Getting Audio into PC

[Tafflad]

Had good help here on understanding what I will be doiing on getting my DV onto PC.
I am using source via an ADVC-300 this presents me with 2 x RCA connectors for L&R audio out.

My PC has a 3.5mm stereo Audio 'Line-in' socket ......... is this suitable, or do I need to look at getting a sound card ?

If the latter any recommendations ... I don't listen to audio via PC nor do any gaming, so does that means I should look at something like an M-Audio Audiophile Sound card ?

Although I don't nee a video capture card (will use the 1394 ports) is there such a thing as combined video/audio capture card ?

[redwudz]

The audio with DV is already muxed (combined) in with the video. You shouldn't need any computer audio connections to the ADVC-300. Audio and video are over the 1394 connector. Maybe those are for a video monitor. I do use the audio inputs with my ADVC-100 when I convert VHS tapes to DV, but I have only used the composite and audio out to a TV monitor.

But if you did want to input audio, the 'Line in' would be fine. You just need a stereo RCA to stereo 3.5mm (1/8") adapter. Make sure you set your sound card, onboard or otherwise, to the proper levels for Line in.

Some simple capture cards use the Line in and some have audio on the card, with audio inputs in that case. Some also have a connection from the internal card to the motherboard Line in, usually the CD audio inputs.

[Tafflad]

This sounds like good news - Just to be clear on what I am doing ... S-VHS deck connected to ADVC-300 via S-video input along with analogue L&R stereo via RCA connectors.
So when converting to DV for loading to PC all I need do is use a single Firewire connection ?
(I didn't realise it combined video & audio)

Is standard PC Firewire port good enough .. or should I consider a Firewire card (ADS pyro for example).
PC has a PCI Firewire card fitted.

[redwudz]

Yes, all you need is a 1394 cable to your PC.

For FW ports, depends on the computer. Some older motherboards had problems with onboard FW, but they all seem to work fine now. It's not a capture, just a data transfer, similar to a external data drive. The transfer is in real time though. One hour of video takes one hour to transfer.

I use the free WinDV for the transfers to my computer HDD. You can use Type 1 or Type 2 DV, depending on your editing software. I use Type 2 and edit with VirtualDub Mod. If you want to output as DV with VDM, you can add the Cedocida DV Codec. Type 1 can also be converted easily to Type 2 or the reverse.

There is also the Enosoft DV processor for on-the-fly adjustments while transferring. And Windows Movie Maker can edit DV, but make sure to output as DV if you want to convert to MPEG later for a DVD.

[Tafflad]

Is WinDV OK for capture on a VISTA PC ? (Ultimate 32 bit, SP2).... some older posts here advise problems with VISTA ?
Went to develops site for WinDV it only lists 98/W2K/XP and a s W7 is now out don't suppose he will ever support VISTA