All In Wonder Radeon 7500

[Coluph]

I'm just wondering if the ATI All In Wonder Radeon 7500 card will work ok for capturing. I am still considering the Canopus, but I've seen this card advertised for around the $100 mark and could probably use a newer video card anyway (using a 32m tnt2 ultra at the moment) I am thinking I may give it a try...if the quality is there...I may not bother with the Canopus, because I just don't have the cash for one right now.

I've allready returned a TV Wonder Pro (complete waste of time) and I want to know if the 7500 is a different animal that will produce good results...as good as the newer expensive cards. (I don't need a $200+ 3D video card to read email and browse web pages) Having had so many problems with that card, makes me hesitant to try another ATI product.

I don't play alot of games, so 3D is not the top priority, but I would like something that renders Sim City 4000 a little better.

Will I see a considerable difference between this and the TV Wonder Pro I returned? Are the files it writes compatible with TMPEG? (The TV Wonder Pro's was definately not...the files it made had issues)

Just looking for a little input before making a decision. If it's not really worth the trouble I'll just hold off and save my money for the Canopus. (I'm a little skeptical of what kind of after purchase support I'll get from them...sent an email to their sales department with a question and they never wrote back)

[lordsmurf]

Yes. Big difference.

7500 uses Theatre Rage chips.
TV Wonder used BT/CX chips.

Theatre MUCH BETTER chip for video.

[hwoodwar]

I get very good quality captures with my ATI AIW Radeon 7500 (I have been using it for over a year now.) The drivers and other programs that come with the card need to be installed in a specific sequence, the updates are the same way. There is a "VFW Wrapper" that can be found which allows you to use VirtualDub to capture to AVI format. I even found a utility for VirtualDub that allows you to "schedule" a capture for a specific time while you are away from the computer.

[Coluph]

OK, I may pick one of these up then if they have them in stock when I'm in the area where the store is located. (Taking a trip to California) Thanks for the quick responses. I had someone send me a clip they captured with the AIW and it did look very good, I haven't had the chance to put it on a DVD yet to compare it to what the ADVC did though. (geez I wish it would have worked...it was such a nice unit)