stop the recording in myth.

Copy the .mpg file over, and create a DVD compat file.

First, though, find the cropping values you need and the start and end 
positions.

<code>
mencoder -profile dvd VHS.mpg -o VHS.dvd.mpg -vf crop=x:y:x:y -ss 8 -endpos 8040
</code>

Next, do an MPEG4 for personal archives.  Be sure to always use -profile 
first, and override with options afterwards.  The audio will already be 
MP3, so copying is fine.

Deinterlace the video as well.

<code>
mencoder -profile divx VHS.mpg -o VHS.divx.avi -vf softskip,pullup,crop=x:y:x:y -ss 8 -endpos 8040 -oac copy
</code>

Finally, make a Matroska file.  Put the aspect-ratio option first so it 
accepts it correctly.

<code>
mkvmerge --aspect-ratio 0:4/3 VHS.divx.avi -o VHS.mkv --title 'VHS Movie'
</code>