Instant DVD+DV? Instant DVD 2.0? PVR-250?

[avraam]

Hi all.
I got a miniDV camera, Sony DCR-TRV19 and now I want to start transfering my mini dv tapes to DVD.

ADS Instant DVD+DV on amazon is $200
ADS Instant DVD 2.0 on outpost.com is $169
Hauppauge WinTV-PVR-250 on outpost is $149

I want to use hardware compresion so I don't need to upgrade my computer too. What way you think is the best? Which of those products is the best deal price/performance?

TIA
-a

[snafu099]

Link to ADS web site: www.adstech.com

ADS product basic comparison

Instant Dvd, usb 1.1, analog to mpg, hardware vidio, software audio, NOT recommended.

DvdExpress usb2, analog to mpg, full hardware, no output to analog
InstantDvd 2, usb2, same as express but adds analog output
InstantDvd + DV same as IDVD2 but has daughter board for dv capture
These 3 products use the same basic chipsets for capture

DvdExpress when on sale = $49 after rebate, great value if it meets your needs.

ADS is working on a software update to facilitate DTD (direct to disc) capture without using any hdd space. This is a dvd authored disc, not just a data disc. Looks promising for the quick and easy

[DVWannaB]

For simplicity and ease of use, I would say go with Instant DVD 2.0. It is USB 2.0, so it is plug and play, for all intents and purposes. Captured video looks great and very easy to use. I think you can get it for less than $169. Keeping looking around the 'net. You should be able to get it for as low as $139 and maybe even lower.

The PVR-250 does a great job, but it does involve opening your computer tower, smashing your hands on those sharp edges and installing the card (who makes this computer towers anyway. Your hands must be the size of a 5 year old to get in there without hacking yourself to death ). Then dealing with the sometimes dr. jekyl & mr. hyde Hauppauge drivers. I think the supporters and detractors of this card are probably split 50/50.

No experience with the DVD+DV, but should work similarly to the Instant DVD 2.0, but with firewire connector for connection to your DV cam.