Short review of the PV231 VCD capture card

[SHS]

I'am sorry guy it look like they had add there logo to it Hmm I wonder why they did that I got my MPEG clip a long time ago it didn't have the logo in it and full 1min long and didn't look any like this.
So your rigth it is really messup clip I guest I should have check it frist boy that real make optibase look bad.
skittelsen the Darim's MPEGator is very damm good with high motion video but suck with sharpness or blur as you can see from the MPEG clip.

[ylong]

OK, here are the registries for PV233:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\MPEG-I\WMPEG200\CaptureConfig]
"MPJ_AUDIO_COMPENSATION_VALUE"=dword:00000000
"MPJ_AUDIO_COPYRIGHTED_MATERIAL"=dword:fffffff e
"MPJ_AUDIO_EMPHASIS"=dword:fffffffe
"MPJ_AUDIO_ENCODING_BIT_RATE"=dword:fffffffe
"MPJ_AUDIO_EXTERNAL_SOURCE"=dword:fffffffe
"MPJ_AUDIO_LOSS_COMPENSATION"=dword:00000000
"MPJ_AUDIO_MODE"=dword:fffffffe
"MPJ_AUDIO_ORIGINAL_COPY"=dword:fffffffe
"MPJ_AUDIO_STEREO"=dword:fffffffe
"MPJ_AUDIO_VIDEO_SYNC"=dword:00000000
"MPJ_CAPTURE_TYPE"=dword:00000000
"MPJ_COMPRESS_METHOD"=dword:00000002
"MPJ_FRAME_DISTANCE"=dword:00000001
"MPJ_LOGO_ENABLE"=dword:00000000
"MPJ_MPEG_B_START"=dword:00000000
"MPJ_MPEG_BIT_RATE"=dword:00118c30
"MPJ_MPEG_CLOSED_GOP"=dword:00000001
"MPJ_MPEG_DUPLICATE_B"=dword:00000000
"MPJ_MPEG_GOP_HEAD_FREQ"=dword:00000001
"MPJ_MPEG_HALF_PEL"=dword:00000001
"MPJ_MPEG_INTRA_DISTANCE"=dword:00000005
"MPJ_MPEG_NUMBER_OF_B"=dword:00000003
"MPJ_MPEG_RC_METHOD"=dword:00000000
"MPJ_MPEG_SCENE_CHANGE"=dword:00000001
"MPJ_MPEG_SEQUENCE_HEAD_FREQ"=dword:00000003
"MPJ_MPEG_SLICE_HEAD_FREQ"=dword:00000001
"MPJ_MPEG_TC_FRAME_NUMBER"=dword:00000000
"MPJ_MPEG_TC_HOUR"=dword:00000000
"MPJ_MPEG_TC_MINUTES"=dword:00000000
"MPJ_MPEG_TC_SECONDS"=dword:00000000
"MPJ_MPEG_TELECINE"=dword:00000000
"MPJ_MPEG_TIME_STAMP"=dword:00000000
"MPJ_MPEG_VBV_INITIAL_FULLNES"=dword:00000013
"MPJ_MPEG_VBV_SIZE"=dword:00000014
"MPJ_PICTURE_RESOLUTION"=dword:00000001
"MPJ_QUALITY"=dword:00000008
"MPJ_VIDEO_IN_BLANK"=dword:00000000
"MPJ_VIDEO_STANDARD"=dword:00000000

[Anonymous65]

The registry sure looks identical. So, the PV231 and PV233 use the same settings. I see the posted registry is the default with the "poor" GOP settings. When looking at the registry, I remembered that I have set the video standard to NTSC, and not auto in the registry settings I have posted. So for PAL people, you will have to click on PAL if you load the settings I posted, otherwise NTSC will be default. There is nothing wrong using Auto.

I have never tried the IBBB GOP structure. So, I guess you're setting the B-frames to 3 and the I-distance to 1? or 0? I have to give this a try...

I use Cineplayer Editor ($49) from ravisent, http://www.ravisentdirect.com/store/cinestudio.html , and they have a free trial version you can download. The editor is as basic as you can make an editor, and it works like a normal editor setup, with a player to the left, and a record on the right, where you set your edit point and move video from left to right. For people used to edit stations, this is a familiar setup. However, it does not do frame accurate edits, only nearest I-frame edits. This means it does not decode or encode anyhting, it just copies the data without any processing. However, it will make sure that the file stays VCD compliant (if you select VCD standard) and not mess with the audio. It burns perfectly in Nero.
I have also talked to people using MyFlix, and they are very happy with it. You might want to try the latest version because it has some fixes. I have no experience with EZCD, so I don't have any ideas how to fix the problem mentioned earlier that MyFlix was not making a compliant VCD file for EZCD. Perhaps somebody else who is using EZCD might be of help.

The capture software for the PV231 is very simple, too simple! And since it's made just for the card or chip, you cannot use other capture software like Vdub and Video Studio. But as soon as you have captured and saved the mpeg file, you can use any program you want to edit it (as long as it can edit mpeg-1 of course). Also, the PV231 does not have the scheduler. It would be fun to try to install the capture program for PV233 with a PV231 card. The scheduler might work?? Another thing to try when I get some time...

[Anonymous65]

Oh, I forgot about the Mediaforte web site and office in the Nederlands. It's no longer open and nobody is there. However, the web site is still taking online orders for Mediaforte products like the Trueblue PV23x cards, but nobody will read your order! I found this out when I ordered my card, and I got no replies when I asked when the card would be shipped. You need to talk to the office in Singapore to order one. Still, they give you a good price.

[Tony Yip]

The review link http://steve.kittelsen.com/pv231/
doesn't seem to work anymore.

Is there another link for this review of the PV231?

[glinckens]

For heavy motion try these settings to set the GOP to IBBB:

"MPJ_MPEG_INTRA_DISTANCE"=dword:00000001
"MPJ_MPEG_NUMBER_OF_B"=dword:00000003

I captured the podrace scene from The Phantom Menace (low quality VHS source) and it got captured perfectly without any blocks.

Question: has anyone tried the linux drivers for the PV231 ?

[EricB]

Steve,

Have you had any experience with the Dazzle DVC USB version? I'm wondering how the PV231 compares.

Also, does the PV231 use any interrupts?

[Anonymous65]

Yahoo is messing up the web pages. I see that all my web sites on Yahoo is not working...

Yes, I have used the Dazzle DVC USB. It does a pretty nice job at VCD captures, better than the DVCII. However, it does not do as good job as the PV231 as far as sharpness and blocknoise. For best quality VCD creation, I captured at 2.5MB with the Dazzle and used Tmpeg to convert the file to VCD. You can also do this with the PV231 if you need to use any special filters in Tmpeg.

I also tried the IBBB GOP, and it did not work for me. Strange artifacts.. However, IPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP worked pretty good, still IBBPBBPBBPBBPBBPBBPBBPBBPBBPBBP workes the best for me.

[Anonymous65]

Please use this address until Yahoo get things under control:
http://geocities.com/skittelsen/steve/pv231/

[dcmwong]

I have also got a PV231 card myself. However, after capturing the file into mpeg file, how can I cut the clips from the resulting mpeg file so that I can later burn into VCD? I have tried tmpgenc but don't know why in the "cut and merge" tool, after I select the range and run, it will only export a file with video but without sound.

Any help please!!!!!

Thanks in advance.

- David

[Anonymous65]

Only a few editors will cut mpeg correctly and not mess up the file. Cineplayer Editor from Ravisent is one of the few editors that can edit a VCD file. Tmpeg and Vdub cannot edit VCD's correctly...

[magicmycote]

Where did you find the pv231 for 85$? Akida website was unclear, the title says pv233 w\the tuner, but at the bottom it says pv231..which card is for sale here:

http://store.yahoo.com/akidacomputer/encar.html

Will the pv233 encode mpeg-2 or avi? TIA

[geniv]

I just order that, not sure if they said it's pv231 but on the order chart it say something about encoder with tv tuner and remote.

so I assume it's the PV233. I"ll be really pissed if it ended up being just the PV231.

but when u think about it in the $30 extra bux is pretty good since it come with remote and the TV tuner but the only draw back I think it's it only have 1 composite input as oppose to the PV231 with 2 composite input

[Anonymous65]

The Akida web site had the PV231 listed, but now they have removed the listing and left only the PV233. I would send them an email and ask if they have stopped selling the PV231, and only carry the PV233.

Neighter the PV233 or PV231 can capture AVI or mpeg-2, it's ONLY mpeg-1. If you also want mpeg-2, then look into the PV256. I have not seen this card being sold in the US, so you have to order it from Singapore (or ask Akida Computer if they will start selling it)

[geniv]

actually looking at skittelsen's site.

with the high motion clip screen shot tmpenc actually looks better (I'm quite a bastard when it comes to noticing details) but still the PV231 still looks very good with high motion.

looking at the picture it's not THAT much difference between tmpenc and pv231. I"m sure when u watch the actual clip you won't even notice.

but for real-time capture with such quality it kick ass!
it's a bitch waiting for tmpenc to encode the video espieciall on a a "slow" Piii 450mhz

[magicmycote]

If I just wanted to capture VHS to avi via an internal card, and convert it via tmpgenc, which capture card would you guys recommend at 100$ or less with best quality? (winXP\2k)

[markm]

The other thing that kicks ass about this card is that it doesn't require a high end machine.

I run it in a Dell Latitude laptop attached to a docking station. It's a PII/266 with 128 of ram. Works like a champ.

It's also pretty stable too. While there's a few bugs while interacting with the GUI, I've yet to miss a scheduled recording with it, or have it not capture something or crash while capturing. Something I can't say about other solutions I've tried.

[geniv]

I'm surprise it's as stable as you claim. I got the PV256.. and it's a stable as balancing a cup of water in u head and jogging.

damn. can't wait for my PV233 to come..... drooool.....

btw: can anyone send me the reg files for the PV233 regfile for the GOP fix and the "To turn ON blanking in the bottom part of video to cover VCR head switching noise"

please send to jayfarris@aol.com
thanks in advance..

btw: once I get my DSL connected I'll be able to upload a direct VCD capture test file of the SNAZZI, DVCII, PV256, PV233 and REAL MAGIC DVR. people who wants to make comparisons

[Anonymous65]

If anybody is looking for a plain AVI capture card, I personally like the WinTV models the best, like the cheap WinTV Go for $49, which now includes a stereo tuner, but no S-video!. The drivers can capture 720x480 and the video looks good. The ATI cards have softer looking video, I think. Stay away form all USB devices.

The PV231 web site, http://steve.kittelsen.com/pv231

[nerdfragger]

<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR size=1 color=black></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>
On 2001-11-30 18:09:27, skittelsen wrote:
Only a few editors will cut mpeg correctly and not mess up the file. Cineplayer Editor from Ravisent is one of the few editors that can edit a VCD file. Tmpeg and Vdub cannot edit VCD's correctly...

</BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR size=1 color=black></TD></TR></TABLE>
That's odd... when I back-up my dvd's using TMPeg to re-encode the video the VCD, I use the merge and cut tool to cut the file into 2 halves (for cd's). I don't know why... (I must be special) but I have NEVER had any problems with the merge and cut tool under win2k or win98 (haven't tried anything else) and I've done about 50 conversions so far on 2 different machines. Oh well, I guess what they say is true, "%99 percent of computer problems occur due to the space between you and the keyboard..."

[Tony Yip]

Does the PV233 card work well under Windows 2000 or
Windows XP?

I'm planning to go to Windows XP but I'm not sure if the
Windows 2000 driver will under under Windows XP

[Anonymous65]

If the mpeg file has been encoded by Tmpeg, it can edit and cut it. If the file has been encoded by another device, like Dazzle or PV231, Tmpeg cannot edit it correctly. Don't ask my why!

[nerdfragger]

<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR size=1 color=black></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>
On 2001-12-01 17:43:33, skittelsen wrote:
If the mpeg file has been encoded by Tmpeg, it can edit and cut it. If the file has been encoded by another device, like Dazzle or PV231, Tmpeg cannot edit it correctly. Don't ask my why!

</BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR size=1 color=black></TD></TR></TABLE>
That's odd... It doesn't make sense, unless the MPeg1 stream that you are trying to input are non-VCD compliant. Either that, or it's just a poorly written MPEG cutter. Oh well, I guess you get what you've paid for when using free software eh?

[Tony Yip]

I was just wondering if there was another place besides

http://store.yahoo.com/akidacomputer/encar.html

that sold the PV233 card?

The reason I ask is that they don't seem to ship to Canada. I don't really want to buy it from Singapore because it's too expensive if you take into account the shipping cost and the fact the regular cost of the card is $165 US

[Anonymous65]

Here is the price I got from Mediaforte in Singapore:

PV231 is MPEG 1 Card w/ Video + Audio Capture at US$65.-
And, I suggest you can consider our PV233 as it is with TV Tuner + Remote Control. Price is at US$80.-

Postage by EMS is about US$30.- within 5 days you will got the good.

[Tony Yip]

I was just at the following site:

http://www.mediaforte.com.sg/products/tv_and_radio/pv233/index.htm

and there is a "buy now online " link off of this page

http://www.mediaforte.nl/shop/index.htm

which shows the TrueBlue Action Plus PV233 listed at $161 US

Can you tell me the exact link where you have it listed at $80 US?

Or do you have to phone them up to get that price?

[Anonymous65]

Sorry, it was not Mediaforte, but Provideo. Here is the email to order the cards for the above listed price, unless they have changed it, ann_lee@provideo.com.tw

[Tony Yip]

Thanks for the info

I will be using the PV233 to convert tapes and TV shows off
of the cable.

If I use the PV233 with your updated registry, how does it compare with TMPEG quality wise?

[magicmycote]

Has anyone ordered a card via that email address? Can you give us an idea of the final price shipped to the US? Thanks.

*edit*-
Also, I was wondering what all these 'hacks' are that everyone mentions? Are they simply settings that *should* be in the drivers\software that allow you to change the way the video is encoded, or are they something that enhances the card's functionality\features..similar to hacking the registry of a dvd player to make it a different model? TIA

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: magicmycote on 2001-12-03 00:46:38 ]</font>

[Anonymous65]

Finding the total price for the PV231 and PV233 should be quite easy! PV231 - $65+$30= $95.00, PV233 - $80+$30= $110.00 All prices are for shipping to the US.

The registry "hacks" are simply settings that should be in the capture software, but for some reason was excluded. It does not enhance the card, it simply changes normal operational parameters like GOP settings, and turning on/off features that the card has.