I want to be able to create VCDs and lesser quality/smaller MPEG (or other format) video files from VHS tapes as easily as possible. I've got an Athlon 750 with 256 MB memory running Windows 2000. I currently have a 3dfx video card with an S-video out.

After reading much of the information at this site, I'm still a little bit confused about capture cards. I understand that I probably want one with an MPEG (1 or 2) encoder to reduce the processing time of videos. What difference does it make to me for what I want to do if the card has an MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 encoder? Do most video capture cards replace your video card completely? Is PCI or AGP better for capturing?

Based on what I've read, I'm thinking that a Dazzle DVC II card would make things easiest for me. The other card that sounds like a good choice is the ATI All-in-Wonder card, but they don't look like they've got an MPEG encoder.

Advice/comments?

Thanks!

[edited to include OS]

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: mmtthh on 2001-12-02 14:14:59 ]</font>

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: mmtthh on 2001-12-05 15:44:11 ]</font>