Canopus ACEDVio vs ADVC100 vs Let'sEdit- Why one over other?

[plusco]

Not sure if I should get Canopus ACEDVio or ADVC-100 or 300, or Let's Edit RT+. I can't figure out the core differences. Or should I just get DVStorm2 ($$$). What are the main differences?!

Thanks.

[alenhard]

have you looked at the Canopus website? It all depends on what you want to do. But I would suggest that you are at least considering the right brand in Canopus.

[plusco]

Been to the site, but hard to tell differences. Would like a "users" perspective. Thanks.

[alenhard]

I can probably help you out, but let me ask you some questions:

What is your primary objective for this stuff? What type of video work are you trying to do?

Do you currently have any high end editing and authoring software?

What are your system specs?

What is your budget?

Are you a student?

Let me know and I'll get back to you ASAP.

[plusco]

I would like to transfer analog video to dv then edit it for my self first and then take it to the next level and do it for other users. I also have several analog videos to transfer to DVD. I just purchased a DV camcorder. I think I need real time realtime rendoring and preview. System is Athalon 1700+, 512mb Ram, 3 100+ GB 7200 rpm drives. Budget is something to consider, but I don't want to be a penny wize and a pound foolish.

From what I have, for realtime I think can rule out ACEDVio/Vega 4 combo...correct?

What about the EditRT+ vs the Raptor with ADVC-100 (or do I need the video correction of the 300?). The Storm2 may be out of budget. But I would like to know the advantages vs the other options. Thanks for the help.

[alenhard]

Okay, let's see...

You've got a decent setup to work with (not the best, but it'll do). I'm assuming you have an available PCI slot and firewire connections?

Now, you don't need realtime rendering and preview. Your computer won't be able to provide it for you anyway, unless you get another gig of ram and a MUCH faster processor. What you DO need is a powerful software editing program like Vegas, Premiere Pro, etc. You can capture, edit, and render with both of these apps, and they'll both give great results (especially with a Canopus capture card). In either of these programs you can scrub the timeline and get a perfectly good preview of what your final video will look like. Again, "realtime" is overrated and unnecessary for what you want to do, and impossible without much better hardware.

The Raptor is a powerful professional product. I would recommend that you go with something a little simpler if you are just getting started.

The main difference between the advc 100 and the 300 is the video correction tools (there has been an active thread on this subject today). Also the 300 can work as a standalone converter without a computer (meaning that it accepts video in on the front and puts out a cleaned-up video out in the back. If you can't think of any reason to use this or even why you would, then you don't need it. If your source analog material is in really bad shape, then you may want the 300. I own the 100 and have achieved remarkable results and flawless performance every time I use it (which is several times a week for me).

The difference between the EditRT and the EditRT+ is that the + has analog out. Since your final medium will be digital (DVD) and not analog, you don't need the analog out. Don't pay for that feature if you won't use it. The software accompanying the EditRT is cheesy and limited, and I'm still not sure why Canopus hasn't produced better software to match their hardware. I personally would stay away from the EditRT and look at the ACEDVio.

Getting the ACEDVio means that you would not need the 100 or 300, or the Raptor. It is a great card, and another great benefit is that it comes with Vegas or the Premiere bundle for an AMAZING price! I was surprised to see that the price was so low, and if I didn't already have everything I need, then I would jump on the Premiere Pro offer. Audition is audio editing software, and Encore is for dvd authoring. Put the three together with the ACEDVio and you've got the makings of a very nice setup.

For the price of the card and the unbeatable deal on the software, I would say that the ACEDVio is the way to go.

[alenhard]

I just want to add that this is serious stuff you are getting into. There will be a lot to learn and the process will probably take months until you are proficient at what you want to do. It isn't an easy business because it requires a great deal of technical knowledge, time and talent to get good results. Keep that in mind, but don't be discouraged.