Guides Archive - Diamond Multimedia https://www.diamondmm.com/docs/ #1 in Video Capture, Docking Stations & USB Innovation Wed, 21 Oct 2026 01:45:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.4 https://www.diamondmm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/cropped-Bold-Red-Rounded-Square-with-White-D-32x32.png Guides Archive - Diamond Multimedia https://www.diamondmm.com/docs/ 32 32 VC500Mac Driver https://www.diamondmm.com/KnowledgeBase/vc500-mac-driver/ https://www.diamondmm.com/KnowledgeBase/vc500-mac-driver/#respond Mon, 12 Oct 2026 05:06:23 +0000 https://www.diamondmm.com/?post_type=docs&p=31348 (macOS 10 through 12) Only use this guide if the label on the back of your product says VC500MAC Label says something else? VC500 (bought 2023 or later) or VC500SE · VC500 bought before 2023 · VC500CXT Does not work on macOS 13 or newer. The VC500MAC only works on macOS 10 through 12. To […]

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Only use this guide if the label on the back of your product says VC500MAC

Label says something else? VC500 (bought 2023 or later) or VC500SE · VC500 bought before 2023 · VC500CXT

Does not work on macOS 13 or newer. The VC500MAC only works on macOS 10 through 12. To capture on macOS 13 (Ventura) or newer, you’ll need the current VC500, which needs no driver and works on newer Macs: see the current VC500.

1 Before You Start

  • Your Mac: running macOS 10 through 12 (not 13 or newer).
  • Your Diamond Device: VC500MAC capture device.
  • Software: the driver and the AV Recorder capture app, both in the download below.

Use AV Recorder, not Empia. You will not use Empia. Use the AV Recorder app in the download for video capture.

2 Download

  1. Download the driver and software: VC500mac_Big_Sur.zip
  2. Open the downloaded file so its contents are ready to use.

3 Install the Driver

  1. Install the driver from the download first, before using the capture software.

4 Set Up AV Recorder

  1. Copy the AV Recorder capture software to your desktop for easy access.
  2. Open AV Recorder.
  3. If you are asked to allow access to your Camera and Microphone, make sure you allow both.

Why both? macOS treats the capture device as a camera (picture) and a microphone (sound). If either is not allowed, you may get no picture or no sound.

5 Start Capturing

  1. In AV Recorder, start capturing.
  2. Press Play on your VCR or camcorder.

Still need help? Email support@diamondmm.com with your macOS version, and our team will help.

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]]> https://www.diamondmm.com/KnowledgeBase/vc500-mac-driver/feed/ 0 VC500 & VC500SE – Installation Guide https://www.diamondmm.com/KnowledgeBase/how-to-convert-vhs-to-digital-vc500-vc500se-obs-setup-guide/ Tue, 28 Apr 2026 04:29:47 +0000 https://www.diamondmm.com/?post_type=docs&p=30643 Free software · About 10 minutes to set up · Windows & Mac We’re switching everyone to OBS Studio because our previous software no longer works reliably with modern computers. Please follow this guide instead of the older instructions included in your box. Welcome! This step-by-step guide will walk you through setting up your Diamond […]

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Free software · About 10 minutes to set up · Windows & Mac

We’re switching everyone to OBS Studio because our previous software no longer works reliably with modern computers. Please follow this guide instead of the older instructions included in your box.

Welcome! This step-by-step guide will walk you through setting up your Diamond VC500 or VC500SE capture device to save your home video tapes onto your computer. If you prefer to watch a video, follow along with our YouTube Video Tutorial here. Timestamps in this guide match the video exactly.

1 What You Need & How to Plug It In (0:03)

  • Computer: Windows PC or Apple Mac.
  • Your Diamond Device: VC500 or VC500SE capture dongle.
  • Cables: The included RCA cable (Yellow = Video, Red & White = Sound). It connects your VC500 to your VCR, camcorder or other video player.
  • Video Player: Your VCR, Camcorder, or DVD Player.

Step-by-Step Connection Guide (0:18)

  1. Plug one end of the included RCA cable into the OUT jacks (not IN) on your VCR, camcorder or other video player, matching the colors: yellow, red and white.
    Yellow, red and white RCA cables plugged into the VCR's OUT jacks
  2. Plug the other end into the matching yellow, red and white jacks on your VC500.
  3. Plug the USB connector directly into a USB port on your computer. (For best results on desktop computers, use a USB port on the back).

Check: all three cables are pushed in firmly, the USB end is plugged into your computer, and your tape is in your player, ready to play.

2 Downloading OBS Studio (0:34)

No disc or drivers needed. Your computer finds the Diamond device on its own.

  1. Download OBS Studio with the button below, install it, and open it.
    Download OBS Studio

    Free · opens the official OBS website (obsproject.com)

  2. If an “Auto-Configuration Wizard” pops up, click Cancel (1:14).

Check: OBS Studio is open, with a big black preview area and a Sources box near the bottom.

3 Setting Up Picture & Video (1:30)

  1. In the Sources box near the bottom of OBS, click +, choose Video Capture Device, name it “VHS” and click OK.
  2. In the Device dropdown list, choose USB 2.0 DEVICE (1:36).
    OBS Video Capture Device Selection
  3. Set Resolution/FPS Type to Custom, Resolution to 720×480 and FPS to 30 (1:50).
  4. Go to top menu bar: Settings > Video, and set both Base (Canvas) Resolution and Output (Scaled) Resolution to 720×480 (2:01).
  5. Fitting Your Screen: Right-click the video preview screen, move your mouse over Transform, and click Fit to Screen or Stretch to Screen. Stretch to Screen fills the whole screen with no black borders, but the picture may look slightly stretched.

Check: press Play on your player. You should see your tape playing in the OBS preview. On a Mac the preview stays black until you finish Section 4, and that’s normal.

On a Mac? Continue to Section 4. On Windows? Skip to Section 5.

4 Mac Settings (Only do this if you are on Mac)

Notice for Apple / Mac Users. On Mac computers, your video preview will remain black until you select the audio device inside the video settings below.

  1. In OBS Studio, double-click your “VHS” source under the Sources box (or right-click it and select Properties).
    OBS macOS Custom Audio Settings
  2. Scroll down to the bottom of the window and check the box next to Use custom audio device.
  3. Click the Audio Device dropdown menu and select Microphone (USB2.0DEVICE).
  4. Click OK. Your picture and audio will now display and play properly.

Check: your tape is now playing in the OBS preview. Still black? See No Picture in Section 8.

5 Setting Up Sound & Audio (2:28)

  1. Click Settings in the bottom right corner, then click Audio on the left side.
  2. Find Mic/Auxiliary Audio 2 and choose Microphone (USB 2.0 Mic) (2:48). Click Apply, then OK.
  3. Look at the Audio Mixer section at the bottom of OBS. Click the 3 dots next to your audio meter and select Advanced Audio Properties (3:09).
    OBS Advanced Audio Properties
  4. Change Audio Monitoring to Monitor and Output so you can hear the sound through your speakers while recording (3:32).

Windows 11: if the sound is muffled or fades in and out, turn off audio enhancements. See Sound Is Muffled, Fading, or Cutting Out in the FAQ.

Check: with the tape playing, you hear it through your speakers and the green bar in the Audio Mixer moves.

6 Choosing Where to Save Your Videos (3:38)

  1. Click Settings, choose Output, and set Output Mode at the top to Advanced.
  2. Click the Recording tab, set Recording Format to Hybrid MP4 (if you don’t see Hybrid MP4, choose MP4), and click Browse to choose the folder on your computer where you want your videos saved (3:51).
    OBS Output Recording settings with Hybrid MP4 selected

Why Hybrid MP4? It plays like a normal MP4, and the part already recorded is kept if your computer freezes. On a Mac, pick Hybrid MP4 even if Hybrid MOV is shown.

7 How to Record Your Tapes (4:36)

Recording happens in real time, so a 2-hour tape takes 2 hours to record.

  1. Click the Start Recording button in the bottom-right control panel of OBS Studio. How to tell it’s recording: the button changes to Stop Recording, and a red dot with a running timer appears at the bottom of the OBS window.
    OBS Start Recording button
  2. Press Play on your VCR, camcorder or other player.
  3. When your video is finished, press Stop on your player and click Stop Recording in OBS (4:52).
  4. Finding Your Video File: At the top menu of OBS, click File > Show Recordings. This will automatically open the folder containing your recorded video.

Check: open your new video file and play the first minute to make sure the picture and sound are good before you record the rest of your tapes.

Next Time You Record

You don’t need to set anything up again. OBS remembers all of your settings.

  1. Plug in your Diamond device and open OBS Studio.
  2. Put in your next tape and click Start Recording.
  3. Press Play on your player. When the tape ends, click Stop Recording.

8 Frequently Asked Questions & Troubleshooting

Jump to: No picture or picture looks wrong Sound problems Recording problems Editing & DVDs Older computers

Video Problems

No Picture (Black or Blue Screen):

  • Make sure the tape is actually playing. Many VCRs show a blue screen when stopped.
  • Check that the yellow cable is in your player’s VIDEO OUT jack, not VIDEO IN.
  • Black Screen on Windows: Open Windows Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera and make sure “Let desktop apps access your camera” is turned ON (5:42).
  • Black Screen on Mac: Open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera and make sure the switch next to OBS is turned ON (6:12). Also, go to Section 4. Mac Settings (Only do this if you are on Mac) if you have not done this yet.
  • If you still have black screen: Connect your Diamond device directly into USB ports built into your computer (rear USB ports on desktop towers work best). Avoid unpowered USB hubs or extensions.

Picture Is Stretched, Squashed, or Too Small:

Make sure both resolution options under Settings > Video are set to 720×480 (Section 3), then right-click the preview and choose Transform > Fit to Screen or Stretch to Screen.

Fix Dark, Dull, or Washed Out Video:

Right-click your video preview in OBS, select Filters, click the + icon under Effect Filters, and pick Color Correction. You can adjust the Brightness and Color sliders to brighten up old tapes.

Fix Jagged Lines on Moving Objects (Deinterlacing):

Right-click your video preview in OBS, select Deinterlacing, click Enable, and choose Yadif 2x or Linear. This smoothes out jagged lines on fast movement.

Sound Problems (No Sound, Poor Sound, or Out of Sync)

No sound:

  • Please make sure you have followed 5. Setting Up Sound & Audio (2:28).
  • Windows Privacy Setting: Open Windows Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone and ensure “Microphone access” and “Let desktop apps access your microphone” are set to ON.
  • Windows 11: if the sound is muffled, fades, or cuts out, see Sound Is Muffled, Fading, or Cutting Out below.
  • Alternative Audio Selection: follow Section 4. It works on Windows too.
  • Cable Ports: Ensure your Red and White RCA cables are plugged into the AUDIO OUT ports on your player (not Audio IN).

Sound Is Muffled, Fading, or Cutting Out (Windows 11):

Windows 11 has built-in “audio enhancements” (like noise cancellation) meant for voice calls. On VHS tapes they can make the sound muffled, fade in and out, cut out, or play from only one side. Turning them off fixes it:

  1. Right-click the speaker icon in your taskbar and select Sound settings.
  2. Scroll down and click More sound settings.
  3. On the Recording tab, right-click USB 2.0 DEVICE and select Properties.
  4. On the Advanced tab, uncheck Enable audio enhancements, then click Apply and OK.

Audio Out of Sync with Video:

Open Advanced Audio Properties in OBS and set a positive Sync Offset (start with 100 ms to 200 ms) (6:35).

Recording Problems

Recording Stutters, Skips, or Freezes:

  • Close other programs while recording, especially web browsers with many tabs.
  • Save your recordings to your computer’s main drive (Section 6), not a USB stick.
  • Plug the Diamond device into a USB port built into the computer, not a hub.

Video Editing & DVD Burning

Editing or Putting Videos on DVD:

To trim or edit your videos, free tools like CapCut or Shotcut work great. To put them on a DVD for family, email us at support@diamondmm.com and we’ll send you DVD burning software at no cost.

Older Computer & Software

My Computer Is Older Than Windows 10 or macOS 13:

The newest OBS Studio won’t install, but an older version usually works. Email us at support@diamondmm.com with your computer’s Windows or macOS version and we’ll send you the right OBS version to download. Some menus may look a little different from this guide.

Still stuck? Ask our chat, email support@diamondmm.com, or call 818-534-1414 (Mon–Fri). Please have your model number ready.

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]]> VC500CXT – Installation Guide https://www.diamondmm.com/KnowledgeBase/vc500cxt-installation-guide/ Mon, 24 Nov 2025 22:52:53 +0000 https://www.diamondmm.com/?post_type=docs&p=30408 (End of life: no longer supported) This page is for products whose label on the back says VC500CXT Label says something else? VC500 (bought 2023 or later) or VC500SE · VC500 bought before 2023 · VC500MAC 1 Product Status The VC500CXT came out in 2012 and has reached end of life, so it is no […]

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]]> (End of life: no longer supported)

This page is for products whose label on the back says VC500CXT

Label says something else? VC500 (bought 2023 or later) or VC500SE · VC500 bought before 2023 · VC500MAC

1 Product Status

The VC500CXT came out in 2012 and has reached end of life, so it is no longer supported. The manufacturer of its chip has stopped producing driver updates, so there are no new drivers or fixes for this model.

We recommend upgrading to the current VC500, which is driverless and works on modern Windows and Mac computers.

2 Windows 11 – Code 52 Error

This product no longer works on Windows 11. Microsoft updates have disabled older driver support, which results in a Code 52 error in Device Manager.

Because this legacy hardware can no longer be updated or bypassed, there is no supported way to get this older model working on modern Windows 11 systems.

To resolve this issue, we recommend upgrading to the current VC500 model, which features updated hardware designed for Windows 11 compatibility.

How to recognise it. In Device Manager, the VC500CXT shows a yellow warning icon, and its properties say Code 52 (Windows cannot verify the digital signature for the driver).

3 Recommended: the Current VC500

  • No driver needed: plug it in and Windows or Mac detects it.
  • Works on Windows 11: updated hardware designed for modern computers.
  • Free software: records with free OBS Studio, with a step-by-step guide and video.

See the current VC500 →

Questions? Email support@diamondmm.com or call 818-534-1414.

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]]> VC500 Legacy Model (Use if purchased before 2023) https://www.diamondmm.com/KnowledgeBase/vc500-legacy-model-driver/ Mon, 24 Nov 2025 21:49:48 +0000 https://www.diamondmm.com/?post_type=docs&p=30382 (Use if purchased before 2023) Only for VC500 units purchased before 2023.These older units need a separate driver. If you bought your VC500 in 2023 or later, or you have a VC500SE, no driver is needed: use the VC500 & VC500SE Installation Guide instead. Using Windows 11? Recent Windows 11 updates can show a Code […]

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]]> (Use if purchased before 2023)

Only for VC500 units purchased before 2023.
These older units need a separate driver. If you bought your VC500 in 2023 or later, or you have a VC500SE, no driver is needed: use the VC500 & VC500SE Installation Guide instead.

Using Windows 11? Recent Windows 11 updates can show a Code 52 error that stops this driver from loading. Some customers have fixed it with our workaround in Section 7, but it may not work on every computer. If it doesn’t, the current VC500 we sell now needs no driver and works on Windows 11.

1 Model Confirmation

Check the label on the back of your device. This guide is only for the VC500 purchased before 2023. Other models have their own guides:

VC500 model label on the back of the device
The model number is printed on the label on the back.

2 Download

  1. Download the installation package: VC500.zip
  2. Extract (unzip) the whole VC500.zip file to a folder on your computer before you install anything.

Extract the ZIP first. The driver will not install correctly if you run it from inside the ZIP file.

3 Install Drivers

Connect first. Plug the VC500 into your computer before you install the driver.

  1. In the extracted folder, open Setup and follow the prompts.

4 Install the Video Recording Software

  1. Open the Video Recording folder.
  2. Run Setup.exe and follow the prompts.
  3. When asked for your CD-KEY, enter it. If you need a CD-KEY, email us at support@diamondmm.com.

5 Start Recording

  1. Open Honestech VHS to DVD 4.0 SE.
  2. On the 1. Capture tab, click the green Settings button (the gears) at the bottom to open Record Settings. Choose these settings, then click OK:
    • Video Device: Conexant Polaris Video Capture
    • Audio Device: Analog Audio In (USB2.0 Video Capture)
    • Format: DVD (Single Layer)
    • Quality: Best
    • Video Recording Type: NTSC
    • Output Folder: where your videos are saved. Click the folder icon to choose a different folder.
    Honestech Record Settings with Conexant Polaris Video Capture, Analog Audio In (USB2.0 Video Capture), DVD (Single Layer), Best and NTSC selected
  3. Press Play on your VCR or camcorder and start recording.

Next Step.

6 Windows 11 – Blocked Driver Fix

If Windows 11 blocks the VC500 driver:

  1. Search the Start Menu for Windows Security and open it.
  2. Go to Device Security, then Core Isolation Details.
  3. Turn Memory Integrity OFF.
  4. Restart your computer.
  5. Install the driver again (Section 3) and choose Upgrade when asked.

Please note. Turning off Memory Integrity lowers Windows’ protection against malicious drivers, and it does not guarantee the older driver will work. If you would rather not change it, the current VC500 is driverless and designed for Windows 11: see the current VC500.

7 Windows 11 – Code 52 Error

Recent Windows 11 updates can show a Code 52 error for the VC500 in Device Manager, even before the driver is installed. Code 52 means Windows cannot verify the digital signature of the driver, so it will not load it.

No supported fix yet. Diamond Multimedia has not found a supported way around Code 52 on Windows 11. Some customers have been able to get the driver working with the temporary workaround below. Use it at your own risk.

Workaround: Temporarily Disable Driver Signature Enforcement

  1. Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard while clicking Restart in the Windows Start menu power options.
  2. On the blue recovery options screen, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
  3. When the list appears, press the F7 key to choose Disable driver signature enforcement.
  4. Your computer starts Windows and allows the unsigned driver to load. Now install the driver (Section 3).

Prefer to watch? This short video shows the same steps:

Please note. This setting only lasts until your next restart. Windows turns signature checks back on automatically, so the driver may stop working after you restart and you may need to repeat these steps. Turning off signature checks lowers your computer’s protection against harmful drivers, so only use it while you capture, and restart normally when you’re done. If you’d rather not do this, the current VC500 is driverless and designed for Windows 11: see the current VC500.

8 Troubleshooting

Check the USB Connection:

  • Desktop: Use a USB port on the back of the computer.
  • Laptop: Try a different USB port.
  • Restart your computer after reconnecting.

Confirm Windows Detects the Device:

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
  3. Check that USB 2.0 Audio Capture and USB 2.0 Video Capture are listed without a warning icon. If they are missing or show a warning, install the driver again (Section 3).

Check Windows Camera Privacy Settings:

Go to Settings > Privacy > Camera and make sure apps are allowed to access the camera.

Make Sure Windows Is Fully Updated:

Go to Settings > Update & Security, install all available updates and restart. Check again until no more updates are available.

Select the Correct Audio Device:

In the capture software settings, set the Audio Device to Analog Audio In (USB2.0 Video Capture).

Audio Missing or Out of Sync in Windows Media Player:

If you could hear the sound while recording, it was captured correctly. Windows Media Player may be missing the audio codec it needs to play the file. Play your video with the free VLC Media Player instead.

Still need help? Email support@diamondmm.com with your model number and Windows version, and our team will help.

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]]> DS3900V2, DS3900PD fix https://www.diamondmm.com/KnowledgeBase/ds3900v2/ https://www.diamondmm.com/KnowledgeBase/ds3900v2/#respond Sun, 23 Nov 2025 00:01:31 +0000 https://www.diamondmm.com/?post_type=docs&p=30356 Common Issues and Driver Installation If you are experiencing problems with your DS3900V2 docking station such as no display output, incorrect resolution, or detection issues, most of these can be resolved by installing or updating the DisplayLink driver. Install the DisplayLink Driver Visit the official DisplayLink driver download page: https://www.synaptics.com/products/displaylink-graphics/downloads Scroll down slightly on the […]

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]]> Common Issues and Driver Installation

If you are experiencing problems with your DS3900V2 docking station such as no display output, incorrect resolution, or detection issues, most of these can be resolved by installing or updating the DisplayLink driver.

Install the DisplayLink Driver

  1. Visit the official DisplayLink driver download page:
    https://www.synaptics.com/products/displaylink-graphics/downloads
  2. Scroll down slightly on the page until you see the list of available downloads.
  3. Select and download the correct driver for your operating system (Windows, macOS, etc.).
  4. Install the driver and restart your computer if prompted.

Why This Fixes Most Issues

The DS3900V2 uses DisplayLink technology for video output. If the driver is missing, outdated, or corrupted, the dock may not function properly. Installing the latest driver ensures compatibility and stable performance.

Still Having Issues?

  • Try a different USB port
  • Restart the dock and connected devices
  • Test with another HDMI or Display cable
  • Make sure your operating system is up to date

If problems continue, please contact our support team with details about your system and setup.

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]]> https://www.diamondmm.com/KnowledgeBase/ds3900v2/feed/ 0 VC500 Green Screen https://www.diamondmm.com/KnowledgeBase/vc500-green-screen/ https://www.diamondmm.com/KnowledgeBase/vc500-green-screen/#respond Fri, 21 Nov 2025 02:22:53 +0000 https://www.diamondmm.com/?post_type=docs&p=30138 The only current workaround is to temporarily open the recording video in a different program. Once you’ve viewed it there, switch back to the original software and the green screen issue should clear. Power Director is the other program and you can download here under my notes: Power Director Download You can download the entire […]

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The only current workaround is to temporarily open the recording video in a different program. Once you’ve viewed it there, switch back to the original software and the green screen issue should clear. Power Director is the other program and you can download here under my notes:

Power Director Download

You can download the entire installation from the link below. Make sure to extract the ZIP file:

https://www.diamondmm.com/downloads/CURRENT/PVR/PD12.zip

Below is the key for Power Director:

Note: Ask for Power Director CD-Key at this email support@diamondmm.com

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