Real time capture?

[s_konstanty]

Hi, just a few general questions. I have a ADS Pyro 1394DV and have been capturing just fine from my Sony Digital 8 camcorder. I'm very happy with the card and pleased with Pinnacle System 8. I lose hardly any frames at all. It should be noted that I burn my home video's to DVD.

The problem is it takes 4+ hours for the software to render the capture to mpeg2. I'm guessing that a capture card that can capture in mpeg2 is a good hardware solution. I am looking for some feedback.

Are mpeg2 capture cards faster?
Is the quality as good as a software rendering?
What in the $200 or under price range is recommended?

Thanks for the advice. Feel free to enlighten me with any other thing you think I may wish to know.

Steve

[Capmaster]

Hi, just a few general questions. I have a ADS Pyro 1394DV and have been capturing just fine from my Sony Digital 8 camcorder. I'm very happy with the card and pleased with Pinnacle System 8. I lose hardly any frames at all. It should be noted that I burn my home video's to DVD.

The problem is it takes 4+ hours for the software to render the capture to mpeg2. I'm guessing that a capture card that can capture in mpeg2 is a good hardware solution. I am looking for some feedback.

Are mpeg2 capture cards faster?
Is the quality as good as a software rendering?
What in the $200 or under price range is recommended?

Thanks for the advice. Feel free to enlighten me with any other thing you think I may wish to know.

Steve

Steve,
First question - Yes, a lot faster. They generate the MPEG file as they capture.
Second question - They're as good or better than one-pass software rendering and not as good as two-pass software rendering.
Third question - Browse through the "Capture Cards" section (along left edge of screen) and check out the choices. Some have tuners, some are USB interface, etc. There's a good variety of cards/boxes from $150 to $300 to check out. The quality is quite good.

Try reading through the "How-to" guides (also on the left) and that'll answer questions you might have. It's easier than posting and waiting for an answer.