Latest Converter under $300?

XTREEMMAK wrote on 5/19/2003, 5:29 PM

I've found out information before here about a TV to PC Video converter and I got the reply that the Canopus AV1000 Firewire converter was a good deal (especially when I found it for $250.00 it better be!). But it's been a while and I have yet to buy a converter (#1 Cause I have no money #2 Same as #1). Are there any later, or better converters out there now that still offer FireWire support, good quality, great frame rate, and is under $300.00?

Comments

thrillcat wrote on 5/19/2003, 5:57 PM

I know it's over $300, but I picked up a Datavideo DAC-2 DV on ebay brand new for $430, and it adds component video input, in case you want to do Betacam in the future.

ericb wrote on 5/20/2003, 7:06 AM

Go to the Canopus website. The ADVC-50 is a PCI card which does analog conversion to DV for $199. The ADVC-100 is a standalone unit which also has analog out (convert DV to analog for producing tapes, monitoring, etc) for $299. Both are highly rated by reviewers.

whitneyd wrote on 5/20/2003, 7:24 AM

I second the Canopus choice........

XTREEMMAK wrote on 5/21/2003, 2:08 PM

But If I'm comming in Via Camcorder and you said I get the best results through a firewire cable, I shouldn't use a Canopus AV-50 right...or can I?

BrianStanding wrote on 5/21/2003, 3:46 PM

What kind of a camera are you using? An analog, I presume, right? If you're thinking of upgrading your camera anytime soon, I'd look at getting a DV camcorder that does "on-the-fly" analog to DV firewire conversion, rather than buying a separate converter. Most of the Sonys, for example, do that.

Even though a 1-chip DV camera will set you back $500 or so, at least you're not paying for TWO pieces of equipment when only ONE is needed.

Another option, if you're really pinching pennies, is scout around on E-bay for an old DV camera with analog inputs that maybe has a broken lens or something, but still works as a VCR/converter.

Just a thought.

XTREEMMAK wrote on 5/21/2003, 4:00 PM

Here are a few converters that I've found. Compared to the Canopus AV100, tell me what you think.

Well I think I'm gona need the converter cause the video is gona came from multiple sources, like other people's cameras and stuff. Pluss I need it to convert stuff off the TV to my computer lol. Anywayz here's the list:

VideoConverters-
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?sku=O38-1008
$70.00

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?sku=A03-7034
$230.00

I'm leening towards the Canopus but that 230.00 one looks promising as well...

RedEyeRob wrote on 5/21/2003, 4:47 PM

The Canopus ADVC-100 is $240 at this website with free shipping.
I just bought one last week.

http://www.macsolutions.com/homepage.html

sek0910 wrote on 5/21/2003, 8:37 PM

I just looked on www.pricewatch.com and found the Pyro AV-Link for $210 (including shipping) at PC Nation/Computer Warehouse Club.

RedEyeRob wrote on 5/22/2003, 3:09 PM

Yeah it's a fine unit reviewed by SPOT on DVFormat.com but if I'm not mistaken it has issues in that it doesn't work for the external preview to NTSC monitor with Vegas. The canopus unit does. That is half the reason I bought one of these things in the first place. I didn't want my cam on all the time previewing. I can preview or transcode DV with my cam so I didnt gain any fuctions by purchasing this but gained the ability to leave my cam off.