ADS Instant DVD 2.0 versus ADS DVd express

[jdavis1137]

I am new. My first post. Hope I am posting in right place.

My main objective is to transfer a lot of old VHS-C tapes to DVD.

I am completely ignorant about this, and need an easy and simple way to accomplish it.

What research I have been able to do with my limited knowledge, is that I find Video Capture Devices, ADS Instant DVD 2.0 and ADS DVD Express may be what I can use to accomplish my objective easily.

What I would like to know, is are both units able to do what I want, and is one better than the other? I notice that the ADS Instant DVD 2.0 has a few more "bells and whistles,' which i probably don't need.

One other question my research found was it was stated to be sure and get a capture device that encodes both the audio and video in the unit, not just the video, leaving the audio to the PC. Do either or both of these units meet that requirement?

I need help. Thank you very much.

[snafu099]

Yes both the IDVD-2 and DvdExpress handle audio and video "in the box" using an "audio lock" feature for excellent , if not perfect - for the hairsplitters, this feature is disabled if you manually choose to captue with split stream, seperate audio and video files.

Both devices have the same capture quality and functionality, but the IDVD-2 has an added decoder chip to allow "loopback" output analog signal to vhs or other recording device

Both also bypass macrovision
Neither have tv tuner
The latest capture softeware version capwiz 3.6beta is supposed to have a vcr type capture schedle (delayed cap using pc clock) but is limited by not having a tuner to change source channals. I have not downloaded or tested this latest feature. Capwiz ver 3.5 and 3.6beta also have a true DTD (direct to disc) option that does not utilize any hdd space, the capture/author/burn process is done directly to your media. It will auto set chapter points and limited menu ability. Obvisly no editing as it is realtime + 1-3 minutes to finalize the media

If you can find the DvdExpress on sale for $49-us after $50-us rebate then IMHO you have a very good price/value device

I have the IDVD-2 purchased direct from ADS as an upgrade from the IDVD-1 prior to it's instore release. Still working great

Compro usb VideoMate Live for added tuner/pvr functionality
Leadtek Winfast TV 2000 deluxe with tuner/pvr for those rare occasions when I want or need the ability to capture useing wdm drivers

When I want the best quality, relialbilty I use the IDVD-2, however I used the VideoMate to capture all of the broadcast tv of the Olympics with excellent results

[GeorgeW]

One additional note to add to SNAFU099's excellent reply -- they are both USB 2.0 devices (backward compatible to USB 1.1). So if your machine has USB 2.0, you can capture very high quality mpeg2's in realtime

[jdavis1137]

How do I know if I have USB 2.0? I have two USB connections on the front of my computer.

[jyn999]

You have a 1.3GHz Celeron. Your USB is probably 1.1 but you can verify this.

Open Control Panel, Select System, Hardware, USB Controllers

[jdavis1137]

I went ctrl panel, system, device mgr, usb controllers and got the following: 5 usb controllers
1. intel 82801 ba/bam usb universal host controller-2442
2. " " " " " " " -2444
3. usb composite device
4. usb root hub
5. usb root hub

It doesn't say anything about usb 2.0 or usb 1.1

If that assumes I have usb 1.1, can I add something to my computer to make it USB 2.0 and if so, how do I make it USB 2.0

[snafu099]

If you have an open pci slot you can add a usb2 add-in card, some are less than $10-us

Even with usb1 the ADS products are backward compatable. They will auto detect if you are only connected to usb1 and limit the available capture bitrates accordingly.

usb1 will still allow 4mb/s captures which is in the range of most commerical dvd movies.

If you use dvdshrink, look at the file size of the main movie title and how long the movie is to get an idea. 4mb/s gives around 2 hrs plus a little

If your intended playback is going to be on standard tv, not "giant" ones, you can use 1/2 D1 resolution to effectively double the data/pixal for better playback quality. Yes, on a "giant" screen it will be stretched and look grainy, so I read, but works great on my 32" ones