Wanted: Inexpensive Hardware Recommendations

RWinDallas wrote on 11/9/2001, 3:05 PM
I'm new to video and I really need some advice.

I've got a computer that I believe is up to the challenge (Windows 2000, Windows 98 dual boot, AMD T-bird 1.4Ghz, 768Mb Ram, 60 Gb hard drives, USB, 16x CD-RW etc.).

And I've got video source on my ANALOG Sony TRV67 video camcorder (mono, not stereo). It has S-video output.

I want to capture the camcorder's video at very good quality (does this mean I should use AVI format?) so I can then edit it and make VCDs with DVD-like menus.

I HAD purchased the Hauppauge WinTV PVR USB and it captured fine (just not to AVI format - even though the box claimed it did, the website said it could not do so). And I was trying to use it with the demo of Sonic Foundry's Video Factor (which I will purchase if I can prove it will work with my capture device). This combination did not seem to work good together. The captured video was not recognized by Video Factory.

I've already returned the WinTV PVR USB, so I'm ready to purchase something that will work better for me.

So, my questions are:
1) Is there an inexpensive solution ( 2) Am I locked-in to a PCI card, or can it be USB?
3) Is VideoFactory up to the challenge?
4) What software should I use to produce the VCD menus (especially if I don't want generic looking menus)?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Randy
Williams.Randy@Mindspring.com

Comments

Chienworks wrote on 11/9/2001, 11:10 PM
You definately want to go PCI. The problem with USB is that it simply
can't move data fast enough to deliver a high quality video stream. It's
ok for piddly little tiny windows like video mail, but not for any sort of
serious work.

Do you have a firewire port in your PC? If not, get one. Generic firewire
cards (also called 1394 or iLink) cost around $40. Once you have one of
those, look into the Sony DVMC-DA2 converter box. Most places sell it
for $300 or a little less. You'll also need a $25 firewire cable. This brings
your total to $365 and unfortunately exceeds your $300 range, but i
think you'll find it well worth the price! Video captures from analog VCRs
& cameras through the Sony converter are very clear and stable.
Capturing is trouble free with full 720x480 resolution, 29.97fps, 24 bit
color, and no dropped frames. You'll also be able to use this same box
to output your finished renders back to analog for VHS or SVHS.

Do a search on this forum for DVMC and you can see what everyone else
has to say about it.