Plextor ConvertX PX-TV402U quality...

[aaronrus]

have anybody used the Plextor ConvertX PX-TV402U for MPEG-2 capture yet? i'd liek to see some feedback on it, as it seems to be quite versatile. My use for it would be for VHS to DVD transfers, and I already own a TBC.

[pfh]

I posted a screen shot here: http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/159536

It's a still picture and I use the M402U minus the tv tuner but it will give you a general idea. Scenes of high motion is where you'll notice the encoding loss.

[echo1434]

I ended up returning my Plextor PX-TV402U. The main reason being that it did not allow me to use my sound card for capturing.

However, the more I read about it, I simply don't trust USB devices. This just seems like a moronic idea to me, given how intense video capturing can be. I did notice a few small glitches from my captures with this device.

If you're just using this to record TV shows and delete them later, you'd probably be ok. But if you're like me and want to make perfect captures of VHS and laserdisc, etc., you might want to look elsewhere

Although USB has come a long way, it can still be glitchy and inconsistent. Do yourself a favor and get a PCI card.

[pfh]

. This just seems like a moronic idea to me, given how intense video capturing can be.

Tell that to Hauppauge, Canopus, Plextor, et.al. Canopus even markets their high end $500 mpeg card USB.

[echo1434]

Tell that to Hauppauge, Canopus, Plextor, et.al. Canopus even markets their high end $500 mpeg card USB.

It's all about the money. USB devices are much easier to install, and an advantage if your PCI slots are full. Just a way to expand the market share.

I spoke to a representive at AverMedia while searching for a new device, and he informed me that their company has discontinued all their PCI devices in favor of USB. That's just crazy if you ask me.

I'm not saying they can't do the job, but if you're seeking perfection, why not go the more reliable way?

I actually ended up sticking with the ATI All In Wonder Radeon 9600 card that came with my PC. If you can get it to behave correctly, it does a great job. What I love about it is that it will accept the digital input in my sound card for capturing laserdiscs. The fact that it can also capture AVI is also an advantage.