Hauppauge PVR-USB or Dazzle DVC-II

[duet]

I've spent about two weeks reading the forum and the website for answers but due to my limited knowledge, I get more confused.

I am about to buy a video capture device which can encode avi and mpeg-2 and it's a tussle between Hauppauge PVR-USB or Dazzle DVC-II. I would like to capture from analogue tapes and miniDV from my DV cam for producing SVCD.

I am not concerned with the software that are bundled with either device but would like to know more about the hardware performance. For those who had the opportunity to dabble with either, please give me some advice as I cannot afford to make a wrong decision.

Thanks & regards
Ming
mingx97@hotmail.com :(

[SHS]

As for AVI the Hauppauge PVR-USB nor Dazzle DVC-II can do this, Both can SVCD, But if you want to do AVI recording you need get the Hauppauge WinTV-PVR PCI is give you a lot more software bundled and use and more features.
See my web site http://www.shspvr.com

[kv5]

GO FOR THE DAZZLE DVC2........... I've owned both versions of the PVR (PCI & USB )...... Granted .... the Dazzle cannot capture to AVI..... but it does a blinding job when it comes to SVCD & DVD captures......

Paul ( UK ) 8)

[duet]

Hi and thanks for replying. I am really a newbie and have further questions for both of you.

SHS - Are you saying that both Hauppauge PVR-USB and DVCII hardware cannot capture in avi format? Is there a software that can overcome this? I thought the PVR-USB and PVR-PCI have the same specifications. I visited your website and unfortunately I'm lost. Perhaps when I am better versed in this, I will try to understand.

KV5 - Paul, what is your experience in using both the Hauppauge PVR PCI and USB version? Which is better?

Frankly, guys, which is a better product? Hauppauge or Dazzle?

Can either one of you also clarify how cbr and vbr affect quality captured? I read so much about it but still lost.

Thanks & best regards
Ming, Singapore

[kv5]

With regards to which is the better of the two ( PVR - PCI or USB ) it is deffinately the PCI Version....... It allows higher use of bitrates.... But to be perfectly honest..... The capture quality still leaves alot te be desired, the main thing I noticed was the lack of colours.... they are very dull, no where near as good as the original source.

I cant realy help you with the VBR & CBR stuff...... as I dont undersatnd it all myself !

All in all its your decision, if you must go with the PVR then go for the PCI version ( Leave the USB well alone )...... But from my point of view, I would go for the DAZZLE DVC2......

Paul.