ADS Pyro A/V Link

[vcdforme]

I've had my two ADS AV Link units for about 2 months now. I've had them both going day and night. Totally pleased. Throw your TV tuner cards away.
This is the only way to go. I make VCD's and DVD's.
I put a Panasonic E-50 DVD recorder in between my VCR and the
ADS, (just for the TBC), it's amazing how it cleans up the signal on my crappy old video tapes. The finished product is BETTER than watching the tape. I never tried from computer back to analog. Bought cheapo
$20 firewire cards, no problem.
I also never tried the Ulead software it comes with. I use Intervideo
Winproducer 3. And yes it will capture directly to mpeg 1 or 2. But for
editing purposes I prefer going to DV/avi.

Get one. I returned my Canopus, bought the two units and had change
left over. The Canopus performed as well, but I simply felt burned on
the price.

[ofbarea]

I have Rev.C

For VHS captures you need a TBC to eliminate dropped frames. But this problem is not a big problem if you have a good VCR.

For transfers from my Hi8 camera, Laser disk or DVD this little device is just perfect.

[Roundabout]

Just got my A/V Link back from ADS. They were kind enough to replace the Rev B unit with a Rev C (Kudos to ADS!) because I may need to use the unit with PAL as well as NTSC, and the Rev B unit has problems with PAL.

So now I finally have a Rev C unit. I originally started with a Rev A model, replaced it with a Rev B, now exchanged for a Rev C with the new F/W v.3 - but I won't have time to test it for at least a couple of weeks due to lack of time. I'm curious if anyone else has had time to see if the dropped frame issue has been pretty much resolved or not.

I haven't seen too much on the other forums about this F/W revision, and very little here, except on the thread about the availability of the revision.

Anyone else that has tried the unit since getting it back from ADS? One guy on CreativeCow says it's working excellently, but that's only one person. If they truly have solved the frame drop problem, this unit would be a good alternate choice to use instead of the more expensive Canopus ADVC-100, since you can buy almost two of these for the price of one Canopus. I've seen the Pyro A/V Link online for $149.00 in several places recently.

[pbanders]

I'm probably the guy you mentioned, but I saw another posting that said the same thing I did - with the new firmware, the dropped frame problem with VHS is gone. Only time it drops a frame now is when there is an obvious discontinuity that would likely cause ANY capture device to drop a frame.

Looks like for once a manufacturer actually acknowledged a serious problem and stepped up and fixed it, even for old customers.

[Roundabout]

pbanders:

Then this is great news, 'cause I've got tons of VHS and 8mm Video tapes to convert. Not all of them are in great condition, so the frame drop issue would be a huge one for me.

Do you know if it defeats MV or not? Have you tried converting anything with MV on it up to this point? Most of my stuff is home video so I wouldn't be concerned with it, but it'd be nice to know for general reference.

All other things being equal, with the frame drop issue being fixed (BTW: Mine was still in warranty, bought it Nov. 11 of last year), this is IMHO the best unit for the money to convert analog video/audio to digital.

Some of the money I saved I can use for other peripherals, and one other thing I need is some type of programmable TV tuner (external) that I can run the output of into the A/V Link. Maybe KWorld makes something like this? If anyone knows of something like this that's cheap, please let me know.

[dun4cheap]

Well I got mine back two weeks ago, at it has worked without any problems. My latest project was converting Its a Wonderful Life (Colorized Version) to DVD. no dropped frames what so ever.

[jabloomf1230]

I got my Rev C (V 3.0 Firmware unit) back last week from ADS and it doesn't drop frames at all. Does anyone know why the dip switches are now sealed in some kind of shrink wrap?

[pbanders]

jabloom, mine were sealed, too. No idea of why but I don't care that much as it's working fine! Roundabout, unless it was disabled (doubtful), the A/V Link defeats MV in its default mode (no action necessary). I've captured a number of segments from DVD's with MV without problem. It's a great little device for the money, providing all of the features of the ADVC-100, plus component inputs.

[NightWing]

Just about ready to replace a very old DC10.

Been looking at Canopus and now this one. Just about ready to go with one of the ADS boxes.

Roundabout. Check at your local RS. They use to sell a Stereo audio/Composit video out Cable Tunner box. Number was 15-1981. Was called 181 Channnel Remote Control Cable Converter. Emerson also make or did make one. And I think it had SVideo out but was a few years ago. There are also cheep stereo vcr if they have output.

[Roundabout]

Well, good news then! The problem has been solved and the unit works great, at half the price of the Canopus...thanks to dun4cheap for letting us know about this unit, I'm really glad I bought one now! Can't wait to start using it.

jabloomf1230, I think they sealed the switches because these are the basic default settings for the DIP switches if it's used in the USA. Just to discourage anyone from changing the settings by accident, but you can remove the plastic and move the switch if you want (actually you can move them even without removing the plastic).

pbanders, Thanks for the info on MV capability. Since ADS is mum on the subject, I wasn't sure. If it defeats it right out of the box, so much the better. The fact we don't need a TBC for this unit now makes it even more attractive. Like I said, I don't have many pre-recorded tapes to copy, most of them were bought before 1985 so they may or may not have MV on them even. In any case, great not to have to deal with the issue.

NightWing, Thanks for the info, but do you know if the box you mentioned is programmable or not? I need one I can program like a VCR so I don't have to be there to set it to the right channel, and have the capability to change channels on it's own would be a very useful feature. I have a couple of old tuner boxes lying around that would serve to receive a station, but the programmable timer function is what I really need. There must be something like that out there somewhere?

Thanks guys, for all the information.

BTW, TigerDirect has the Pyro A/V Link for $144.00 A/R if you need one.
(Link)

[NightWing]

Roundabout. Sorry its not.

Hum. Wonder if it could be alter to change so to speak. Or even better, if possible, to still find one of those VCRplus controller for vcr? Looks like people have broken the code so you could do your own programming.

This sounds like a intersting project to combined a DV data signal along with a "IR" changer.

PS; It can be found for the under 150 price non rebate and even lower with a rebate!

[Roundabout]

NightWing,

Yeah, I did some looking last night and haven't been able to find anything like what I'm looking for yet. There are a number of tuner units that output composite/component video along with USB2, but they aren't programmable. AverMedia makes some, even Viewsonic, but they aren't what I'm looking for.

All I need is a programmable tuner that outputs composite or component video and stereo audio. Seems everything on the market only outputs USB, or it's not programmable.

Basically, a VCR would do the trick, but I don't need the videotape recording part of the VCR, only the Tuner/Timer part, then output it directly to the component video input of the ADS Pyro A/V Link, into DV and onto the hard drive.

So far I haven't been able to find anything with that basic function. I don't need a USB unit, since I have the Pyro, and you'd think it would be easy to find something as basic as what's inside a $50.00 VCR - but it seems like no one makes something like that. I checked newegg, they have all kinds of tuners, most of them PCI internal units, along with a few external ones, but none are the type of unit I need.

I guess I'll have to do more research. Basically, every external tuner out there is not programmable, you have to be there to change the channel when the program comes on, which isn't practical when you want to record different programs on different days.

I may wind up having to buy a TIVO series 1 (older one that doesn't require subscription) just in order to get this basic function. I can't come up with any other ideas at this point.

[NightWing]

I know what you mean. Would be nice.

I guess the optimal solution would be this.

A program.

1) Timer
2) Capture either format 1 or 2 DV.
3) Some buffering.
4) Either
A) Either a IR modules to control one of these boxes or a used VCR.
B) or simple parallel port/USB/Serial etc control closing the contact of the remote.
5) Name of the file and if you want to split it as you record.

Sounds like a intersting project to me. Wonder if I could coax VB .net to do it? Just got a free promo copy from MS. ^_^ Else crank it out in VC6. Have info on copying the data stream of a DV data signal. Timer not a problem. Sounds like a job for the Midnight Programmer!

Otherwise. Take a tv card. Sample the audio and video off and feed into the ADS. Simple program to switch the channel. basically like the above idea.

Anything is possible with the right amount of Ducktape!

PS: Just for giggle what if any is the difference between the ADS and the Canopus box in picture quality???

PSS: This is what I feed into my DC10+ card....

[Roundabout]

NightWing,

Basically what I want is a box just like what you have, but with the added capability of an on-screen timer incorporated into it, like a VCR does. Something like at least an 8-event 1-month timer, even my cheapo "Wal-Mart Special" (Sanyo) VCR has that capability.

Then I'd just leave the PC running...ummm, wait a minute. Then there's the problem of how to start the capture s/w, it can't be capping all the time. This is getting more complicated. The TIVO box solution may be the only way to go. It will record to it's internal hard drive, then I can take the output of the TIVO into the Pyro and cap it that way, I guess. At first I thought it might be easier to cap live programs direct to HDD, but maybe not.

My original thought was, I'd prefer not to add any PCI cards into the PC, just have an external box like yours hooked up like this:

Cable line> Tuner/Timer> Pyro A/V Link> Firewire> Hard drive.

Then edit the DV and convert to MPEG or DivX, burn to CD or DVD.

I guess there isn't much demand for a Tuner/Timer unit like this, for some reason. Maybe not that many people have external h/w encoders like the Pyro or Canopus? No demand=No supply? I have no idea.

What you have suggested might be nice, but it sounds like you would have to do a lot of programming work to make it viable. If you're up for it, let me know sometime if you're able to figure out a way to make it happen. You could probably even sell something like that.

BTW: I know zilch about programming. So I can't help.

P.S. As for comparison between the ADS and Canopus, I thought I remember a thread somewhere comparing them, but not sure anymore. It might have been comparing the Canopus and the DataVideo unit, which afiak are basically the same. Surely there must be some comparisons of these units somewhere, if not on this forum, maybe on another. I would like to know myself if there is much difference, if any, between them.

[NightWing]

Actualy not that much programming. Mostly do calls to the os so to speak.

Its a nitch item. After reading the thread last night went looking and it seems people have cracked the VCRPlus coding to a point. So one of those old remotes taking the place of the remove could do just that.

I use AVI_IO to do time and capture with the DC 10 card and remember it supostly does DV I think. When I make the desision on which to go for be intersting to see if it can capture the DV data.

This may help. Long story. Back wehn the TI Speak&Spell pop out. To control it I hung reed relays off of the button with a parallel interface connecting to a SWTP computer. Worked quite well. The same concept could be used on a remote to one of these boxes. One even tell you what I did with a 6144 B&W grafics board.

[NightWing]

Actualy not that much programming. Mostly do calls to the os so to speak.

Its a nitch item. After reading the thread last night went looking and it seems people have cracked the VCRPlus coding to a point. So one of those old remotes taking the place of the remove could do just that.

I use AVI_IO to do time capturing with the DC 10 card and remember it supostly does DV. When I make the desision on which "box" to go for. Be intersting to see if it can capture the DV data.

This may help. Its a long story. Back when the TI Speak&Spell pop out late 70's. Got one to hack. To control it. I hung reed relays off of the buttons through the parallel interface on a SWTP computer. Worked quite well!

The same concept could be used on a remote to one of these boxes. Wont even tell you what I did with a 6144 B&W grafix board.

[Roundabout]

Well, like I said, if you figure it out, it'd be handy to have. Most of what you're talking about is Greek to me - since I know nothing about programming.

Keep me informed if you discover an easier way to do it, post something here, and anyone else reading that has any other ideas we haven't explored.

Thanks for the info
R.

[NightWing]

Still trying to figure out the double post.

Will do.

[BrainStorm69]

Anyone know if you can tell whether you will get a Rev C without opening the box? I'd think about buying one if I could find a really good deal like some of these folks that got one for $110-$120. Went by CC the other night...they had them on "clearance" for $179.

[Roundabout]

You have a good chance of getting a Rev C unit if the outside of the box shows that it includes UVS7 (or maybe they have even started putting UVS8 into the very newest ones? I don't know, but you could call and ask, they have an 800#). All of the Rev A and (afiak) a lot of Rev B units came with UVS6. Other than that, I am sure there are no other markings on the box that would indicate which revision is inside. I've looked already to try and determine the same thing you are trying to do (note my comments earlier in this thread about this subject).

The Rev B and C are the same, other than that a few of the Rev B units had the wrong crystal installed for PAL frequencies. Some of the Rev B units have the correct one, but if you're not working with PAL video you needn't be concerned with it. For that matter, if you get a Rev B unit and need to be sure it'll work with PAL sources, just call and speak to Jack or Adam in their Tech Dept., they'll be glad to test the PAL compatibility for you while the unit is in the shop for the F/W upgrade.

If worse comes to worst, you can return it to ADS like I did and request it to be replaced with a Rev C unit. I even ordered a 220v supply to use when I take it overseas, for an extra $10.00. They just included it in the package when they returned the unit to me.

Also, since most of the units out there have not been modified, but sitting on the shelf for several months, odds are you'll need to send it in for the F/W upgrade anyway. They upgrade it and put a sticker on the bottom indicating that it has been upgraded and the date.

Hope that answers your questions.
That's all I know about it thus far.

Roundabout

[BrainStorm69]

Roundabout, thanks!

[Roundabout]

Roundabout, thanks!

No problem, glad to help.

I hope some others will chime in about their experience with this unit since the F/W upgrade (Good and/or Bad). That would help all of us if we run into problems. I'm hoping to be able to start using mine soon.

I don't want to sound like a fanboy for ADS , but I am impressed with the customer service. I don't know about others experiences with them, but they've answered my e-mails (nearly) right away and have always been pleasant and ready to help on the telephone. They even agreed to pay my shipping costs both ways so I didn't have any extra charges incurred. That was a nice surprise.

Meanwhile, if you buy one, I guess you already know you can shop around to find one cheaper, although I haven't seen any cheaper than the ones we bought at CC for $110 last year. Maybe on eBay, or Amazon?

It sounds like most everyone is happy with this unit now, so that's a good sign that I won't have problems when I start using it.

[NightWing]

PS:

There are rebates floating from various resellers for about 20 to 30 dollars.

Also it looks like boxes are marked with the 3.0 upgrade along with a date!

Just got one but have no chance untill tonight to play around and do some testing with some test stuff.

[Roundabout]

NightWing,

I guess that'll make it easier for people to know the unit has the F/W upgrade, although whether it's a Rev B or C still can't be 100% determined until the box is opened.

Did you get a Rev B or Rev C unit? Does it still come with UVS7, or have they upgraded to v8 yet?

Let us know how this box is working for you.

Thanks for your input!

Roundabout

[NightWing]

Its listed as a B but has the revision 3.0 firmware. Here are some shots.


Bottom of Unit


Box end



CD. VS 7 SE and Version 1.5 of cd.

Will keep all informed. Thinking on some test to run on it right now. Most will compare it to a TV card and my old DC10+ card. Have a tape that would drive a TBC up the wall and crying in mercy no more!

[Roundabout]

NightWing,

Have at it and let's see how it does!

It'll be interesting to see how it does compared to what you were using before.

As long as you have no PAL sources, you're in business.

Now we know it's still coming with UVS7. Good enuff!

[NightWing]

I guess I could see if I could flip one of the DVD players to PAL. Be fun I think!

It may take the weekend to run the test. The main test is to see how it handle real world items not just a perfect signal but one we all run into including weak signal and rotten video tapes.

PS: The local RS had a small device like the old vcdplus. Has any one tried this item. Has clock etc. Cheep at 8 dollars.
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=15-1996

[themichael]

If you have DirecTV you can use DirecTV Control to control your receiver.

http://www.dtvcontrol.com/

Been using it for a while now, works great. Even has a built in server for web control.

[pbanders]

re: VS8 in the box...

I don't think I've seen that there is an SE version of VS8 out yet. Considering that VS8 retails for $100 in the non-SE version, I'm not surprised it's not included. BTW, VS8 is an incredible piece of SW, especially good for creating DVD's from home videos and making them look and sound interesting.

[Tommyknocker]

re: VS8 in the box...

I don't think I've seen that there is an SE version of VS8 out yet. Considering that VS8 retails for $100 in the non-SE version, I'm not surprised it's not included. BTW, VS8 is an incredible piece of SW, especially good for creating DVD's from home videos and making them look and sound interesting.

Doesn't matter. VS7 was bundled with Rev "C", and if you have it and want to upgrade to version 8, it will only cost $50.00.