dvd recorders vs capture cards

[Lamminated Buddha]

Can we get a cons and pros list for these 2 recording solutions?

Heres some I can note:

capture cards
pros
capture cards comparitvely cheaper?


cons:
Intermediate user level and effort required to record vs one button solution with dvdrecorder
requires computer support - not standalone


dvd recorders
?

Sorry if this has been covered, i did a search and didnt come up with much

[guns1inger]

Assuming you mean mpeg-2 capture cards only.

Many DVD Recorders have only 4 quality settings, equating to length of time. The more expensive ones seem to have a greater level of granularity.

DVD Recorders have a tighter space limitation than a PC (4.38GB vs as much HDD as you can afford to throw at it)

[Capmaster]

Capture Cards
Pros:
Allow the most control over capturing. Things like bitrate, filtering, advanced controls like audio settings, I B and P frame adjustment.

Plus a capture card allows you to capture as DVD, SVCD, VCD and some cards allow MPEG4/Divx-compatible captures.

Allows for full editing of capture since the file is already on HD.

Cons:
Requires more knowledge of the hobby to utilize correctly.

Relatively expensive - a good capture card can cost as much as or more than a standalone DVD recorder.

Requires separate, external timebase corrector (TBC) for reliable tape capturing and macrovision removal.

Standalone Recorders

Pros:
Easiest to use. Relatively inexpensive. Very good output quality since sophisticated macro block and noise filters are built-in.

Some units have a built-in TBC (highly recommended).

Cons:
Less flexibility. Any serious editing requires transferring file to PC and once you do that, you're pretty much stuck authoring and burning from your PC unless you have a standalone with a built-in HD. Even then it can get tricky.

Even if unit has a built-in TBC, you'll need an external TBC or equivalent to remove macrovision.

[Marvingj]

Personally, I like more control. I rather use capture card. But a standalone is necessary also.

[handyguy]

Did you search for model numbers for recorders, should bring results? Try these,

e55
e30

btw, the recorder comment section with hundreds of comments is actually under dvd writers on left column