For ADVC 300 Users

Question

I have read through everything I could find on this board as well as Grass Valley boards but wanted to confirm the setup of the ADVC 300 prior to starting the conversion process.  I will be converting VHS tapes to DV.  I would like to control the ADVC 300 Video/Audio adjustments via the PC and have set the switch (SW1 No 8) to "PC" and will be using the Picture Controller 300 software. Do I also have to change the Video Audio Adjust Mode switch (SW2 No 1) to "Adjust" or is this for manual adjustment via the unit only?
Concerning the Picture Controller 300 software:  Do I need to have an external monitor to view the tapes to make the Video/Audio adjustments prior to capturing in PP or can I use the capture utility in PP to view and still adjust with the 300 software?  I guess I'm just a little confused in the proper method of using the 300 software in conjunction with PP's capture utility. 
Thanks Greg

Answer 1

At least with all of the VHS decks that I have used (have a Panasonic DVR w/ VHS now), there is no control over the VHS deck - it is one-way and that is the signal. I use the deck's remote, and the Capture module on the computer, so I have my mouse in my right hand, and the remote in my left. I click the mouse to begin Capture, and then the remote for Play on the deck, a moment later. There will be a few Frames (those get fewer, with practice) of black at the beginning of the Captured Clip, but those are easily Trimmed in PrPro, or PrE. I happen to have PrPro only on the workstation, and use it mostly. PrE is only on my laptop, along with PrPro.
With the VHS deck, one only has the composite cables out - no input control. This is unlike doing a Capture with a certified miniDV tape camera, which is connected via FW (two-way communication), where one CAN control the camera.
Good luck,
Hunt