Can I Use My Laptop's S-Video Inputs?

[rennervision]

Greetings from a complete, green newbie.

I'm getting ready to purchase a laptop that will primarily be used for video capture. Of the models I am considering, they all come with an S-video input.

So I'm wondering if the S-video input will be sufficient, or if I will experience loss in frames, loss in video quality, etc. with this method? If I want the best quality, would I be better off with a firewire capture card (Canopus, for example)?

Thanks in advance!

[edDV]

S-video input is rare on a laptop. Many have a S-video output.

If I want the best quality, would I be better off with a firewire capture card (Canopus, for example)?

yes. Firewire is well proven. Some USB2 options (less proven) may also work.

[lenti_75]

for capturing consider firewire ONLY, do not use any s-video or usb unless you have to.

I dont; think there is any laptop with s-video IN, just out.

and, I would consider building or purchasing a desktop, with 160G Hdd or more. capturing and editing require a lot of space, unless you really want to buy that laptop.

[rennervision]

Here's an example of one laptop I'm considering with S-video input:

http://www.hypersonic-pc.com/EX7/index.asp

I've seen other examples as well. So if I'm understanding correctly, the s-video input will not capture video?

[edDV]

Here's an example of one laptop I'm considering with S-video input:

http://www.hypersonic-pc.com/EX7/index.asp

I've seen other examples as well. So if I'm understanding correctly, the s-video input will not capture video?

I see no capture specs for the internal TV tuner or the S-Video input. If they aren't bragging about 640x480 or more they may be capturing at less resolution.

For a laptop tuner, multi standard would be nice (e.g. NTSC, PAL).

[feenix]

Sony VAIO with docking station. The docking station has s-video, composite and RF (TV Tuner) inputs - no output though. I've never used the capture facilities though so I can't comment on the quality.