Canopus ADVC-100

[*Vinny Stardust*]

I wanted a capture device to convert VHS stuff off the telly and Hi8 from analogue camcorderto put on SVCD/DVD in the future.

I was about to get the Pinnacle DV500DVD but was put off by the problems others had encountered. Then I discovered the ADVC-100. As every comment had been positive I decided this was for me.

I am running Win ME and have a 700MHz PC with 20Gig HD, I know I will need to also get a firewire card and install an additional larger HD but is ME ok to use? I ask because certain other devices only work with win 2000 or XP etc so i'm told. Will I have the problem of it only capturing 2 or 4 gig at a time?

Also, the issue of 'low sound' that i've read about on here, how would that be solved?

If you are wondering- yes, I am new to all this hence the questions!

Before I buy it I would appreciate any advice or comments.

ps: why is it so bloody expensive in Britain compared to the USA!

[pb]

I use this device with Win XP, and use NTFS for my hard drives, as this gets around the inherent 4Gig file limit. Using ME is OK, but you will be constrained by the maximum 4Gig file size, which is approx 18minutes with DV. Various video editing software can get around this by automatically creating multiple files and join them seamlessly in software so that your project always appears as one file, but this only works if you export the file back to DV tape or encode to mpeg 1/2 using the encoder the software comes with. If you cannot use an external encoder (e.g. TMPG) from within the editing software you will come unstuck if your file is greater than 4Gig (18 minutes), as you will have to encode multiple files and join them. TMPG can do the encoding and cut/joining, but I hear that this can cause audio/video sync issues and noise at the join.

So... by all means, use ME intially to test/trial various software/hardware configs etc, but you will probably want to move up to either Win2K or XP and use NTFS for your hard drives, then no file size problems.

The ADVC 100 is great, no audio/video sync issues. I do not understand the audio level problem described else where, as I see no evidence of low audio, its all relative to your project, I don't compare input/output levels, I just get the project right and renderr to DV for tape or another file to encode to mpeg with TMPG.

Here in Australia things are also expensive relative to the US!

[Majtolycus]

I don't have personal experience (yet) with this type of device, but I did do some research when my miniDV camcorder crapped out a couple of months ago. I have everything "backed up" on VHS or Hi8 and was looking for a high quality way to transfer that into my computer should the evil wicked camcorder die again. (Note to the wise -- stay AWAY from Canon miniDV camcorders... I have owned three over as many years and have had nothing but grief from their shoddy workmanship and customer service -- or lack thereof).

Anyway, to the point... you might also want to take a look at Miglia's Director's Cut Take Two -- http://www.macs4all.com/Merchant/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=T&Product_Code=WMG...tegory_Code=SP (don't let that URL mislead you -- it works on Macs AND PC's)

I've heard it's much better quality than other comparable products, though it is a tad pricier.

Good luck with your search.

--=Maj