Managing Projects and Media > Archiving > Creating a VTR Archive >

# Tips for Better VTR Archiving

Use the following tips to get better results when archiving to a VTR tape:

- Make sure the input from the computer to the VTR is connected properly. If it is not, yet the output from the VTR to the computer is correct, everything will appear normal when archiving and the monitor will show your material being saved. However, black or random noise is actually being saved to tape.
- Turn the video breakout box on before powering up the computer.
- On the video breakout box, make sure that your house sync is connected to the Sync Genlock and not to the Sync port in the GBRA/YUVA component. The sync should be connected to the Genlock input of the computer and be terminated with a 75-ohm terminator.
- Set the system reference of the VTR to External Analog.
- Track the VTR to get the best RF (Reference) value and error-rate level. If your VTR has an auto-tracking feature, disable it and track manually, or place it on “one shot.”
- Check the following Engineering menu settings:
  - Timecode type: Make sure the VITC & LTC timecodes are the same. If they are not, set timecode type to LTC.
  - Input format and sync: Make sure that input format and sync match the device.
  - Output format and sync: “House” is the recommended output sync.
  - The required Scan Mode option is F1.

See Setting Video Input and Output Engineering Menu Controls.