using the ATI AIW 8500DV in Vegas

TheHappyFriar wrote on 2/4/2003, 11:42 PM
I'm planning on getting the ATI AIW 8500DV to capture/playback with in Vegas. I have no intentions on using the DV part of it, just the analog. Is there anything I should be concerned with about using the card? Oh, if you're wondering why i'm getting the DV and not the normal one, it's because the normal one has 128mb ram, and costs about 2x as much.

Comments

fdooman wrote on 2/5/2003, 1:23 AM
For the best result I would defiantly look into Canopus product like ADVC100
Cost me $269.00 and very happy with. Used to capture analog using ATI 7500 I had lots of problem with drivers.
tboydva wrote on 2/5/2003, 5:16 AM
I use this combination. Mine works (WinXP, SVCPK 1) fine with no driver issues. Most pro level folks will tell you the ATI codec is subpar (the Canopus is reportedly MUCH better). For transferring old crappy VHS videos, mine works fine. If you have a DV camcorder that offers passthru, that is actually much easier (nowadays, I just record from my VHS to my DV camera, then capture using Vegas). If you watch the TV from your computer (which is the primary reason I bought the card), the AIW is a great and the Guide software for "taping" shows is outstanding. My work computer is identical to home except I have a Matrox G550 at work. The AIW DVI works much better than the G550 so if you're using a flat panel, the ATI is a good card. I would suggest using a startup manager to disable all the crap that get loaded with the ATI card, though - it can suck up a significant amount of memory. Also, the Vegas capture will work fine for "taping" shows so if you want to record realtime, I think it should be using the SF codec. I really haven't experimented with this too much. Overall I'm satisfied with the card...

mikkie wrote on 2/5/2003, 2:00 PM
FWIW, if you don't need the extra horsepower of the 8500, could save a bit more cash yet going to one of their earlier versions that are still widely available. And the extra power & memory of the 8500 won't effect the video capture end of things.

Otherwise, just my opinions in general: If you have your capture integrated with your card, you can't upgrade one or the other separately - or replace one if it breaks etc.. Most of the ATI cards do a very nice job if you want to output a winmedia or realmedia file to your TV. You do pay more for a box & a card then you will for just an aiw. I wouldn't worry too much about folks saying all cards or all boxes stink -> each has their advantages. Finally, you can have the best equipment out there, and vhs quality video will still wind up being vhs quality video.

mike