What manner of noise is this (and what do I do about it)

When capturing video on to my PC from VHS, i often get a large, white line at the top of my screen. It only last a frame or two, but it is a commen occurace. Looks like this The picture comes from an A&E movie taped off cable on a different vcr. My capture card is an ATI ALL IN WONDER 9700, recorded with ATI TV Can someone please tell me what the problem is, and how to deal with it?! Thanks in advance.

Thanks, its just one frame so i can delete it in VDub, although this problem isn't specific to one spot or one tape--you're right, it's probably the difference in VCRs. Different problem, but in the same movie: streaks across the video. This can last for minutes at a time, so frame deleating/repeating won't work. I can live with it, but wonder if a filter can help me out. Again, this isn't specific to just one tape/movie.

I have this EXACT same problem and was getting ready to post a question like this as well. My problem is worse though as the picture likes to jump around and gets distorted as well. Every once in a while. It's definately NOT a tracking problem as I can play this on the same VCR through my television with NO problems. I can record this on my set-top DVD recorder but the quality sucks (very pixelated). Here's what I get when I try to capture "The Gong Show Movie":

It's not copy protected, even if it was I have a Sima Copymaster. I am using and XP Pro box with 512 Megs of RAM, ATI All-In-Wonder 9200 capture card, and monster cables. I have tried changing cables, VCRs, even had this problem on my old ATI card. This problem doesn't exist when I plug straight into a tv. Only when I try to capture it on my PC.

Well... the way copy protect usually works with tape is to reduce the signal quality, so while it will play fine on TV, the signal is too poor to be recorded. (that's the quick version anyway :)). I'd suggest trying to capture broadcast or cable directly, using your vcr as a tuner. If that checks OK, cables etc. are probably OK, so then try recording regular broadcast, cable, or sat etc. to a new tape in your vcr. If you can capture this ok, that would point to bad or protected tapes. And FWIW, might also want to try it without the Copymaster.