ADVC-100, DAC-100, Pyro A/V Link, my head is spinning.....

[Lscman]

I am trying to decide which product to purchase to convert analog hi8 & SVHS tapes to digital format for burning to DVD's. I would also like to feed analog S-connector & R/L audio satellite dish signals (similar as cable TV signals) to my PC to do some timeshifting, since I do not have a PVR508 or similar. Please help.

A couple issues I'm still confused about:

-Why do these converters all use firewire? My PC is about 30-40 feet from my video system. From what I can tell, these three converters do not support Firewire repeater technology...so the limit is around 14'. Are there equivalent A->D converters on the market that use USB or Ethernet or some other standard? Has anyone had luck with firewire repeaters even though the converter instruction books tell you they are not feasible??

-I am concerned about the s-connector DIN video NTSC IRE black level compatibility issues (7.5 vs. 0). I have noticed bad color saturation problems with certain components and no problems with other's. My TV is an older Pioneer rear projection. Which of these three converters are switchable between the two standards?

-Is there any advantage to the Canopus ADVC-100 now that the $150 ADS Pyro A/V has been revised to B?

-I saw a ADS Pyro DVD2 converter at Circuit City that has USB. Is this the USB equivalent to the Pyro A/V Link or is the conversion technology and functionality different. I notice it does not have the same audio and video connector configuration.

Thanks for any advice.

[Matteo693]

Just carry the VCR over to your computer desk. It works for me, real simple!

[Lscman]

Matt,

That works OK for one-time tape conversions, but I wish to use the analog to dig converter to do satellite timeshift or special event recordings on my PC. If I must carry my components back and forth, I might as well choose an All in wonder card because I'm due for a new video card anyway. I suppose I could buy another $300 satellite system for my office, but that doesn't sound too good.

Some folks refer to this live connection to a PC as "PVR" or "home brewed Tivo".

I need a permanent connection from my video equipment to my PC. I'm trying to avoid moving my office PC to my cellar or buying a second PC. I'm looking for any options I'm unaware of.

What is the longest firewire possible with these converters?

Thanks for the ideas.