Which software will act as a 'real' video recorder?

[Will Hay]

Hello,
I'm currently using Virtualdub (720 x 576 for dvd output using PicVideo Codec) for captures but would like a program that will act exactly like my VCR, ie. ie can set it to record three or four shows and leave it to get on with it.
If I can do this I can finally get rid of my buggered old VCR.
Can anyone suggest a suitable program they're producing high quality avi's with?
Many thanks,
Will

[mpb]

Hello,
I'm currently using Virtualdub (720 x 576 for dvd output using PicVideo Codec) for captures but would like a program that will act exactly like my VCR, ie. ie can set it to record three or four shows and leave it to get on with it.
If I can do this I can finally get rid of my buggered old VCR.
Can anyone suggest a suitable program they're producing high quality avi's with?
Many thanks,
Will

The ATI 8500DV AIW comes with tivo-like functionality in this manner via a "guide-plus" software that attaches to the catalyst software. However I found the recording restrictions cumbersome. (to do hi-res you had to either do mpeg2-on-the-fly-in-hardware, or use ATI's new VCR proprietary format, or do WMV-on-the-fly. AVI were limited to low-res)

The final solution, as I see it, is to replace your VCR with a TiVo or equivalent, and capture off that (or use a hack to copy the mpeg2 files from the tivo's HDD to yours). No software right now can beat that, that I've seen.

[pb]

I have used IuVCR with my Canopus ADVC100, it has a scheduler built-in, and you can add multiple events, so check it out. It should work with most capture devices, well worth the money.

[Will Hay]

Thanks for the suggestions
There's no way I'll be going to the expense of a TiVo, I can't justify the prices.
My ATI software has the exact thing I'm looking for but as you quite rightly say the avi source imput settings are limited and the mpeg2 real-time is not up to scratch.
I do have a solution but it's not ideal:
I can run any source from the living room (dvd, vcr, digital tv etc) into my computer upstairs, and figure if I set the VCR to record three different shows over a five hour period I can simply leave Virtualbub to capture for the whole of the five hours (I have a 160gb hdd on RAID 0). The only two drawbacks I can see with it is...
1) Virtualdub will capture the first show fine, but when the video shuts off I imagine Vdub will throw up an error ('loss of signal/frames etc. or something')
2) I may have to drop quality in order to capture all five hours.
Will

[telemike]

You can try Intervideo's WinDVR2. It does pretty good for software encoding to MPEG1 or 2. I got mine for $15 by ordering an upgrade from Intervideo....

[Will Hay]

I'm really after a program that'll capture to avi using PicVideo at 720 x 576, just like Vdub, but with a timer facility.
I'll check out your suggestion though, thanks.
Will

[vidkid®]

I've not yet tried it, but what you describe sounds like Virtual VCR.
http://www.digtv.ws
It is based on VirtualDub and provides timer functionality.

Best of all, it's FREE!

[Will Hay]

I've not yet tried it, but what you describe sounds like Virtual VCR.

Just read the v-vcr site and yes, I think it is!
And it's free!!!
I'll give it a go tonight.
Many thanks
Will