Some general questions about capture cards...

[Dark Dragon Reborn]

I am trying to decide on a capture card, but I'm having some difficulties finding one that has what I want. I've been told a lot of different things by different people, and I don't know what's right.

Firstly, which is better? USB 2.0, PCI, AGP, or Firewire for a capture card? I have no problem with opening my computer, so I'm not worried about difficulty installing the PCI or AGP cards, as I'm used to doing so.

Secondly, what card would you suggest for $150 or less that has composite in and S-Video in (not required, but would be very nice...) that would allow me to capture at DVD quality? I'm also trying to put my favorite TV series on my satellite onto a DVD, as it was never released in it's complete form on VHS or DVD (only a few of the episodes were released). Also, I'd like to copy VHS tapes to DVD, though I expect a quality loss there.

Thirdly, what software would be suggested to go with that card, as most cards don't seem to come with very good software for that particular card...

I thank you all for your time, and would like to apologize if I put this in the wrong forum.

P.S. If any further info is neccessary, just tell me. Thanks!



My specs

Athlon XP 2700+
512 megs ram (upgrading to 1 gig)
AGP
PCI
USB 2.0
(I can get Firewire if absolutely necessary, as my other PC has it...)
DVD+- R/RW/Ram /CD-RW

[GateHopper]

G'day


I would definately go with a complete new VGA Card (AGP) with VIVO (Video In / Video Out). Don't go out and buy a separate capture card, too many conflicts.

You'll find it hard to find a PCI capture card that produces DVD quality capture.

I went through the same thing with brands etc, end the end I went with an ATI card for under $100 USD with VIVO and it does a great job, better than I expected, and not problems after 13 months.

Copy DVD's, Videos, Cable etc in DVD quality.



As far as firewire, just buy a firewire card, around $39 USD.
if you need to capture DV.


Software: Need more details ?

Cyberlink Suite: Power DVD, Power VCR, Power Director Pro, cheap enough and does a good job without being too complex.

Smart Ripper, DVD Decrypter, DVD2One, Nero.


I use power VCR and plug it in directly to my PC. I capture TV, Cable, Video, DV etc in any quality DVD, VCD etc.


Regards


Steve
Melbourne Australia

[Duchess]

which is better? USB 2.0, PCI, AGP, or Firewire for a capture card?

An internal card will always beat an external unit. If you think about it logically there is less to go wrong such as noise and hum pickup on the external leads and it will work faster on the internal buss than it will via USB or Firewire. Of the internal ones my money is on the AGP ones as it means the system is tied more secureky into the PC setup so there will be less problems with conflicts.

Secondly, what card would you suggest for $150 or less that has composite in and S-Video in (not required, but would be very nice...) that would allow me to capture at DVD quality?

I suggest that you look through the data on capture cards on the left and make your own choice. I use an ATI Radeon 9000 All in Wonder card and I think it's more than adequate for my needs, which sound very similar to your own. It has TV antenna in, composite video in, S-video in and works with most of the usual softwares (Ulead Movie Factory, and lots of others).