Suggestions for capturing/authoring setup

[Rehan]

Hi, folks.

I'm putting together a PC that will be used for video capture and authoring, so I thought I'd pick your brains to help guide me in the right direction.

The video source is an analog video camera, which is used primarily for speeches that are around an hour long. The final output I would like is in two formats: 1) good quality (VHS quality or better) recording on optical media, 2) lower-quality video for online distribution.

I would like it to be as convenient as possible to obtain Format #1...ideally, something similar to a standalone DVD recorder -- so the operator would turn on the computer, insert a DVD+R disc, launch an application, and start burning the video straight to the DVD+R disc. I've read that the Intervideo WinDVD Recorder application will basically work in this way, with an analog video input card such as WinTV. Question #1: Are there any alternatives? I know that I can do it in the usual multi-step process (capture, convert, author), but convenience is key in this situation.

For Format #2, I'll probably go with RealVideo because I've had decent success so far with it for this kind of video (i.e., speeches). And yes, I do dislike some of the annoying things in RealOne Player. Question #2: Is there a better alternative for cross-platform streaming video that would still be sufficient for dialup users? Albeit, with RealVideo I would only be using HTTP streaming.


I'm planning to go with the following specs for the PC: ABIT NF7-S, Athlon XP 2500+, 2x512MB DDR400 RAM, 80GB HD (8MB cache), LG 4040B DVD+/-RW, Leadtek WinFast TV2000 XP tuner, plus the other usual stuff. Question #3: What would you tweak in that hardware configuration without affecting price significantly?

[lordsmurf]

I do streaming myself sometimes.

I have an ATI ALL IN WONDER RADEON card and capture direct to MPEG-2 for the high quality. Then quickly author and dump to DVD.

For streaming, I use Cleaner 5, and you can use QuickTime, RealMedia or Windows Media.

I tend to use WMV8 or WMV9 for most of my streams. Produces high quality with low sizes.

I'd say look into a newer ATI AIW cards and the new Cleaner XL to take care of all you ask.

[Rehan]

Thanks for the info, lordsmurf.

I tend to use WMV8 or WMV9 for most of my streams. Produces high quality with low sizes.

That's pretty much a Windows-only solution (on client side and server side), right?

I'd say look into a newer ATI AIW cards and the new Cleaner XL to take care of all you ask.

Either of those would be too expensive for my budget.