Real time vs regular capture cards - and some guidelines

[Z-C]

Hi all.

I've been checking this forum and several others. I'm looking to buy a capture card for the main purpose of transferring VHS home videos into a digital format. also I want to digitally edit the movies. so editing is also an important issue.

I've read about real time cards that can do the editing on real time. but one thing I didn't understand. these cards cost much much more, but what is the real advantage of them?

Wouldn't normal analog capture have the same effect if after capturing I open the new digital file in a video editing program? Then I can edit it real time, and the only time I had to 'wait' was the first capture time.

Further more, I am still a bit confused. so many different vendors and models that for me look just the same. Could you please give some guidelines about what I should look for when buying a card? are there any other specs besides real time/non real time that are vital for speed determination and even more important - quality?

Thanks in advance for any help.

[jdizzy40]

May I suggest first reading under "How TO Capture". You are not only looking for hardware, but you need to do some reading on the various methods as well. You will soon be able to better narrow down what hardware you might be able to afford. This is not only a hobby for some but a professional field for those that do it for a living. I own both a Canopus ADVC-100 and 300 for my low end work but use a ADVC-1000 for more high end projects. The difference between the two in price is considered by most to be extreme. If you intend to edit, then you want DV-based capture hardware. You will want a good editing/authoring program as well as a DVD Builder. There are several all priced at different ranges.

[guns1inger]

Realtime editing assist cards render the DV stream in realtime while you work. You can usually have several levels of overlay and keys as well as effects, and see the outcome in realtime. While Vegas and Premiere do a fair job of this, they usually resort to a lower res version to keep the framerate up. These cards allow you to preview in realtime at full res.

Not trying to put you down, but before you invest what could be substantial amounts of $$$s, it would be wise to spend some time reading up on these things so you understand what it is you are getting into. There are many good trade mags that review these products. It is a small investment to make now, which will make sure you get what you really need later.

[snafu099]

For those intending to do extensive editing, adding special effects and such the above advice may apply.

On the other hand, many, including myself, prefer to use a hardware mpg encoder. The captured file can still be edited and special effects used but not to the full extent as with an avi file

Most hardware encodeing capture devices either internal or external are considered more in the consumer catagory. They are more user friendly with less of a learning curve yet provide excellent quality, depending ofcourse on the device. They require much less in system resources than a software capture device.
Most hardware capture devices use the same chipsets used in standalone dvd recorders and provide the same or better quality.

If chooseing a hardware encoder make sure that both audio and video are processed via the device. Some only do the video = problematic results.

mpg editing software has greatly improved in the last few years as home video has become more and more popular and less expensive.

I do agree with the other posts to do some more research and choose what is going to work for you.

[Z-C]

Thanks for the help

I'm still not sure though if I understand the benefits of getting a real time editing card. As you guys said Premiere and the like can do that(on a lower res) - but why would I mind if while previewing the res is low? all I have to see is if I like the effect and if it looks fine then I can reencode it on high res. Is this not correct?

About reading some more - You're right, I should do that. Problem is that most messages on this forum are very specific. Usually model specific. Where can I find some more general guidelines? and perhaps some more extensive information about what kind of card I should purchase.

Have a nice day everyone, and thanks again.

[reboot]

http://www.shspvr.com/forum/index.php
http://www.tv-cards.com/messageboard/

[Capmaster]

If you have many tapes to capture, get a Timebase Corrector