capture card And dvd recorder

[sknox]

Ok here's what i want to do:
use a capture card to xfer S-vhs tapes, edit vhs tapes with some kind of software?
then output it to a DVD recorder.

Anybody got any thoughts or ideas?

Any help is appreciated.

sknox

G4 dual 1gig ,1.5 gig ram

[WiseWeasel]

I'd suggest getting one of Canopus's ADVCXXX units, which can convert analog video to DV. You can then use iMovie (free) or Final Cut ($$$) to capture the DV video, and then make a DVD using iDVD (free w/ Macs, or part of iLife) or DVD Studio Pro ($$$).

[tnelson]

I like the Canopus products, have used them for a long time. The ADVC100 is my workhorse for doing tape to computer conversions.

I'd also like to point out Final Cut Express. It is often overlooked as most folks will mention iMovie and Final Cut Pro. But sitting smack dab in the middle is Final Cut Express. It is built on the same code base as Final Cut Pro, but is meant to support DV editing, as opposed to Final Cut Pro which can support many additional formats and features. If your target is DVD or DV and your not creating your first full length feature film, Final Cut Express may have all the features you need at a price well below Final Cut Pro.

Tom N.

[sknox]

Isn't there an easy way to x-fer from vhs edit out the comm. then make a dvd. It seems to take a lot of time when you make one edit then comes the rendering prossess.
I've got about 120 tapes.
I've been reading and searching the forum and i think im more confused now than when i first wanted to embark on this project.
Sheees!

Help please


sknox

[WiseWeasel]

Once you're done editing with iMovie, you could export back to analog video using the ADVC100, and use a set-top DVD recorder to make a DVD for you, but the quality will be MUCH lower than if you stick with digital once it's captured, and use iDVD, DVD Studio Pro, or even Sizzle along with some open-sourced encoders to make the DVD. Plus, you'll be able to design menus if you want them (not necessary).

[sknox]

OK im torn on which capture card to get

A. Canopus ADVC-100

B. Canopus ADVC-50

C. ADS Technologies Pyro

Now remember i really need it for is capturing vhs, with some easy editing software, to DVD

May i have some input on this?


sknox

[Frobozz]

I did a lot of research on these recently and bought the Canopus ADVC-55 because it is bus-powered and I'm tired of all the AC adapters. I'm very pleased with it. It does not, however, output back to tape.

Avoid the ADS. I read some very harsh comments on it.

Also consider the Miglia Director's Cut "Take 2". I didn't know about it when I bought the ADVC-55. Everything I've read is positive.

You can't go wrong with the Canopus ADVC-100. Any other choice is just because you want to spend less (or don't want an AC power adapter).

[sknox]

Has anybody heard anything about Miglia Directors Cut Take 2?

J&R has it selling for $249


sknox

[cbkilner]

No personal experience, but have read good reviews about the "Take 2".
The Canopus ADVC-100 is the king...the only knock against the Miglia Directors Cut Take 2 in comparisons with the ADVC-100 has been its price (higher than the ADVC-100). At $250, it is cheaper than the Canopus, so it sounds like a good deal.

[live4ever]

I did a lot of research on these recently and bought the Canopus ADVC-55 because it is bus-powered and I'm tired of all the AC adapters. I'm very pleased with it. It does not, however, output back to tape.

Does the audio stay in-sync for long captures? Because I heard Canopus doesn't officially support audio-lock on that model like the ADVC100?

Anything else you can tell me about it would be great. I too was thinking about getting the 55 because I have no need for analogue out and I have no room for another AC adapter.

[Frobozz]

Does the audio stay in-sync for long captures? Because I heard Canopus doesn't officially support audio-lock on that model like the ADVC100?

Anything else you can tell me about it would be great. I too was thinking about getting the 55 because I have no need for analogue out and I have no room for another AC adapter.

I've done a nearly 2-hour capture of a Laserdisc and there is no problem with its audio sync. The unit has worked perfectly. There is an LED light on the side that indicates if it is getting a signal. If you want to capture using a standard video connection, you need to unplug the S-video connector if present. It weighs almost nothing.

One surprise is that Toast 6 recognizes it as a DV source for importing using Toast's Plug & Burn feature.

I've used it successfully with iMovie, Vidi and Toast 6. The resulting DVDs authored with iDVD 4 and Toast 6 look great (except that letterboxed laserdiscs encoded at 5 mbps don't look good enough for me so I tend to put those movies on two DVDs to allow for higher bitrates. Full frame laserdiscs look fine at 5 mbps).

I haven't witnessed any dropped frames. The only video glitch is at the start of a laserdisc's side B where there is a roll during the first second of picture.

[mhar4]

Unless you want to do some meaningful editing, then I'd get an MPEG-2 hardware encoder. I've never looked back after swapping a Formac DV converter for an ADS Instant DVD for Mac. Better quality, so much smaller files, less stress all round.

[AntnyMD]

Unless you want to do some meaningful editing, then I'd get an MPEG-2 hardware encoder. I've never looked back after swapping a Formac DV converter for an ADS Instant DVD for Mac. Better quality, so much smaller files, less stress all round.

This device is no longer available from the ADS web site, last time I checked. You might be able to find a vendor with some in stock. I swear by this device, its easy and simple to use. However, I don't know what I'm gonna do when this thing dies... Theres no on/off switch so its ON all the time...

[cbkilner]

OWC ( http://www.macsales.com/ ) has the ADS unit for $179.99 - but the software only allows cut and splice edits.

You might also consider a set-top DVD recorder with DV input - like the Cheap Lite-On 5001 - capture, edit in iMovie, "output to tape" via FW to the DVD recorder.