AIW versus Radeon 64 VIVO....

[Macros746]

Hello all,
it has been a while since I've posted...I have been wrestling with problems with my new 8kTA3 motherboard and my USB CD-Burner. anyhow, problems solved..more or less. My question is this: I am next going to upgrade my Video card and I want one that allows me to do some TV capture so I can VCD my favorite shows. What IS the difference exactly between the AIW and the Radeon 64 VIVo. They both have TV in and, correct me if I'm wrong, capture capability. But I am also a hardcore gamer and I know that the Radeon VIVO is better in that arena. The AIW is more expensive....I just don't know what additions it has. Help me out guys.

Thanks,

Macros746

[PKalona]

They are essentially the same card except... The AIW card includes a TV tuner (and associated software), the VIVO card has "video-in" but no tuner. On the other hand, the VIVO card has 64MB of DDR while the AIW has only 32MB. Both can capture video but if you don't want to use an external tuner (like a vcr) you need the AIW. I've also read the AIW comes with some nice TV-Guide software to automate show taping similar to TIVO. I don't own either card (yet) so I can't comment on quality.

[patrickm]

1- some OEM radeon cards lack the s-video input, but i think the retail versions have it. so check in case you're buying online.

2- if you're only interested in capture, not gaming, get an AIW 128 Pro AGP. it's got 100% of the capture hardware as in the radeon, just a different 3D architecture. it also costs half as much (~$99 now), and has very stable drivers both for win98/SE/ME/2K. also has real VFW drivers for 9x OS's.