pc configuration

[maguila]

I need to build a PC that has to be fast and capable to capture video. The mainly pourpose of it will be converting VHS tapes to DVD-R.

After consulting several dealers I have several different proposals but my feeling is that most of them only want to sell but have no idea what is best for my job.

Could you give me a hand putting together the hardware that I need!!

Tahnk you!!!

Sincerely

Gustavo Cavaliere

[steve2713]

Honestly, a standalone DVD recorder would be my first suggestion, unless the tapes are in very poor condition. It's an excellent alternative to buying alot of complex hardware and software that require alot of practice, I thought I'd mention it at least. If the tapes are in decent condition, a good recorder can do an excellent job.

If you are set on doing it via your PC, there's plenty of good advice that others can give you, though.

[Cobra]

Errrr, this isn't quite "Latest News" Gustavo! I've moved you to our Computer Forum.

Basically, you need a quick processor and a good hard drive. An Athlon64 or high-end AthlonXP, or a P4 if you have a big wallet will serve you well. You'll need a quick CPU to encode the video without dropping frames. Your hard drive is next up - try a SATA or at least an ATA133 drive - fast writing means no frames will be dropped.

I'm sure others will have their own suggestions to put forth!

Good luck,

Cobra

[Faustus]

maguila, it would be better if you gave us a budget figure and we can plan from that for you.

[maguila]

Thanks to all for the answers... and sorry for posting in the wrong section..

a) good choice is the dvd recorder, I agree for some projects that not need editing... Wich Brand? Lite on is any good?

B) For projects that need editing, menues, etc... I would like the best, fastest configuration possible, regarding the funds needed, I am open to the best sugestion.

Thanks and waiting for four feedback

[Cobra]

and sorry for posting in the wrong section..

You will be... (just joking!)

LiteON make some very, very good DVD recorders and drives for PCs. If the quality of their standalone units is the same, then you won't have a problem! See if you can test it first, though.

You would get much better suggestions if you let us know:

- How much you have to spend
- What you need (monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, speakers, or just the computer itself)
- What else you will be using your PC for (office, web, gaming, etc.)

Upon that information, we can give you much better answers!

Also, there isn't really such a thing as "best" when it comes to PCs. It's all relative to what you need, and what suits you best personally!

Cobra

[maguila]

Tk`s Cobra

the Pc will be used for the sole poupose of converting VHS to DVD, and internet conection, aditional soft Office, Corel ad Photoshop.

In regards to the money to spend, I prfer to spend more if needed but have good results at the end.

Gus

[Faustus]

A good value in that case would be something in the area of a Athlon 64 3000 or 3200 CPU. It will get you good performance without being insane crazy.

Right now that type of system rides the price/performance ratio pretty well.

Lite on does make good dvd burners, the new pioneer is also a good choice

512mb ram is a minimum, 1gig reccomended.

[SaSi]

For capturing VHS tapes, I would recommend an external USB2 MPEG-2 capture device. For a single reason. It does all the job without imposing any burden on the system. Even a P3/800 can handle capture fine. (the encoding step is - of course - another issue ...)
A good solution is the WinTV and PVR from Hauppauge.

Your system will also need to have lot's of disk space (>2 disks) so the case will have to be spacey and provide space for disk bay fans. Lots of RAM is also recommended (>512MB) and a powerful CPU. Latest CPUs from both Intel and AMD run very hot (strangely the AMD now run cooler than Intel) so a powerfull CPU will add to the fan needs.

[Faustus]

For capturing VHS tapes, I would recommend an external USB2 MPEG-2 capture device. For a single reason. It does all the job without imposing any burden on the system. Even a P3/800 can handle capture fine. (the encoding step is - of course - another issue ...)
A good solution is the WinTV and PVR from Hauppauge.

Your system will also need to have lot's of disk space (>2 disks) so the case will have to be spacey and provide space for disk bay fans. Lots of RAM is also recommended (>512MB) and a powerful CPU. Latest CPUs from both Intel and AMD run very hot (strangely the AMD now run cooler than Intel) so a powerfull CPU will add to the fan needs.

Excellent point. I have an external raw capture device and it rules. No special cards needed. Of course mines not made any more but there are others like it on the market.