Capture Card Recomendations

[Swytch]

Hello,

Im new to capturing, but want to start recording my HD and SD recordings on my Dish HD DVR 942 to my PC which I plan to use a my digital media hub. having no idea where to start, can anyone give me any recomendations on a good capture card?

I need something that will give good quality (hopefully HD) output to my projector via DVI or Component video, and can record good quality HD and SD content from my receiver. Optical or Coaxial Digital Audio In/Out would be preferable also. I would prefer not to spend too much as it is my first go at this and can plan on buying a better more expensive card once i am more familiar with capturing.

I plan on using my PC with a Pentium4 3.0 GHz to do the capturing, although i may consider using my G5 Dual 2.0 GHz, or buying a new computer as a media center (MAC/PC).

any suggestions on hardware or software configurations would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
-Swytch

[yoda313]

I recently bought the fusion hdtv 3 gold t hd capture card. I love it Excellent capture and does analog input as well.

Though for optical audio in I believe you need a seperate soundcard for that capability as I don't know of any video cards that include that input mode.

If you want just standard video the hauppuage wintv pvr 250 is an EXCELLENT model for that use (hardware mpeg captures).

[Swytch]

thank you for the info,

how much does the fusion hdtv 3 gold t hd capture card typically run? can you provide any links?

if i use a seperate sound card for optical audio, is it difficult to get syncing correct?

also, how are ati capture cards? i think one i was looking at had optical audio in (i beleive it was the Theater 550 Pro)

also how good are firewire solutions for capturing?

thank you

[yoda313]

Here you go www.digitalconnection.com Try yahoo or google for other sites. I got mine for about a $100.

I've never really used ati so I can't tell you.

I've tried seperate audio and video capture with a soundcard and it seemed to be pretty good syncs.

You'd have to ask others about firewire with dv cameras - I don't have one.

[Swytch]

i noticed the card only has coaxial and svideo inputs, wouldnt i want somehting with DVI or COmponent video inputs?

I may be a little confused on HD, but what do i need to worry about as far as decoding, ie if i do dvi/component video from my dish receiver to a capture card, will it record ok? is the decoding just if you have coaxial straight from satelite to the card (no receiver)?

thanks