Is the CameraMate by Zio any good?

[ADigitalMan]

I couldn't find info on this device in the hardware listings, so I'm asking in the forum. This is a low-cost model, but that doesn't necessarily mean it is bad (though it could). I was hoping to hear from others with experience whether or not the CameraMate by Zio is a good capture device for converting my old VHS tapes to DVD. How good is the A/V sync over long periods of time (like a full-length tape)?

Here is a link to its listing at CompUSA.

http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=318336&pfp=cat3

[hexxisoft]

i have my doubts. However, I've never used it. What I don't like about it is that it's USB. I've used two other video devices that were USB, and I wasn't impressed. Get an ADVC-55. Yeah, it's expensive, but you'll have no sync problems.

[Torrential]

NO - THIS CARD IS HORRIBLE. I had this card. It sucked. Plus, USB ones aren't that great.

[video567]

i kinda agree, but ive had it for a few months now and ive captured 2 hours straight from vcr to dvd size and i get decent quality with very minimal frame loss. im running an AMD 3000 with 512k mem and so far i like it. i do have my wintv card but i got this to take on the road and it does what i need. the link has it for sale for 29 bucks. get it if you have the cash and keep it on your briefcase if you ever go visit family you can hook them up with free home video dvds if their puters can handle it.

[ADigitalMan]

Thanks to all for your answers. I'm thinking the ADVC-100 is probably the best bang for the buck (it's the top-rated converter) but it seems tough to find these days. Is it out of production.

[Torrential]

No its not out of production. Ebay has it, and if you go to the Canopus website, you can find dealers in your area that carry it. I was thinking of getting the ADVC-100 also =-)

[Cityfan2004]

Believe me, this device is utterly appalling. I was looking for something reasonably cheap that would capture in mpeg2 or dvd from VHS tapes as a replacement for my dazzle dvc usb (which only captures mpeg1 btw, although the quality is not bad), and paid 49.99UK for this in PC World.
I have a 2.4ghz pentium machine with 256mb ram and the quality of dvd and mpeg2 capture is appalling with grainy, skippy video and a slight loss of sync. VCD capture is a little better. Total waste of money and best avoided.
Serves me right I suppose for being a cheapskate.

Back to the dazzle I suppose. At least I can get reasonable mpeg1 quality.