Converting Composite Video & Storing w/o Computer

[Pierbridge]

I need to find a way, if at all possible, to capture a converted composite video signal to a large storage drive w/o the use of a pc. Is it possible?

Here's the particulars.

I have a composite video signal coming off of a sony underwater camera. The camera is sealed in a housing. I have a composite video connection coming from the camera. I have a power lead going to the camera. This camera does not record audio.

I would like to convert that composite video to DV using an analog to video converter like this Pyro AV Link http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PyroAVLink

After the signal is converted I would like to be able to save the signal in real time to a storage drive for later use. Is this feasible? The environment where this capture will take place will be very cold & very wet so ideally I would like to eliminate the need for the pc. I can take measures to protect the other hardware (converter & storage drive) but the less hardware I have out in the elements the better.

Any suggestions on how best to acomplish this and capture the highest quality video?

Thanks in advance.

[ebenton]

I don't know what your budget is, nor how long your video is supposed to be, but it seems like it ought to be easier to store the video internally in the camera, on DV tape or flash memory. Have you considered using such a camera instead of recording it externally?

[Pierbridge]

Actually I have done that and you're right, it works well. Here's some more info on my situation...

I won't have just one sony to convert and capture. I'll have 4 - 6 going at any one time. So I'm looking for a way to streamline the process. I have access to large NAS servers, storage drives, etc., with multiple USB 2.0 connections so I was thinking I could dump multiple signals to dedicated drives for each signal and save some time and hopefully some money. Plus recording to minidv tapes means I have to do the "rounds" hourly. I was hoping that saving directly to a large storage drive would free me up to let the cameras record for longer periods of time without having to constantly change tapes.

But if that is my fate, so be it.

Does anyone have suggestion on where to find video cameras with a video in port at a reasonable price?

I have one hi8 with a video in and it does a OK job in this role. I've found that cameras with a video in are hard to find unless a guy is willing to drop some serious money. Figure in that I need 4 - 6 of these cameras... and that could stretch the budget beyond repair.

Thanks for the quick reply. It is greatly appreciated.