Need Some Expert Advice on Capture Device

[Vance]

Okay, I am brand spanking new here and to video capturing and I have a lot to learn. I hope that this is the place for it.

Currently, I have an old USB Dazzle DVC and it worked okay under Win98SE. I have upgraded my OS to WinXP Home and this thing doesn't work so I am looking for a new capture device. My system has an AMD Athlon XP 2200+, 256MB RAM with a 40GB HD and a new 120GB HD on the way.

My first question is about what type of new device I should get. Should it be USB 2.0 or PCI? Which is faster at capturing?

From what I have been able to learn so far, I think I need/want to be able to capture in .avi format. My main goal is to convert home VHS to DVD after editing them without spending a fortune on the capture device. Whatever device I buy has to have analog (RCA) inputs as my camcorder (Panasonic Palmcorder Model PV-L352D) is not set up for S-video.

What would the experts here recommend for a good starting device that is in the $50 range that will capture in .avi format? I have looked at the reviews here and there does not seem to be any kind of definitive recommendations. It seems that all the devices create problems for some. I am hoping to avoid this and get a decent device from the start.

I would appreciate any and all help/input/suggestions/recommendations.

Thanks,
Vance

[redwudz]

Seems like you have described what you want. It looks like a PCI or AGP capture card with composite in. PCI would be if you want to keep your present AGP card. For AVI capture for `$50US, I would check out a used ATI card from someplace like E-Bay.

PCI will be much faster than a USB solution. USB is OK for direct to MPEG with low quality, probably similar to your dazzle box. AVI capture is best with a card. For the price you quote, the older ATI cards are a great value, with very good capture quality. Check Lord Smurfs site for capturing and ATI info: digitalfaq.com