hard drive not large enough for capturing

[CAnn12]

Okay..I've been capturing beta/VHS tapes on my computer in avi format so that I can edit, author etc and convert to DVD. I thought I had enough hard drive space..but it's getting too tight. One quick question..should i buy another internal harddrive or should i get an external one? Does it matter. I think I'd prefer internal..don't like a lot of equipment, but I'd get one if that's the recommendation. I take it that it should be at least 60kbs Any comments? Thanks!

[BJ_M]

60kbs?

you mean 60GB ?

even that is small by todays standards.. get a 120 or a 200GB at least ..

get an internal

[jtoolman2000]

Size really does matter here. Internal and as big as possible.

[BetaMaster]

I agree - big and internal.

External drives are wonderful, but the transfer rates are limited. It's not a good idea to burn a DVD-Recordable of files sitting on the external drive, or to capture to an external drive - the transfer rates are fast but not nearly as fast as an internal drive.

One thing I've done is to use a removable hard drive tray. Once it is installed, swapping drives is as easy as pulling out the tray, taking out the drive, and putting in the new drive - no taking apart the case. They cost about $15 Cdn.

Installing a 2nd hard drive is "easy", but problems can occur:
- there might not be enough room in your case for it
- your power supply may not have enough juice for the new drive

[junkmalle]

Internal drives are much faster than external (USB2 or Firewire). Fry's had 120 GB WD drives for $20 (after $60 in rebates) this weekend. Last weekend they had 80 GB Hitachi drives for $20 (after rebate).

[Kingnog]

I agree - big and internal.

lol

But in all seriousness, check out the ads that come with your major local sunday newspaper (if you have any of those in nova scotia, ). Every other week I see ads for $30 or $40 160gb western digital hard drives (of which I now own 4, and they're great)

[CAnn12]

Thanks!!! I appreciate your help! That's exactly what I'll get internal & big!!.