Which Capture Card is best for capturing for DVD quality???

[drone005]

I want to begin converting my home movies to DVDs, I just need to know what everyone thinks are the best cards that support 720x480.

Also is there a list of cards that support 720x480?

I know there's probably a ton of other posts with this question, but I'm having trouble finding a clear answer.

Thanks in advance.

[Macros746]

First of all, if you are really expecting to capture to DVD quality you are in for disappointment. To capture to that high a resolution is a waste of CPU poser....VHS only goes up to 352 x 480 or thereabouts (I'm not exact on this I know so no flames guys...) so capturing to a much higher resolution doesn't make sense. I would look for a solid card (see this site for reviews) that can capture flawlessly to 480 x 480 and go with that. Depending on how much work you want to do post capture there are many options. I am very happy with my AIW and, for capturing straight to MPEG2 it is far from perfect but IS the best I've seen. But, if you are really concerned with quality you will capture using Virtualdub and then frame serve to CCE (the best SVCD encoder)..... If you have any questions feel free to email me.

Macros

[spiderman2k1]

get the dazzle 2

[Sulik]

Actually, any card that supports 720x480 at high bitrates will give you great looking DVDs. Since you can use a bitrate of up to 8Mbps, the encoder will not make much difference, and even a slow CPU (<500MHz)will be able to encode 720x480 I-frame only at 8Mbps.

If you have a DVD burner, my recommendation would be an AGP All-In-Wonder (Radeon 7500 or 8500DV).

[damnim]

Before you even consider capturing DVD quality "720x480" you first need to look at your processor. Your going to need at least a 1gig of cpu to capture the frames. Depending on you system maybe more if you want 100%.

Currently I have an ATI All In Wonder Radeon with a 500MHZ Intel III and it barely captures at 320x240 100%. I've done some research about this and have decided to build my own computer using a Pentium 4 and as much memory as I can afford to transfer my VHS tapes.

As for my ATI All In Wonder it really is a good little card. Has a TV has svideo and audio and all that you need to hook up to you Home System.

[spiderman2k1]

i capture 352*240 with a Ps 400 with no problem you have to shut down all other program like Im ICQ shut them all down where the clock is the hity ctrl alt delete star from the top explorer and work your way down way keep Explorer and All ATIl program and systray running this will help your ALL IN WONDER.

One thing you can Capture DVD with a P2 400 with the Dazzle 2 plus the AIW you have to fix the file after yor done like SVCD with the Dazzle the file is fine no problem

[loudanddeep]

OK, just to be clear, ths posts about needed a powerful cpu, ONLY APPLY TO CARDS THAT USE THE CPU to do the encoding for real time MPG.

You dont need a monster cpu if;

1 - you cap in avi, and are willing to wait days for tmpg to convert to mpg.
2 - you use a hardware based caputre.

There are several devices where the CPU is only used for sound, and most of the work (the video) is done by the device.

Dazzle DVCII, ADS Instant DVD, PV256, etc.
However, most of these cards *CAN* have problems with audio video sync.
Especially if you have a really slow processor (<400mhz).

Supposedly the SNAZZI III, does both audio and video in hardware.

You left out a lot of important info on your initial question;
1 - what is your source? (VHS, DV, HI8 etc)
2 - How fast is your cpu (see above).
3 - How much are you willing to spend. (<$200, $500, $1000).

All these will contribute to what the answer is.
There is no such thing as "best", that is a very unfortunatly reality in the tech sector...
Kind of like what is the "best" car. Well that depends on what you want it for...

Personally, I had narrowed it down to either the Dazzle DVCii or the ADS, and I just got an ADS. I have not had time to really form an opinion on the device yet.
I can tell you this however, (as all the posts indicated), really good source (dvd) is a LOT BETTER than lousy source (old vhs).

best of luck.

DP