A Good Capturing Device?

[InSaNiTy]

I'm looking for a decent capturing device, I want to use it to capture old video tapes.
Someone recommended me this device. But I would like some expert opinion as I really want to get good results.

Also I want to ask, does the video I use matter? Does using some videos will get me better results then other? (I've read something about it, but I'm not sure)

Thanks in advance for anyone who can help me=)

[nelson133]

I use the Canopus AVDC 100 for that purpose and have been well satisfied.

[harley2ride]

Also look at the DAC100 and the ADS Pyro AV/Link. Basically the same thing as the Canopus. The ADS unit will do anything the Canopus will do.

[JudgeGarth]

I use the Dazzle DVC 150 and it's worked fine for me, although the Pinnacle Studio software that came with it is lousy. It works for the capture, but hangs when you go to render it. I capture with the Pinnacle Studio and then drag/drop the video file into ArcSoft ShowBiz to do the authoring/rendering/burning.

[zoobie]

Seems to me that ADS Pyro AV/Link is also about $100 cheaper than the Canopus ADVC 100. Check eBay and newegg.com for specials.

[Abbadon]

Hi,

Lot of good comments with this product:
http://www.provantage.com/ati-100-703205~7ATIT42L.htm

It comes with hardware mepg encoder to let your cpu rest while recording live video.

I own the card listed below, it was a real pain in the neck to make it work, I had to purchase ChrisTV because no third party application would work. However, after downloading the drivers from the manufacturer, I can record directly in mpeg using the onboard mpeg chip and even use built in filters to obtain better picture.

http://www.provantage.com/creator-tv-mce~22098537.htm

[PuzZLeR]

For capturing (VHS), I recommend getting a stand-alone unit. Get one with a hard hard drive which is very convenient and useful.

For a couple of years now I've been using a Pioneer DVR. I can attach my VCR to it as well as record from television and video camera. I then transfer the video to my PC via DVD-RW so I can further edit, add effects and burn it. I use my PC for everything else but the actual capturing.

I've been trying to capture on PCs for almost 7-8 years with cards, and even the Dazzle 150 and before that the Dazzle 80. All have sucked for me. Too unstable. Even with my latest PC, which is much more powerful, I still don't trust these devices after what I've been through.

I know I'm not supposed to trash other products on this forum, but please forgive me in this case since a certain product was beyond horrible: Dazzle (the 80 sucked and I was stupid to trust it later for its 150). The reviews on Amazon back me up on this.

A stand-alone unit is my pick because of the fact that it does nothing else but capture. It's built to do only one thing and does it well while I use my PC for other things. I have never been happier in video editing ever since I got this unit and it was worth every penny, even if it would have been much more expensive.

Good luck.

[mats.hogberg]

No matter what computer capture solution you choose, a TBC seems like a good idea for VHS captures.
DVD Recorders seem to have (some kind of) TBC built in.

/Mats