Help : AmaRecTV with Dazzle

Edit history:

Xelna: 2013-09-01 04:58:41 pm

Xelna: 2013-09-01 04:58:23 pm

2013-09-01 04:43:29 pm

I've just downloaded AmaRecTV 2.10b and installed the live application (live_setup115b_en). My capture card is a Dazzle. I plug all the cables and everything the way they're supposed to be. When I open the AmaRecTV configuration window and go to Graph1(Device) page, under Video Capture Device, it only shows ''AmaRec video capture''. The Dazzle capture device is not there. It's as if my computer doesn't recognize it or something. Any suggestion? Also, upon clicking the .exe file, it says this : syntax error ''auto_deint.ini 15 line'' and a bunch of numbers that, I guess, are related to resolution and FPS (like 1280 720 59.94 and so on), then ''Video Capture Software not found''. Any suggestion?

In the readme file, it says the following 2 are required : AMV Video Codec Ver3.00h and DirectX run time. I looked up for the first, and it costs $20 USD. Is it really required? Is any of the 2 required? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

PS : I'm trying to record/stream SNES/N64 games, if that can help.

Thread title:

I've just downloaded AmaRecTV 2.10b and installed the live application (live_setup115b_en). My capture card is a Dazzle. I plug all the cables and everything the way they're supposed to be. When I open the AmaRecTV configuration window and go to Graph1(Device) page, under Video Capture Device, it only shows ''AmaRec video capture''. The Dazzle capture device is not there. It's as if my computer doesn't recognize it or something. Any suggestion? Also, upon clicking the .exe file, it says this : syntax error ''auto_deint.ini 15 line'' and a bunch of numbers that, I guess, are related to resolution and FPS (like 1280  720   59.94 and so on), then ''Video Capture Software not found''. Any suggestion?

In the readme file, it says the following 2 are required : AMV Video Codec Ver3.00h and DirectX run time. I looked up for the first, and it costs $20 USD. Is it really required? Is any of the 2 required? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

PS : I'm trying to record/stream SNES/N64 games, if that can help.

honorableJay

2013-09-01 10:52:35 pm

The Dork Knight himself.

First, verify that your Dazzle is actually working. Load up the Pinnacle software and see if you get video/audio from it.

Next, swing over to the AmarecTv page and grab the latest version (2.31). The Live component had to be updated along with that release, so make sure you install that too.

The Amarec codec is not required to record, so you can ignore that. A few alternatives are Lagarith and Huffyuv. Once a codec is installed in your system, on the Recording tab you can click on "Update Codec List" to choose the preferred video codec. Lagarith will show up as LAGS and Huffyuv should show up with Huff somewhere in it's name (been a while since I've used it and it's no longer installed on my system).

Directx should be installed fine, so that shouldn't be an issue. As for the syntax issue, I believe that has something to do with running a non-English language in Windows. Can you list what your system specs are along with your version of Windows?

First, verify that your Dazzle is actually working. Load up the Pinnacle software and see if you get video/audio from it.

Next, swing over to the [url=http://www.amarectv.com/english/amarectv_e.htm]AmarecTv[/url] page and grab the latest version (2.31). The Live component had to be updated along with that release, so make sure you install that too.

The Amarec codec is not required to record, so you can ignore that. A few alternatives are [url=http://lags.leetcode.net/codec.html]Lagarith[/url] and [url=http://www.free-codecs.com/download/huffyuv.htm]Huffyuv[/url]. Once a codec is installed in your system, on the Recording tab you can click on "Update Codec List" to choose the preferred video codec. Lagarith will show up as LAGS and Huffyuv should show up with Huff somewhere in it's name (been a while since I've used it and it's no longer installed on my system).

Directx should be installed fine, so that shouldn't be an issue. As for the syntax issue, I believe that has something to do with running a non-English language in Windows. Can you list what your system specs are along with your version of Windows?

Xelna

2013-09-02 09:34:04 am

Intel i5 3.20 ghz
16 gb RAM
Windows 7 64-bits
GeForce GTX 670 graphic card

honorableJay

2013-09-02 05:33:56 pm

The Dork Knight himself.

Did you get to confirm that the Dazzle is working properly before trying Amarec 2.31?

Xelna

2013-09-06 08:04:34 pm

Sorry for the very late response, not at home during the weeks. (I'll edit this post as I go)

I installed Pinnacle Studio and I get the video & audio just right. So the Dazzle is indeed working.

Now I'm going to DL the latest AmaRec (2.31)

Xelna

Edit history:

Xelna: 2013-09-06 10:42:36 pm

Xelna: 2013-09-06 09:24:55 pm

2013-09-06 09:23:14 pm

I apologize for the double post, I forgot to log in the first time so I can't edit the post above. Silly me.

Anyways, I downloaded AmaRec 2.31 after testing the Dazzle with Pinnacle. And now it works on AmaRec. I can actually select the dazzle as the video capture device. This option wouldn't be there before. I don't know why. I think it's because I installed some drivers I needed that came with Pinnacle...

Another question : When I go in OBS and click ''Start Streaming'' or ''Preview Stream'', it only shows a black screen. My AmaRecTV is opened and I can see video/audio from it. But not from OBS. What's wrong? I checked the ''Enable Live'' feature and it still won't work.

DJS

2013-09-07 02:52:47 am

torch slug since 2006

might be a stupid suggestion, but did you add the amarec live video capture device to your scene in obs?

honorableJay

2013-09-07 12:52:18 pm

The Dork Knight himself.

Remember that Amarec 2.31 uses a different version of Live than the older Amarec you started with, so you'll have to install the Live feature again before you can use it properly.

Xelna

Edit history:

Xelna: 2013-09-07 01:35:29 pm

2013-09-07 01:19:37 pm

Well, your stupid suggestion ended up being the solution, so it wasn't stupid at all! Thanks!

One last thing before I stop bugging you guys with my problems. There are some black bars around the video and it is kind of ugly. The resolution I'm using is 640x480 4:3 (SNES game). Any tip? Also, the audio output seems to be a bit off pitch in AmaRecTV and it kind of sounds silly... Is there something to check/select in AmaRec or OBS?

Thanks again to you 2, it's been very helpful!

DJS

2013-09-07 02:33:21 pm

torch slug since 2006

in obs, you can select the scene, then hold down the left alt button and drag the edges of the source, to crop it.

honorableJay

2013-09-07 04:51:40 pm

The Dork Knight himself.

Not sure what is causing the audio to be off-pitch, maybe it's the audio recording settings in Amarec? What do you have chosen for the audio input in the Device tab?

Xelna

2013-09-08 01:04:10 pm

The Dazzle is selected for both video/audio. Input is composite. And the small dropdown bar called ''audio input'', I left it blank, as in, nothing selected.

honorableJay

2013-09-08 02:36:11 pm

The Dork Knight himself.

No no, I mean what do you have set for audio capture settings? 48000hz 16bit stereo or something else?

JonIIDX

2013-09-08 08:26:09 pm

I just downloaded the latest version of Amarec, but when I try to start the program it gives me two error messages about trying to use an OS higher than Vista (I am on Windows 7), says that it requires version 3.00 or higher of the Amarec decoder on the website that costs 20 dollars, asks me if I want to go to their webpage to buy it, I say no, and the program closes.

Is there something I am doing wrong...?

honorableJay

2013-09-08 08:44:18 pm

The Dork Knight himself.

Can you give me some extra info?

1. Where is it installed
2. Are you running it as Admin
3. Have you tried clicking yes to go to the website then simply closing your browser

Also, grab some screenshots of the error messages. I'm running Win7 Pro x64 and have no problems with Amarec, so it's probably a small issue stopping it from loading correctly.

JonIIDX

Edit history:

JonIIDX: 2013-09-08 09:23:44 pm

JonIIDX: 2013-09-08 09:14:38 pm

2013-09-08 09:09:25 pm

1. There doesn't appear to be an installer program, just an executable. So I just extracted it to the folder where I keep all of my video tools.
2. I am running it as Administrator
3. I have tried that, same result.

screenshots:
http://puu.sh/4mLyr/b80927067d.jpg (translated: If you are using above Windows Vista, please take a close look at the help file about how to use the program)
http://puu.sh/4mLBl/9c9ea3ac6e.png (translated: There is a help button in the bottom left hand corner of the settings screen. If you don't know something, check the help file, kk? If you don't get any sound or video, make sure to check your video capture card's software to make sure it can get audio or video. If you can't get video or audio in that software, then Amarec cannot be used.)
http://puu.sh/4mLII/5beeeda35e.jpg (translated: In order to initialize Amarec, AMV3 video decoder version 3.00 or above is required. Please download it from the website. Would you like to be redirected to the website?)

Maybe I didn't set up the program properly?

edit - Extra information:
- I am using Windows 7, Japanese build 64-bit.
- I extracted all of the files of the zip archive to a folder
- I selected my capture device from the program CDU.exe
- I ran the coupled live_setup231a.exe program first
- Amamix.exe loads, but my video capture device does not seem to show up (I am not using Dazzle like the original poster, but a Hauppauge HD PVR 2 Gaming Edition... Maybe that device isn't supported and that is the problem?)

1. There doesn't appear to be an installer program, just an executable.  So I just extracted it to the folder where  I keep all of my video tools.
2. I am running it as Administrator
3. I have tried that, same result.

screenshots:
http://puu.sh/4mLyr/b80927067d.jpg (translated: If you are using above Windows Vista, please take a close look at the help file about how to use the program)
http://puu.sh/4mLBl/9c9ea3ac6e.png (translated: There is a help button in the bottom left hand corner of the settings screen.  If you don't know something, check the help file, kk?  If you don't get any sound or video, make sure to check your video capture card's software to make sure it can get audio or video.  If you can't get video or audio in that software, then Amarec cannot be used.)
http://puu.sh/4mLII/5beeeda35e.jpg (translated: In order to initialize Amarec, AMV3 video decoder version 3.00 or above is required.  Please download it from the website.  Would you like to be redirected to the website?)

Maybe I didn't set up the program properly?

edit - Extra information:
- I am using Windows 7, Japanese build 64-bit.
- I extracted all of the files of the zip archive to a folder
- I selected my capture device from the program CDU.exe
- I ran the coupled live_setup231a.exe program first
- Amamix.exe loads, but my video capture device does not seem to show up (I am not using Dazzle like the original poster, but a Hauppauge HD PVR 2 Gaming Edition... Maybe that device isn't supported and that is the problem?)

honorableJay

2013-09-08 10:22:06 pm

The Dork Knight himself.

Ok, try this: delete the amarec.ini file and try loading amarec.exe
Don't use CDU to choose your capture device, select it once you can open amarec.
I'm not sure where you extracted amarec, but I've had more success if it's NOT in the Program Files/Program Files (x86) folders (mine is actually on a separate hard drive).
It's possible you're running into a problem specific to the Japanese version of Win7. If so there's not much I can do to help you since I'm running the English (NA) version of Win7 Pro. You might have better luck if you try to message someone on the amarec page (the latest info can be found here).

If you do figure out what the problem is please post it here for future users.

JonIIDX

Edit history:

JonIIDX: 2013-09-08 10:44:21 pm

JonIIDX: 2013-09-08 10:40:01 pm

2013-09-08 10:37:39 pm

Mine is also on a separate hard drive. I just tried your recommendation, no dice. I even tried using AmaRecTV safe.bat and the same thing happened. I'm guessing that the latest version has an auto-quit command if their own decoder isn't purchased and added. Would you happen to have a link to an older revision?

I don't see how Japanese windows 7 could be an issue... Since it is a Japanese native program made by the Japanese community... But yeah, who knows!

Thanks for your help! I will definitely post again if I figure out the cause... But I am thinking to just give up.

See, my HD PVR 2 gaming edition has problems with every single recording software I have tried. The official Hauppauge software latest version on the website, Capture4ME, Xsplit, and OBS. Nothing else has even been able to find the device, so blah.

Just for reference:
HDPVR2GE + Xsplit - Audio almost immediately gets out of sync from video, and worsens over time. (but only for HD footage. 480i/60fps has no problems)
HDPVR2GE + OBS - No support at all, but it can recognize the device.
HDPVR2GE + Capture4ME - Video and audio both almost immediately get out of sync from realtime video (via webcam), though the video and audio appear to be in sync with each other (after about 30 minutes of gameplay, the video that loaded in the Capture4ME was something like a minute behind my webcam)
HDPVR2GE + Hauppauge Capture - Game video and audio stays in sync, but every time there is a lot of action, the software flips out and tries to re-sync itself with real time, causing a 2-3 second scramble. (but only for HD footage. 480i/60fps has no problems)

Avisynth doesn't even recognize the device and I was hoping that amarec would recognize it... but it won't even load hahahahaha. Anyway, sorry for getting off topic from the original post. Figured I'd document this here anyway in case someone searches for HDPVR2 problems in the future. When there are even problems with the HD recording from their bundled software, I am shocked that they can market this device at all. I will never buy another Hauppauge device again, that's for sure!

Mine is also on a separate hard drive.  I just tried your recommendation, no dice.  I even tried using AmaRecTV safe.bat and the same thing happened.  I'm guessing that the latest version has an auto-quit command if their own decoder isn't purchased and added.  Would you happen to have a link to an older revision?

I don't see how Japanese windows 7 could be an issue...  Since it is a Japanese native program made by the Japanese community...  But yeah, who knows!

Thanks for your help!  I will definitely post again if I figure out the cause...  But I am thinking to just give up.

See, my HD PVR 2 gaming edition has problems with every single recording software I have tried.  The official Hauppauge software latest version on the website, Capture4ME, Xsplit, and OBS.  Nothing else has even been able to find the device, so blah.

Just for reference:
HDPVR2GE + Xsplit - Audio almost immediately gets out of sync from video, and worsens over time. (but only for HD footage.  480i/60fps has no problems)
HDPVR2GE + OBS - No support at all, but it can recognize the device.
HDPVR2GE + Capture4ME - Video and audio both almost immediately get out of sync from realtime video (via webcam), though the video and audio appear to be in sync with each other (after about 30 minutes of gameplay, the video that loaded in the Capture4ME was something like a minute behind my webcam)
HDPVR2GE + Hauppauge Capture - Game video and audio stays in sync, but every time there is a lot of action, the software flips out and tries to re-sync itself with real time, causing a 2-3 second scramble. (but only for HD footage.  480i/60fps has no problems)

Avisynth doesn't even recognize the device and I was hoping that amarec would recognize it... but it won't even load hahahahaha.  Anyway, sorry for getting off topic from the original post.  Figured I'd document this here anyway in case someone searches for HDPVR2 problems in the future.  When there are even problems with the HD recording from their bundled software, I am shocked that they can market this device at all.  I will never buy another Hauppauge device again, that's for sure!

honorableJay

2013-09-08 10:47:08 pm

The Dork Knight himself.

No problem, always good to hash things out to find ideas. Anyway, if I had to take a guess, the desync is probably caused by over saturating the USB hub with data. Since you mentioned that only HD material is affected. The Hauppage site doesn't list what type of USB connector is used, but I'm guessing probably USB 2.0. If it's using USB 3 then it's possible that your laptop either has USB 2 OR the device doesn't properly utilize USB 3.

JonIIDX

Edit history:

JonIIDX: 2013-09-08 10:55:20 pm

JonIIDX: 2013-09-08 10:52:57 pm

2013-09-08 10:51:28 pm

It's USB 2.0 for sure.

I thought about that, and decreased the H264 encoding bitrate down to 1Mbps (which looked abysmal, btw), and still experienced the same problems. When having the h264 encoding up to 14Mbps with 480i, there are no issues at all.

The bizarre thing is, using Xsplit the video stays nice and with my webcam, but the audio desyncs to later and later. Without xsplit and with capture4ME, both the audio and video slowed down at equal rates over time. So, it seems to me like it's not a hardware or USB 2.0 issue, but rather a decoding issue with the HDPVR2GE itself. Besides, 14Mbps should be waaaaaay fine with USB 2.0, considering USB 2.0 can transfer up to 30MB/sec, 14Mbits/sec should be cake.

See, the problem with the HDPVR/2/GE is that it actually encodes all of the video to H264 before it even sends it to the computer. If only there were a way to disable the video encoding and just pass the video through to your computer... I guess you'd need to buy a pretty expensive internal card for that, though. :/

Seems like most capture devices use MPEG-2, which of course is also compressed from the regular video stream, but it's a lot simpler to decode than H264. :< Oh well.

It's USB 2.0 for sure.

I thought about that, and decreased the H264 encoding bitrate down to 1Mbps (which looked abysmal, btw), and still experienced the same problems.  When having the h264 encoding up to 14Mbps with 480i, there are no issues at all.

The bizarre thing is, using Xsplit the video stays nice and with my webcam, but the audio desyncs to later and later.  Without xsplit and with capture4ME, both the audio and video slowed down at equal rates over time.  So, it seems to me like it's not a hardware or USB 2.0 issue, but rather a decoding issue with the HDPVR2GE itself.  Besides, 14Mbps should be waaaaaay fine with USB 2.0, considering USB 2.0 can transfer up to 30MB/sec, 14Mbits/sec should be cake.

See, the problem with the HDPVR/2/GE is that it actually encodes all of the video to H264 before it even sends it to the computer.  If only there were a way to disable the video encoding and just pass the video through to your computer...  I guess you'd need to buy a pretty expensive internal card for that, though.  :/

Seems like most capture devices use MPEG-2, which of course is also compressed from the regular video stream, but it's a lot simpler to decode than H264.  :<  Oh well.

Xelna

2013-09-13 10:51:32 pm

Yes, the audio settings are set to 48,000 hz, 16 bit stereo (2 channels)