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  1. Hey,
    I am really confused on capture cards. It seems there isnt one that 'stands out'. I am looking for a capture card for the purposes of recording from my VCR onto my computer (DVD) as well as record from live TV. But most importantly VCR -> DVD. Preferrebly connected by RCA jacks.

    I'm looking for a card that has the best quality, best support/compatability.

    My price limit is $120 and below.

    Please give me suggestions on what capture card you think will best suit me.

    Thanks!!
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  2. Member edDV's Avatar
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    Your computer is a bit weak for encoding. I suggest you consider a card with a hardware DVD MPeg2 encoder like the PVR-150, PVR-250 (obsolete but good) or PVR-350.

    http://www.hauppauge.com/
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  3. oh i didnt even notice that. Those are specs on my old computer.

    Heres my new comp's specs (the one i am going to use to capture):

    AMD™ ATHLON™64 2800+ CPU w/ Hyper Transport Technology
    512 MB PC3200 400MHz DDR MEMORY
    80GB 7200 RPM ATA 100 HARD DRIVE
    NVIDIA GeForce-4 MX4000 128MB DDR AGP 8X EDITION w/ TV-OUT
    CD-RW 52X32X52
    NEC Beige 16X DVD Burner
    Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Home Edition
    INTERNAL 6in1 Flash Media Reader/Writer
    3D WAVE ON-BOARD 5.1 SOUND CARD
    X-Blade Case 350W w/ Window (Black)
    12" COLD CATHODE NEON LIGHT
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  4. Member SHS's Avatar
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    Even with Hot PC the Hardware Encoder are still better.
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  5. Member edDV's Avatar
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    I agree unless you have other requirements.
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    I have a Shuttle with an Athlon 2800+, 512MB RAM. I use the Hauppauge PVR-250 card and am perfectly satisfied with the results. VHS > MPEG-2 (for DVD) works great. I use the PVR as a DVR for time-shifting (as one would use a VCR). I also have transferred my old VHS tapes to MPEG-2 (2 hrs per DVD) and the quality is as good as the tape and VCR can produce.

    The PVR-250's tuner actually gets better reception than my TV or VCR. 100% satisfied.

    By the way, pass on the PVR-150; there's an audio quality problem many users have reported - distorted, too loud volume that can't be resolved. I had experienced it, also, with the -150 and returned it to buy the -250. It works perfectly.
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  7. Member FulciLives's Avatar
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    Might want to try the ADS DVD Xpress (model USBAV-701) or the ADS Instant DVD 2.0 (USBAV-702) both of which are USB 2.0 devices that do hardware encoding for MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 with locked audio support (very important). They work with any analog video be it NTSC or PAL format.

    The DVD Xpress is the "lesser" of the two devices but both are very nice from my research although I have heard that the Instant DVD 2.0 is supposedly a bit better with sources that are less than steller ... such as VHS videotapes. It also has a "better quality" chipset but captures I have seen from the DVD Xpress look fantastic so I'd be surprised if the "better quality" of the Instant DVD 2.0 would show in real world captures. I guess I should point out that the DVD Xpress only has inputs where as the Instant DVD 2.0 has inputs and outputs.

    Use PRICEGRABBER.COM to find the lowest on-line price.

    Here is a link for the ADS DVD Xpress ---> CLICK HERE
    $79.57 USD is the lowest price at the moment. Please note this does not include shipping charges.

    Here is a link for the ADS Instant DVD 2.0 ---> CLICK HERE
    $109.00 USD is the lowest price at the moment. Please note this does not include shipping charges.

    Here is a link to the ADS Technologies website ---> CLICK HERE

    I should point out that neither of these have a RF CABLE connector for input. Both have composite and S-video plus your normal RCA type stereo inputs. Since just about any cable box or sattelite box has that type of output I don't see that as much of a problem. Plus you said you would be using it for VHS anyways so again no problem.

    ADS did recently come out with the Instant TV Deluxe USB (model USBAV-705) and this appears to be a Instant DVD 2.0 but with a RF CABLE connector added to the mix (less any outputs). It is the most expensive of all three though.

    As for myself I just ordered the ADS DVD Xpress and hope to have it soon so I can report on it. I was originally going to get the ADS Instant DVD 2.0 but after I read a thread on this website (CLICK HERE) and after reading a review from another website (CLICK HERE) I am sold on the ADS DVD Xpress which as I said is being shipped to me as I type this

    It is true that the Hauppauge WinTV PVR 150, 250 and 350 are all popular along with the Hauppauge WinTV PVR USB 2.0 but I wanted to try the ADS since it is a bit cheaper otherthan the WinTV PVR 150 which is almost as cheap but some have audio issues with that 150 model that scares me away from it.

    If you want more info on the Hauppauge WinTV PVR units try this here website ---> CLICK HERE

    I hope this helps some

    - John "FulciLives" Coleman

    P.S.
    For VHS videotape conversions you should consider getting a TBC which is short for a TIME BASE CORRECTOR. This will help keep the video stable which will help in the Analog to Digital conversion phase plus a TBC also filters out copy protection. The 2 most popular TBC units are the DataVideo TBC-1000 which is around $290 or the AVT-8710 which is around $190 ... both can be ordered from B & H PHOTO AND VIDEO and last time I did a PRICEGRABBER.COM search that was the cheapest place around ... not to metion a great source of A/V equipment in general.
    "The eyes are the first thing that you have to destroy ... because they have seen too many bad things" - Lucio Fulci
    EXPLORE THE FILMS OF LUCIO FULCI - THE MAESTRO OF GORE
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  8. Member SHS's Avatar
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    John the audio issues had been fix on 150 but some the audio is due to outside audio source like cable and sat using line input and tuner where not at the some level on all channel even when I test the 150 it was the same some channel end up being loud then other channel.
    And last count there was only a few people have this problem maybe about 25 people in all.
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  9. Member FulciLives's Avatar
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    Originally Posted by SHS
    John the audio issues had been fix on 150 but some the audio is due to outside audio source like cable and sat using line input and tuner where not at the some level on all channel even when I test the 150 it was the same some channel end up being loud then other channel.
    And last count there was only a few people have this problem maybe about 25 people in all.
    I did not know it had been fixed.

    I assume this means there is a way to adjust the recording sound level so you can "turn it down" on high volume inputs and then "turn it up" for low volume inputs?

    - John "FulciLives" Coleman
    "The eyes are the first thing that you have to destroy ... because they have seen too many bad things" - Lucio Fulci
    EXPLORE THE FILMS OF LUCIO FULCI - THE MAESTRO OF GORE
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  10. Member SHS's Avatar
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    Yes there a way to adjust the recording sound level but it fix volume there way to do in real time so there for you need adjust on base line.
    Like let say some channel have low volume and 9db being about rigth and high volume need 3db so there you set 6db so there you don't have to adjust main vol.
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  11. Video Restorer lordsmurf's Avatar
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    Originally Posted by brumans
    I'm looking for a card that has the best quality, best support/compatability.
    My price limit is $120 and below.
    These two criteria cannot co-exist.
    You need to up your budget to the $150-200 range.
    Want my help? Ask here! (not via PM!)
    FAQs: Best Blank DiscsBest TBCsBest VCRs for captureRestore VHS
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  12. well i didnt mean the highest quality/best support for every single capture card of course. I just meant the best I can buy for $120 and lower.
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  13. Video Restorer lordsmurf's Avatar
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    I didn't either... but the price range for cards tends to be $50-75, and then $150-200. Your in-between budget will undoubtedly drop you into the craptacular selection of bargain basement cards in the lower 50-75 range.

    The only exception will be if something is on clearance, or a great sale, or used off ebay, which you may need to look for. For example, a used ATI All In Wonder Radeon card runs about $50-75 on eBay, and those were $200 cards when new. Not bad at all.

    Next up from $200 are a couple niche items in the $300-500 range, mostly just to do one certain thing (MPEG, DV, NLE). And then your beefier cards are $1000-1500.

    I hate to tell people to spend money, but the capture card is the one thing you're NOT allowed to skimp on. Save your penny-penching for the software arena (plenty of freeware and budget-ware that works great). The hardware portion of this hobby needs a healthy budget, and that include VCRs, TBCs, burners and blank media.
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    I would steer clear of the ADS product. While it works, it also tends to overheat and you end up with video artifacts. Here's a solution to that, apparently:
    http://www.geocities.com/zambonigod2000/IDVD.htm
    It involves removing the cover and using thermal paste with some spare heatsinks.
    I've heard the newer models may have resolved this issue, however.

    I will also recommend, again, the PVR-250 as a great solution (if you can find it).
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    Darn, looks like the link to that ADS hack is gone; sorry.
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  16. If you have a lot of vhs>dvd transfers to do, then yes a capture card is a good option, if not a dvd recorder will be less painfull.
    PAL/NTSC problem solver.
    USED TO BE A UK Equipment owner., NOW FINISHED WITH VHS CONVERSIONS-THANKS
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  17. Member edDV's Avatar
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    Originally Posted by victoriabears
    If you have a lot of vhs>dvd transfers to do, then yes a capture card is a good option, if not a dvd recorder will be less painfull.
    I'm keeping my VHS tapes cool and dry in the basement waiting for the ideal DVDR recorder with built-in TBC-ProcAmp front end, HDD buffer with full computer accress for TBC-Proc Amp control and an eithernet network file transfer back to the PC for burning. Wait a sec, that is something other than a DVDR recorder.

    Consider my patent pending.
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  18. I appreciate your point but not everyone is searching for the videophile Nirvana, and most dvd recorders do a good job of transferring even enhancing good vhs recordings.
    PAL/NTSC problem solver.
    USED TO BE A UK Equipment owner., NOW FINISHED WITH VHS CONVERSIONS-THANKS
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  19. Member edDV's Avatar
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    Originally Posted by victoriabears
    I appreciate your point but not everyone is searching for the videophile Nirvana, and most dvd recorders do a good job of transferring even enhancing good vhs recordings.
    I agree the DVD recorder is the best option for most to get VHS to DVD and encourage people to go that route.
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  20. Member edDV's Avatar
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    My biases about the current generation "Home Threater PC" are showing through. I still think it is an expensive way to get an inferior result as things stand now.

    A good $70 DVD player will do a superior job for DVD. For HD or file playback to a HDTV, the LinkPlayer sounds like the ticket for now. The HTPC concept will work if it's just you, but expect others in the house to object to the difficulty of operation or the unreliablitiy, glitches and pops.
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  21. welp, i researched and took rumplestiltskin's advice and am going to order the Hauppauge PVR-250 off of newegg tommorrow.

    Fits right into my price range and from the reviews seems like a very good quality card
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  22. Video Restorer lordsmurf's Avatar
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    Just remember to get a good one (that means avoid Panasonic, Cyberhome and Philips).
    Want my help? Ask here! (not via PM!)
    FAQs: Best Blank DiscsBest TBCsBest VCRs for captureRestore VHS
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    amazon has the hauppage pvr 150 mce for $63.64 with free shipping. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00064GI2O/104-5301672-3844712
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  24. Member edDV's Avatar
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    Originally Posted by tigerman8u
    amazon has the hauppage pvr 150 mce for $63.64 with free shipping. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00064GI2O/104-5301672-3844712
    But doesn't the mce version expect you are running mce?
    It may be missing the normal XP software. Never assume.
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  25. Member The_Doman's Avatar
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    Originally Posted by FulciLives
    Originally Posted by SHS
    John the audio issues had been fix on 150.....
    And last count there was only a few people have this problem maybe about 25 people in all.
    I did not know it had been fixed.

    I assume this means there is a way to adjust the recording sound level so you can "turn it down" on high volume inputs and then "turn it up" for low volume inputs?
    After half a year waiting for a proper fix it is still not as it should be.
    The volume can be adjusted but they have now put in a LIMITER which clips all audio above -6db.
    This is extremely annoying and useless.
    PVR150 Clipping/Distortion:
    http://www.shspvr.com/smf/index.php?topic=8288.msg42991#msg42991
    Also every adjustment of the volume still needs a reboot of the system.

    And there are quite a few more then those 25 counted who had the audio problem for sure. Not everybody talks about it on the forum.
    Everybody who wants to seriously use the external line inputs of that card will encounter the same problems for sure.

    Because of those issues's I am stil using an older beta driver where I can adjust the volume properly without a limiter.

    For PAL users to make quality captures you have to use the S-Video inputs.
    The composite and tuner inputs of that card have some serious quality issues.
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    I had the same distorted volume using the coax input of the -150. Hauppauge's tech support couldn't help and no amount of Registry tweaks resolved the issue. As I indicated in a earlier post, I returned the unit and bought the -250 which works perfectly.
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  27. Member
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    Originally Posted by edDV
    Originally Posted by tigerman8u
    amazon has the hauppage pvr 150 mce for $63.64 with free shipping. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00064GI2O/104-5301672-3844712
    But doesn't the mce version expect you are running mce?
    It may be missing the normal XP software. Never assume.
    this is the info from the site

    "For Windows XP users
    Compatible with third party applications like BeyondTV, SageTV and Showshifter for watching and recording TV on your PC
    Note: there is no remote control included with the WinTV-PVR-150MCE"

    from this I would assume you are correct and you have to use 3rd party software
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  28. My PVR-250 should be here monday or tuesday.

    I have a question though - which cables do I need to successfully hook it up to my VCR [audio/video].

    I looked at a pic of the back and I guess normal RCA cables don't work?

    Thanks
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    Two choices for the cable connections:

    1. Coax - don't dismiss this unless you have a lousy cable or the quality of the signal coming over the coax is not good.

    2. Yellow-to-yellow and (if stereo VCR) combine the red & white phono jacks using a dual female phono to male mini-stereo-phone (1/8" I believe) adapter. Radio Shack will have this. If it's not stereo, then a female phono to male mini-phone will work. Use the card's audio jack and not your computer's "audio in". If you do that (like I did once), you'll get really bad sync.

    I use coax and am very happy. The Hauppauge tuner (you set it to channel 3 or 4 if you use coax (whatever you set the VCR to use) is very good and locks in the signal quite well.
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  30. Originally Posted by rumplestiltskin
    Use the card's audio jack and not your computer's "audio in". If you do that (like I did once), you'll get really bad sync.
    That is dependant on your setup, i have done this on multiple occasions, and have NEVER had any audio synch problems, and im kinda partiuclar about those types of things, too...i think its got a lot to do with what program your using as well, personally i use an ATI AIW and virtualdub for my capturing purposes......it MAY also have something to do with the way your recording the audio, personally i used some spare RCA cabling i had laying around from when i had an amp installed in my car, and bought an RCA>headphone jack converter from the local radio shack, it did the trick for me. I know its not THE recommeneded way, but im just letting everyone know it CAN work...at least sometimes.
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