Analog Capture - Ultimate Solution Wanted!!!

[bertmartin]

My computer is jammed with stuff and I am looking to simplify by removing my DC10+ capture card, which doesn't work now that I upgraded to Studio 7. Too unreliable. Just too many devices with shared IRQs I believe is causing some of my problems.

Anyway, I would like an external analog to dv converter to input all video (digital and analog) to my firewire input. I know Sony makes one but it blocks Macrovision I think. I would like to back up some of my VHS movies to VCD in addition to old home movies. Is there anything out there that will work? I understand the ADS instant dvd has problems with audio sync even though its handles Macrovision problem.

Anything other analog to dv to consider?

[Valnar]

I've been looking for months. There is nothing that does this cheaply.

The Canopus product seemed good, but a user on this forum said the output was soft. Oh well.

Robert

[gjacob]

I've been useing the SONY DVMC-DA2 analog to digital converter, into my CINESTREAM pci capture board (with the new patch, it captures your whole movie, and bypasses the 2 & 4 gb limit). Then I convert the quicktime movie format with TMPGEnc. Last but not least, I burn with Nero. 2hrs for movie+10hrs for conversion to VCD+5min for burning. The quality is very good.

[TheInformer]

Using the Sony DVMC-DA1 media converter is about the most painless way to convert analog to DV format. In addition, I have yet to experience dropped frames or video/audio sync problems.

I use mine to convert analog video (VHS, TV, etc) to DV format. From that point it's a relatively easy job to transcode the DV to whatever target format I'm looking for.

The only negative is the time it takes to do the transcoding, which can be a bit of time depending on length of the material, target format, and filters used.

[Foofighters02]

The Matrox RT2500 does a decent job of 'digitalizing' analog video. Though it does cost a pretty penny. You get what you pay for i guess.

[dcook]

Where can I find a DVMC-DA1, is it still available?

[gjacob]

Picked it up at JandR last March, but they don't show it anymore. Go to pricewatch.com, Tri State Computers
800-522-2630
212-633-2290 -- P.O.'s accepted
SONY DVMC-DA2, and have some fun,

[TheInformer]

I bought my DVMC-DA1 on eBay a few months ago for $200. The difference between the DA1 and DA2, quality wise for conversion, is nil.

You can still find the DVMC-DA1/2 on eBay from time to time. I wouldn't buy it new though - no moving parts = little or no wear & tear.

Here's a URL for eBay for a 'dvmc' search:

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?MfcISAPICommand=GetResult&ht=1&SortProperty=M...ort&query=dvmc

Again, the main problem using the DVMC-DA1/2 is not in the capturing or editing of the video (both of which are super simple), it's in the time that it takes to transcode the DV file to MPEG-1/2 format. If ypou have the time, this is the way to go, IMHO.

[bertmartin]

Will the Sony DVMC-DA1/2 allow you to copy your VHS movies with Macrovision? This was one of my original concerns.

Also whats the difference between the Canopus and Sony converter? They seem about the same except for the question about Macrovision.

Thanks