Hi,

I am building a new system, and eventually I'd like to archive my VHS tapes and my DirecTivo programs to DVD. But due to poor planning, I didn't figure the cost of a capture card/unit into my budget. So now I need a multi-purpose card to put into this box until I can afford something like a Canopus ADVC-100. But I'd still like to start learning about capturing and converting. Can anyone suggest what I can use in the meantime? My needs are the following:

-- Good Capture

-- Great hardware mpeg-decode for video playback

-- TV watching

-- bonus: good 2D/3D

I've been looking at the All-In-Wonder or the combo of a cheap video card/cheap capture card. (I don't know if I even need a TV tuner, since the DirecTivo is controlling the signals.) I'm hoping to spend less (make that MUCH LESS) than $150. My local computer store is selling an OEM AIW 8500DV with 64MB for $109. Are there better options? Most of my money is going into other components in the system:

-- P4 2.8 Ghz, 800 FSB & motherboard

-- 1 GB PC3200 DDR

-- 250 GB HD

-- DVD Burner

Most of these components have already been purchased or ordered, so I can't really downgrade anything to come up with more money for the card... If anyone can recommend a budget interim solution for my setup, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks in advance!

Spiffy