What's the right capture device?

[yenly]

I'm currently using Belkin USB VideoBus II to capture from VHS and convert it to VCD...didn't really have good results for SVCD.

I'm using VDub to capture but is limited to 320x240. I'm not sure if this is a problem...but when I tried to make SVCD, the quality is bad. I used TMPGEnc to encode. I also noticed the frequent drop in frames when viewing the VCDs. When capture, I didn't use MJPEG or HUFFYUV. I basically did a no recompression when capture.

So here this the question? What is the best capture device to use that will not limit me to a 320x240 or cause frequent drop in frames by the device? I don't want capture cards, I only want an external device that I can hook up to my USB.

Here is more information about my PC:

Gateway 700XL
Intel 2.2 GHz w/512k Cache Pentium 4 Processor & Motherboard
1024MB RDRAM PC800 Memory
64MB DDR ATI Radeon 8500G AGP
120GB 7M Ultra ATA Hard Drive
Windows XP Home

Please advise

[handyguy]

On the left side of this screen is a link that says CAPTURE CARDS you should use that.

[g_shocker182]

I suggest the Canopus ADVC-100. It is a bit expensive, so if you cant afford it try Pinnacle USB Moviebox.

[Tommyknocker]

My main capturing device is my USB 1.1 ADS IDVD. It is an external capture device that can capture MPEG-2 at up to 720 x 480 with out dropping frames. If you are interested, you may want to stick to 1.1 USB version. the 2.0 USB version has problems I am told.

[i_am_dave]

I suggest the Canopus ADVC-100. It is a bit expensive, so if you cant afford it try Pinnacle USB Moviebox.

Ditto on the ADVC-100, you will not be disappointed.

[Tommyknocker]

Hey gurus, hey only wants a USB device right now.

[i_am_dave]

Hey gurus, hey only wants a USB device right now.

True . I looked at his system specs and thought, why not recommend a firewire device.
Guess I am a Firewire biggot

Maybe we can start another thread war, which is better USB2.0 or Firewire?

[Tommyknocker]

Do not bother, you are "preachin' to the choir". I agree with prevailing wisdom that fire wire is the way to go. But if he wants USB, the customer is always right.

[yenly]

You guys are going to laugh your heads off...but I'm a newbie and am not much up-to-date with all the technology. What is a firewire?

I believe my PC does come with a 1394 IEEE PCI Card? Is this what you are referring to? I personally have no clue what this thing is for.

Explain please...

[Tommyknocker]

A firewire card looks like this:



Make sure you do not confuse it with your USB ports. Check your system's features.