PURE HARDWARE MPEG-2 ENCODER CAPTURE CARD ?

[Zetti]

Hi all,

I have always heard that "pure" MPEG-2 hardware cards are much better than software based ones, and I also have read that regular "consumer" cards all around are software based ones;

I am curious, can anyone please give an example of a "pure" MPEG-2 capture card, with TV tuner and Firewire, for example ?

Also, would worldwide well known softwares like ATI MMC, WinDVR3, UVS7, etc, work on a card like this ?

How much does a card like this cost ?

Is the new ATI AiW 9800PRO a "pure" MPEG-2 hardware encoder board ?

Thanks,

Zetti

[snafu099]

From a non expert:
hardware encoded mpg is generally simple and easier user interface.
extensive, precise editing is better done on avi

http://www.adstech.com

ADS USB Instant Dvd-1 = many problems-stay away from

ADS USB Instant Dvd-2 = external usb hardware encoder from any analoge source with loop back for output. $160

Ads USB Instand Dvd-DV = same as IDVD-2 but with DV input. $200

ADS USB DvdExpress = same as IDVD-2 with no loop back. $100

bundled Ulead software MovieFactory-2 and VisualStudy-7se plus inhouse capwiz. As far as I know, will only capture with these tweeked software, but Ulead is supposed to be working on enableing all it's software.

Had IDVD-1 = mad, mad, mad
Have IDVD-2 = happy camper, poor tech support but good forum

[Lambchop]

there's also the VMagic PCI cards (www.vmagic.de ?)

how have you found the ads card snafu? will it give good results over a range of selected bit rates, and support VBR with good results? I'd be interested in backing up some of my older VHS's, as they're getting quite worn and shabby - any idea how the ads system copes with macrovision?

[bottle-necked]

True hardware based MPEG2 PCI boards offer 'real time' viewing of video effects and transitions while working in video editing programs. They offer the ability to play a file while viewing live video at the same time. They offer onboard stereo audio and will guaranteed audio sync during video captures. It's for a price and I believe it's around the $1K mark for an intro card.

The ATI AIW 9800 Pro card you mentioned I've got one ordered and have been waiting for it to come in. I believe it's going to be the best ATI product to date. I'll know in a few more days if I'm right.

When considering cost, the possibility of compatibility issues, IRQ conflicts, etc, I don't think a person like us can beat ATI products. They've made me a believer and I'm staying with them. If this 9800 pro is a better card than my existing 8500DV, then it will be one heck of a capture card.

I'll sell you my old card next week if you like. I know it will capture 'real time' quality MPEG2 files that will amaze you.

Good luck

and NO, ATI MMC will not work other capture cards.... Only ATI.

[Zetti]

Thanks everybody to all replies,

Snafu, SHOULD I GET AN ADS DVD + DV CARD ??

how do you overall rate it ?

How is the quality of real time MPEG-2 capture ?

Does any other people have this card ?

Actually, my current card is an AiW 8500DV.

Anyway, I might say I am not completely satisfied with it, while it does capture properly most new VHS tapes, it doesn't handle properly old VHS (from the 80's or so) when played through new modern VCR's - as someone mentioned in the comments room, it's no Macrovision issue.

There's a distortion, bending, at the upper part of the video; a person on the comments area suggested people to use an old VCR or buy a new capture card - I think I'll stick to the last suggestion.

That's why I won't get any new AiW as I am no gammer, I just wanna make capture properly;

I wellcome more comments on the ADS card, and similar ones on the range of $ 200 ~300;

Thanks,

Zetti

[SHS]

Is the new ATI AiW 9800PRO a "pure" MPEG-2 hardware encoder board ?

No it not

But If want turn your PC in to modern day VCR's and do reg capturing for better use of that MPEG-2 hardware cards then take look at WinTV-PVR 250 it a MPEG-2 hardware cards and there lot 3party support like SageTV 1.4 and SnapStream Media Beyond TV 3.4 and can use the JovePlayer if own REALmagic Xcard oh there evern linux support unlike all other card.

There are min more Hardware base MPEG2 encoder cards.

There is one but it going cost arm and leg to get and this one that has it all Canopus DVTX200-Plus but it only support in japan.

[Lambchop]

Anyway, I might say I am not completely satisfied with it, while it does capture properly most new VHS tapes, it doesn't handle properly old VHS (from the 80's or so) when played through new modern VCR's - as someone mentioned in the comments room, it's no Macrovision issue.

There's a distortion, bending, at the upper part of the video; a person on the comments area suggested people to use an old VCR or buy a new capture card - I think I'll stick to the last suggestion.

Is that bending not just a function of old tapes in general? When I've seen that effect, its been on a part of the screen which is "chopped off" by the TV anyway, so its only a problem on playback on a monitor display. Maybe I've misinterpreted?

[lordsmurf]

Anyway, I might say I am not completely satisfied with it, while it does capture properly most new VHS tapes, it doesn't handle properly old VHS (from the 80's or so) when played through new modern VCR's - as someone mentioned in the comments room, it's no Macrovision issue.

There's a distortion, bending, at the upper part of the video; a person on the comments area suggested people to use an old VCR or buy a new capture card - I think I'll stick to the last suggestion.

Is that bending not just a function of old tapes in general? When I've seen that effect, its been on a part of the screen which is "chopped off" by the TV anyway, so its only a problem on playback on a monitor display. Maybe I've misinterpreted?

OVERSCAN.

[swadey]

A related question:

I hear it's possible to do HW assisted MPEG2 captures with the AIW series without losing frames. What have people found to be the limit as far as bitrate + resolution goes with these cards?

wade

[lordsmurf]

A related question:

I hear it's possible to do HW assisted MPEG2 captures with the AIW series without losing frames. What have people found to be the limit as far as bitrate + resolution goes with these cards?

wade

None. I can do MPEG-2 at 720x480 VBR 15 MB/s if I so desire.

[snafu099]

I do not have IDVD +DV unit so have no first hand exp.
bitrate from 1 to 15 cbr/vbr + lots of other control settings.
will only cap from bundled software and a few other ulead programs so far. Windows/Mac only no linus

external usb-2, no tv tuner so no pvr

user friendly for consumer use, looking for pro-spend more $

[slacker]

I purchased a new zd7000 HP MCE laptop which comes with the Ezumed Bali TV/PVR MPEG-2 hardware based encoder. I love it, works every time. I don't believe at this time you can purchase a standalone version, but Ezumed did say they were releasing a piece of software this month that works in Tandem with this hardware and other MPEG capture devices. Stay tuned.

[Zetti]

Thanks to everybody that replied, I might look for an external USB hardware MPEG-2 encoder soon,

Zetti

[Lambchop]

OVERSCAN.

what is overscan in the context you mention?