need to buy something

[CNT]

As funny as the subject title is, I am looking for suggestions on what to buy for this PC (see signature). I know this thread is another of those "what to buy" questions.

To start off honest, I am no where near to video expertise. I just want to learn more. I am still not understanding much about "352 x 240". All I know is I am in U.S., which would be NTSC and we use "29 point something" fps for videos. I am getting there as I did browse around in this site and did some research on the 'net.

OK. As of now, I got a RMA for my Marvel video card. This video card works all fine for me, just that I ran their utility out of curiosity and showed that my 2D Visual failed (whatever that means), so they offer me the RMA. This is a 16MB SDRAM and a "all-in-one" hardware video capture card. It captures in MJPEG format. From when I did research on buying a capture card, it was said that MJPEG is the BEST for analog, so I focus on MJPEG alone (leaving "anything else" out). Then next, end up bought this Matrox Marvel G400-TV (hardware MJPEG). Since then, I didn't do much video editing (maybe it's because the Ulead Media Studio Pro was too hard to use? I am still not able to output the video to the VHS tape, but I asked that question on another post). Anyway, if I take this card back, I would be without a video card (but I still have a 4MB backup).

Now that I really want to get into video editing little more (I still have plenty of family VHS and some Hi8). Should I return the card and practice some more when I get a replacement? Should I look into another software? Should I buy a new video card and a PCI capture card? Keep in mind that I am no gamer, just plain 2D Yahoo! Chess.

If I decided to go for a new video card and a seperate video capture card, the next question is what should I get, since I am behind with video card technology (and with all those 64MB, even 128MB). Looks like I should get a nVidia (just because it "matches" with MSI MB?? I may be weird). Also what video capture card should I get? The main thing I am looking for from a capture card is a breakout box (I don't want to slide the PC like a meat cutter). This was the reason why I bought that Matrox Marvel (along with other reasons). This would then take me to Pinnacle Studio Deluxe. Why that one? Well, it's got a breakout box. And it's got a digital capture as it's future thing. Again, I do not know what make it a digital capture card, I thought digital has a different plug other than composite plugs. Maybe I am not looking at the picture enough or reading it well enough. Is this a good card/system. I see a lot of negative things about this company, but that goes with about anything on market. Is there something I need to be aware about something that a card is not a ture digital capture card?

I think I should stop here, I am open for advises. Since I am getting something new other than MJPEG, I like to ask for something good (or best) for analog, as well what is best for digital (MPEG-1?). Sorry for this long post.

I have regular VHS VCR, Sony Hi8 camcorder, Sony DVD player and a Nikon digital camera. I will have access to a digital camcorder every so often.

Chuck

[CNT]

Not necessary to bump this back to the top, but another question (comparison).

Is Dazzle Hollywood DV-Bridge and Pinnacle Studio Deluxe both the exact same thing, regards having both analog and digital?

Chuck