Last Updated on June 14, 2024 by dijitaru
This guide aims to provide some instructions on using the mentioned pinnacle devices.
While the topic has been covered before, I thought it might be a good idea to compile the instructions and showing the usage and not only links to the software you need
Things to know before you buy: Many people worry a lot about the software included, buying items with the “original” CD, etc, while it is nice to have these, you can actually make perfect use of the device without having the included CD. I personally never use it.
Step 0 tools you need and compatibility
Guaranteed compatibility: Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7.
Unofficial but tested compatibility: Windows 10 works fine (just need to tweak some capture settings). Worked fine on Windows 11 too, but it was not very straightforward. For both, I used the Windows 7 (64bit) drivers.
Crossbar thing (link on digitalFAQ), VirtualDub, and the drivers from step 1.
A lossless codec of your choice like Lagarith
Step 1 Download the drivers from the website
This will allow your computer to communicate with the device.
https://cdn.pinnaclesys.com/SupportFiles/Hardware_Installer/readmeHW10.htm
A video showing the installation process:
Please note that when you plug in a pinnacle device, the LED will not light up in green if the drivers are not installed.
Step 2: Setting the input source and the standard
Once your device is recognized, you need to select the input source (Composite or S-video ) and the standard (NTSC, SECAM, PAL, etc). P.S Always use s-video when possible.
For that, we will use the crossbar thing. (video showing this below)
Step 3: Capturing using virtualDub
The final step is to capture the video using VirtualDub (or another capture software of your choice like captureflux)
Here is a quick video showing steps 2 and 3
Some other options you may want to set:
- Under Capture > capture timing settings > uncheck force audio clock (source)
- You may also want to tweak the proc amp settings (under Video> levels)
- Increase Disk i/o under capture menu
Sources and other references:
Guides on VirtualDub:
- https://www.digitalfaq.com/forum/video-capture/7427-capturing-virtualdub-settings.html
- https://www.digitalfaq.com/guides/video/capture-avi-virtualdub.htm
Another nice thread compiling some information
https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/404547-NTSC-VHS-newbie-summary-3-Pinnacle-710-USB-Capture-Device