advice please-the best?

[twolf]

Ok have read several posts here and other places, and will continue.

I currently have 1.33 ghz tbird....768 megs pc133 ram.
I think, from reading the posts, that the best way to capture video is to let the hardware do the compression instead of the software...I assume that means an encoder or something..correct?

What I need to know is what are the best capture cards out there for under 500 bucks...preferably between 3 and 400...for capture of video and audio basically for archiving home videos of my daughter? Will be using a new philips dvd+rw drive when it comes out.

The other thing is what is the best capture software..I have seen avi and virtualdub and others. What is the best out there or should I use the software that comes with the card?

Also saw mention of a wrap..what is that?

thanks for all your help here and in your past posts..am learning a lot fast.

[Tommy]

Nice sounding machine. There are a lot of video cards at that price range that would do nicely. However, if I might suggest that since your getting this for home video, why not pick up a digital camcorder? It will be more expensive depending on what camera, but the video that you get from a digital camera is great and its already digital you won't have to bother with the analog to digital conversion. Many camcorders allow you to use them as a passthough. So you can attach you current camcorder (or whatever analog source) to the digital camcorder and have it convert the video then send it to the comptuter via a firewire connection.

Just a thought.

In answer to your question about cards. I have an ATI AIW and it works fine once you get it to work. I'm sure others have differnt suggestions.

I don't believe there is a best overall program. I like avi io for capturing and it also does some dv.

[thxkid]

either a Dazzle II or Hauppage PVR are good for under $250 for around $500 the Pinnacle DV500 plus is the Best out there under $1000.

[twolf]

that is a great idea tommy...

would the dazzle hollywood dv bridge do the same thing as the camcorder and if so, would I need anything else for the project? just plug the audio and video into it and play and then thru the firewire to the computer, edit it on the computer and then to dvd disk? that sounds too easy....will this do all I need or will i need a card and other things?


thxkid....what is the dazzle II specifically..is it a card for the computer or a bride type like the hollywood?

I am learning, but it seems something like the hollywood would be all i need to transfer the video to the hollywood for digital and then just up it to the computer..am I right? thanks folks..really appreciated...t