video encoder devices? Plextor ConvertX

[fondoo]

i would like to convert all my camcorder tapes to digital. i was looking into Plextor ConvertX PX-M401U Video Encoder. Can anyone recommend me the best and fastest video encoder? i'm a retired father with alot of free time on my hands.

[holistic]

best and fastest are mutually exclusive.

Suggest the canopus ADVC-100
https://www.videohelp.com/capturecards.php?CaptureCardRead=132#comments

I don't have one but alot of people seem very happy with it.

The AVDC-100 is for DV. After that you will (if you desire) need to convert to MPEG2.

Popular MPEG2 encoders (in no particular order) : CCE , TMPGEnc , MainConcept , Canopus Procoder

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[fondoo]

i still need a capture card, do i? what do you guys recommend?

[thecoalman]

The ADVC does capture, it converts the analog to DV. You plug it into a firewire port on your comp. You don't need a capture card but a firewire card or if you have a firewire port your in business.

You'll need capture software and editing software which is probably provided with the ADVC. If not you can try some of the software suggested above or purchase some. I use Mediastudio Pro 7 for capture and editing. I have no complaints but it's a little pricey.

If your in the market for a new Cam you might want to consider getting a DV cam with pass-thru capabilities which will do the same thing as the ADVC.