Canopus ADVC-110

[CNT]

I won't start a "which is the best one" thread. lol

I have been using Pinnacle Studio Deluxe 7 for years. Yes, sometimes it's a pain to mess around with installation (including pulling out and in the card). It's PCI card and I am really fed up with it now. I have captured many videos with it, YET still have not start my propose for this in years!! Anyway, I format the HDD and install everything I want (not much, like Office and some Adobe software, etc). Now I messed it up a little with Pinnacle (but the system is still running fine, I did a regclean). I am aware that Pinn Studio Deluxe wasn't supposed to work with WinXP.

I really want to put some more efforts to create my family video (both VHS and DVD). But when we have to go through all the trouble with Pinnacle installation (and the Device Manager), I tend to put off the project. I need something fast and "real" plug'n'play.

My MB has firewire, I just never used it yet. So, after reading some reviews (with open mind), I think I would make a good decision on buying Canopus ADVC-110. If you have other suggestions or whatever, I sure would like to hear it. I have set the price range on ~$230 (after noticing newegg.com has it for that much). If I buy this, I will buy the plug for it, just to make sure it has power, even if the 6-pin firewire works.

Question, will I still be able to use my existing Pinnacle Studio software (v7 and v9)? I don't know if the v9 will work because it might not have analog driver or something? I don't want to spend more money on video editing software (and do the learning curve). I just want to capture, re-arrange the videos, delete sections, and output. No Hollywood lights.

Maybe I should forget the whole Pinnacle and start new with VirtualDub or whatever is offerred in here (videohelp.com).

Reason I picked ADVC-110 is because it says no driver is needed. So, I just plug and play. Is that good? Also, it has firewire, so I heard firewire is best for video capturing (firewire was designed for that reason). I don't know if I should or have to capture all the videos again? The previous captured was in MJPEG (I believe that's what Pinnacle does), so I heard MJPEG is best for analog capturing (but it saves in DV format, whatever that means).

If there's anything you like to share, please tell me. Thanks. It's been long time since I hang around in here. I am in my last year of college (still going for summer school!).

Chuck

[edDV]

Pinnacle Studio 7, hmm

If that is your only experience ... and you have seen the light.

Try a variety of demos, pick the one that works for you.

Virtualdub
Premeire Elements
Ulead Video Studio
Sony Vegas Movie Studio
... almost anything else.

[CNT]

Pinnacle Studio 7, hmm

If that is your only experience ... and you have seen the light.

Not sure what you mean? Could you expound?

BTW, I did looked at the ADS PYRO A/V for some time, but for some reason I also been eyeballing at the Canopus. I think it's because I want the firewire (which is best move of these two?).

Chuck

[thecoalman]

If I buy this, I will buy the plug for it, just to make sure it has power, even if the 6-pin firewire works.

If you feel you must go ahead but if you have a 6 pin connector on your computer it should be powered. I don't have the power adapter and it works fine... one less damn cord to worry about IMO.

Question, will I still be able to use my existing Pinnacle Studio software (v7 and v9)? I don't know if the v9 will work because it might not have analog driver or something? I don't want to spend more money on video editing software (and do the learning curve).

The ADVC converts video to DV-AVI which is a pretty much universally accepted format in all editors except a few specific ones for specific formats. It's the same format that DV cam uses and in a way is no different than hooking up a digital cam via firewire to your computer, the only difference being that you can't control the ADVC like you can a DV cam.

I'm pretty sure pyro product is nearly identical to the ADVC but cheaper, can't say I have seen any comparisons in quality but it shouldn't differ greatly. One thing the ADVC does have is there patented A/V sync lock which I'm not totally convinced is all that needed. I haven't seen any posts where people have posted A/V sync issue using other DV capture devices... take that at face value I could be wrong.

Two suggestions..... First ADVC makes a few other similar products. They will perform the same functions as the the 110 except a few. If your only need is to capture video and you don't need the portability the 110 provides then they may be worth a look. Second, you may want to consider getting a digital cam with pass thru. Essentially it performs the same operation as the ADVC but as a bonus you get a digital cam.

Pinnacle Studio 7, hmm

If that is your only experience ... and you have seen the light.

Not sure what you mean? Could you expound?

I believe ED was being sarcastic, Pinnacle is considered a piece of garbage by most of the people here including myself. Can't say I've used any of the latest versions but my adventures with 7 or 8 were enough. Try some of the applications he suggested above.

[CNT]

So, if I buy a DV camorder, I basically don't need the ADVC-110. Right? A DV camcorder will plug directly to firewire on the computer (or notebook).

I need a ADVC-110 to capture analog. I have VHS and Hi8. I want to capture a lot and then output back to a new VHS and DVD.

Chuck

[thecoalman]

So, if I buy a DV camorder, I basically don't need the ADVC-110. Right? A DV camcorder will plug directly to firewire on the computer (or notebook).

Correct, you hook your analog up to it just like you would to the ADVC and it converts it to digital. You can record it to tape, or send it to the computer via firewire or both. They both send the exact same type of video across the firewire, they are no different in that regard. The thing to make sure is you get one with the pass-thru feature. Some cams do not have this feature. You can pick up a low end cam like this for a little more than what you're going to pay for the ADVC. I'm not a big fan of multi-function devices but in this case it's superb investment, many people aren't even aware of the fact that they have access to one of the best ways to capture video right under there noses.

I want to capture a lot and then output back to a new VHS

Don't know why you'd want to do that.... :P You can do that with the 110 but that's one feature the cheaper Canopus products I mentioned above do not have. As far as using a digital cam to do that you can output to tape on a digital cam via firewire then playback the tape via the analog outputs to VHS, this of course ids going to take twice as long. I'm not sure if you can bypass the tape when exporting from your computer like you can when importing from analog. There's probably cams on the market that will do that but I have no knowledge of any.... no reason for it...

As far as sending it to DVD you'll be doing that on a computer with files generated by either device.

[harley2ride]

Pinnacle Studio 7, hmm

If that is your only experience ... and you have seen the light.

Not sure what you mean? Could you expound?

BTW, I did looked at the ADS PYRO A/V for some time, but for some reason I also been eyeballing at the Canopus. I think it's because I want the firewire (which is best move of these two?).

Chuck

I'm not sure with ADS Pyro A/V you are talking about, but the ADS Pyro A/V Link does firewire or usb2.0. I've used my for about 2 years and I'm very happy with the results.

[edDV]

Pinnacle Studio 7, hmm

If that is your only experience ... and you have seen the light.

Not sure what you mean? Could you expound?

BTW, I did looked at the ADS PYRO A/V for some time, but for some reason I also been eyeballing at the Canopus. I think it's because I want the firewire (which is best move of these two?).

Chuck

I have the Canopus ADVC-100 and am happy with it. I haven't tested the Pyro.

If you get a camcorder with "analog pass through capture" it may eliminate the need for a separate DV transcoder.

I was saying that almost any other software listed would perform better than the Pinnacle Studio. Try the demos. They each appeal to a different type of user.

[zoobie]

Just to complicate things, I have the one in the middle...the DAC-100 transfer device...but I always think a new cam to be the best option.

[CNT]

Wow... so I am better off with a new camcorder? Could you list a few of 'em? I got a Sony Hi8 camcorder.

Once again, (without a new camcorder) in order to input analog VHS tapes into the computer for editing, I must buy the ADVC-110?

Also, in order to output to a VHS (from a computer), I must have ADVC-110?

Lastly, if or when I buy a DV camcorder, I can either use the ADVC-110 or the firewire port on the computer? If that's the case, then I would better off the firewire port instead of the ADVC-110?

In close, a ADVC-110 is a must for me to work with analog videos?

I am trying to understand something in here... seems most of you saying I am better off a "cheaper" device? Or is the ADVC-110 just as same as ADS Pyro A/V as same as anything else? Only that the Canopus ADVC-110 is "most expensive" due to brand name? Canopus ADVC-110 has nothing different to ADS Pyro A/V ? There isn't much on the 'net for comparison.

Chuck

[edDV]

Wow... so I am better off with a new camcorder? Could you list a few of 'em? I got a Sony Hi8 camcorder.

Once again, (without a new camcorder) in order to input analog VHS tapes into the computer for editing, I must buy the ADVC-110?

Also, in order to output to a VHS (from a computer), I must have ADVC-110?

Lastly, if or when I buy a DV camcorder, I can either use the ADVC-110 or the firewire port on the computer? If that's the case, then I would better off the firewire port instead of the ADVC-110?

In close, a ADVC-110 is a must for me to work with analog videos?

I am trying to understand something in here... seems most of you saying I am better off a "cheaper" device? Or is the ADVC-110 just as same as ADS Pyro A/V as same as anything else? Only that the Canopus ADVC-110 is "most expensive" due to brand name? Canopus ADVC-110 has nothing different to ADS Pyro A/V ? There isn't much on the 'net for comparison.

Chuck

The answer to most of the above questions is no. There are many ways to import/capture analog. I thought you said you were going to buy a new camcorder so I suggested that as an all in one solution to capture. Hi8 has had it's day. Time for a DV format.

I need to reread the above again.

[zoobie]

only if you're considering a new cam
try that ADS Pyro
seems to work well and meets your needs of input/output
after using, you can always sell it on ebay

[thecoalman]

Perhaps I can clarify some things....

Basic Comparison

The Canopus, Pyro and the Camcorder (with pass-thru) all perform the same basic function for capturing. For all three you hook the analog directly to them. They convert the analog video to DV-AVI which is then sent over firewire to your computer. For all three you will need a firewire port on your computer. The quality of the video may vary slightly but not drastically.

Back to VHS

The ADVC 110 will convert your video back to VHS going in the opposite direction Computer>firewire>canopus>analog outputs. The DV cam can do this too, you may have to record it tape first though computer>firewire>camcorder>tape then play the tape after it's been recorded through the analog outputs and record on your VCR.

Whether you can bypass recording to tape on the digital cam really depends on the camcorder and I really can't tell you because I have no knowledge of this but I wouldn't doubt you can on many if not all the cams. To find out if that's possible you would have to look in the cams specs or perhaps someone else can help you.

As far as the PYRO someone familair with it could help you there. I see Zoobie posted it does output....

Additonal Features


One thing that sets the ADVC apart form the rest is the A/V sync lock. It's guranteed even if you record a 5 hour video it will still be synced and again I'm not absolutely certain this is must have feature unless your tapes are in very poor shape.

There's other pros and cons too, for example I've seen it mentioned that someone had a cam that had a low level LTBC which would also help with A/V sync and image quality for poor tapes.

In conclusion if your tapes are in pretty good shape you can expect similar results from all three products. If it was my choice I'd go with the ADVC if your have tapes in bad condition or the Cam for tapes in good condition. One great thing about getting the cam is... well you get a cam. As a final note the other great feature of the cam is you can output the video back to tape for archiving, DV-AVI is about 14 gigs per hour and trying to burn it to DVD in chunks gets to be a hassle if you want to archive it.

[edDV]

One option to consider is Digital8. This DCR-TRV480 is offered as a refurb for only $299.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007M3PJY/ref=olp_product_details/102-3031836-799215...lance&n=502394

This model has both the pass though feature and will directly play Hi8 or 8mm tapes into DV over IEEE-1394 to the computer.

As a camcorder it is low-medium consumer but the price is great. I don't know how good your Hi8 model is but you will see vast improvement with DV digital recording. MiniDv models above this one will have superior camera sections and a better lens but won't directly play your Hi8 tapes. You can use your old camcorder to play Hi8 through the DV camcorder in pass through mode.

The ADVC has a few advantages over the camcorder approach for analog recording. The main one is handling NTSC levels correctly (technically 7.5 IRE black gets mapped to the correct digital level 16 rather than 32). This eliminates the need to correct black later during editing. Another is the audio lock feature mentioned above. A third is the ability to capture analog PAL should that be an advantage to you. The ADVC-110 or the camcorder can be used to output to analog as well as capture.

Just some more alternatives to consider.

[CNT]

One option to consider is Digital8. This DCR-TRV480 is offered as a refurb for only $299.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007M3PJY/ref=olp_product_details/102-3031836-799215...lance&n=502394

This model has both the pass though feature and will directly play Hi8 or 8mm tapes into DV over IEEE-1394 to the computer.

Thanks for pointing this model for me. I will review it. To be honest, I have been little confuse with different DV (such as Digital8, DV, miniDV... that's about it?). All I know is all those only record one hour each tape. Yes, I have seen disc model, don't care for it. Lastly, what really caught my eyes was the latest JVC with a HDD, that can be recorded up to ~10 hours (I would use the highest quality). I don't know if it has pass-thru, or the media used (I think it only records MPEG2, which I read people don't like MPEG2, which I have no idea which MPEG, I guess I would look for the latest, like MPEG4?). But, I think it's $400 or something like that.

When I go to the mall or Sears, I tend to stop by the camcorder section for few minutes to browse a little. Maybe I should stay there longer and study the models/format.

So, back to the point of the argument, I will hold the ADVC-110 for now (I may still buy it just to have it to use when my family asks me to do old recordings for them). I will look for "pass thru" camcorder. I have seen nice small ones (I think they are without a tape?). So, this will lead me to another area (beside "pass thru" feature)... DV or Digital8 or MPEG2, all those other stuff (if I will buy a camcorder, I will then start using it so I want to pick a good one). I know I read different format in here (videohelp.com) but still need more time to understand it.

Chuck

[thecoalman]

To be honest, I have been little confuse with different DV (such as Digital8, DV, miniDV... that's about it?). All I know is all those only record one hour each tape.

DV is DV, Digital 8 and mini-DV record the same format to tape. They only differ in the type of tape they use. As mentioned by EdDV Digital 8 uses the same size as a Hi-8.

You can record longer but if the footage is important to you stick to the one hour mode.

Yes, I have seen disc model, don't care for it. Lastly, what really caught my eyes was the latest JVC with a HDD, that can be recorded up to ~10 hours (I would use the highest quality).

Those are not DV but record in MPEG2. You'll get better quality using DV and it's more editor friendly. If you want speed and convenience then they are an option.

I have seen nice small ones (I think they are without a tape?).

Be aware that some "camcorders" (and I use that term loosely hence the quotes) will have DV in the name. they are not DV cams, they aren't even really video cams. Essentially it's digital still cam with the ability to take low quality video. Most digital still cams have this feature. If it doesn't use Digital 8 or mini-DV tape it's not a DV camcorder.

[harley2ride]

The ADS PYRO AV/Link, also captures black levels correctly, locks the audio and video, and is basically identical to the Canopus unit. But it comes with decent software, and is about $100.00 less. Both the Canopus and the ADS PYRO are listed on www.videoguys.com, as very good semi-professional solutions for video editing. Picking one over the other is like picking Chevy over Ford. They are both good, it just depends on your preference. Neither is necessary for video editing. You only need one of these units if you want to capture from multiple sources, if you want to ensure that your audio and video are synced (some pci and usb units do this as well), and you want the ability to do both Pal and NTSC, and DV or AVI or even MPEG2 with the appropriate software. A few other guys even recommend the ADS USB capture device which costs much less and does a very good job.

The Canopus and ADS PYro AV/Link are more aimed at the prosumer market for entry level professional use. If you are getting into this as a hobby, there are better places to spend your money. But if you demand quality, and you plan to spend a lot of time in this, get one or the other. Yes a good DV camera will handle these functions, but I for one, don't like banging my camera around all the time. I only use my camera for recording the video, and then hook it up once to capture. The camera cost a lot more than my ADS PYRO.

[CNT]

VirtualDub is same thing as WinDV. Both are video capture.

VirtualDub is same thing as TMPGEnc. Both are video editor.

One quick question... in WinDV, there's two options: type1-AVI and type-2 AVI, what are those? I am going to be using this for capturing analog (both VHS and Hi8).

If you ask what device I will be using, lets continue with ADVC-110. I am still looking into other hardware options in the meantime.

Chuck


OT (might will be asking that in future anyways) :

Correct me... I need to learn the capturing issues first, before I should ask about exporting? I am planning to export to both VHS ("for grandma") and DVD. I think I will need to do a VCD for analog? I did once learn a little about bitrate, so I will have to study it again. Should I use Nero 5 for all my exporting? Forget Nero 6/7 ?

[zoobie]

I think you've got your virtual wires crossed.
I suggest you read the glossary in here completely....from A to Z.

[thecoalman]

One quick question... in WinDV, there's two options: type1-AVI and type-2 AVI, what are those? I am going to be using this for capturing analog (both VHS and Hi8).

They only differ in how the audio is stored in the file, other wise they are identical. At one point some editors would only accept one type or the other but most accept either.

As far as exporting keep it simple... Edit and ouput as DV-AVI. This file can be used to export to the ADVC to convert back to analog. From there you can drop it in TMPGenc or whatever application to convert to MPEG for DVD authoring.

[harley2ride]

VirtualDub is same thing as WinDV. Both are video capture.

VirtualDub is same thing as TMPGEnc. Both are video editor.

One quick question... in WinDV, there's two options: type1-AVI and type-2 AVI, what are those? I am going to be using this for capturing analog (both VHS and Hi8).

If you ask what device I will be using, lets continue with ADVC-110. I am still looking into other hardware options in the meantime.

Chuck


OT (might will be asking that in future anyways) :

Correct me... I need to learn the capturing issues first, before I should ask about exporting? I am planning to export to both VHS ("for grandma") and DVD. I think I will need to do a VCD for analog? I did once learn a little about bitrate, so I will have to study it again. Should I use Nero 5 for all my exporting? Forget Nero 6/7 ?

VirtualDub and WinDV are somewhat similar, but not the same. VirtualDub allows for filters and more settings than WinDV. VirtualDub does not encode like TMPGENC. They are nothing alike.

Type 1 AVI is raw unformated (direct from camcorder video). You need to look up about type 2.

If you don't have software, and with your limited knowledge, I highly suggest you go the way of the ADS Pyro AV/Link. It comes with Adobe Premiere Elements, which has everything you need to capture, edit, encode, and then you can use a number of programs to burn to DVD or VCD or VHS. Then you can start learning about some of the other options available. Unless you intend on doing trick stuff with extensive menus, filters, etc., Premiere Elements will do most anything you could think of at this point and time. The other poster is correct in that you really need to spend some time reading about capturing, editing, and authoring video. You can either do it now, or later, but you will have to do it somewhere along the way, and it is best to do it up front, before you even attempt to start. For about $150.00 you will have everything you need to get started. Or you can go with the ADVC for over $200 plus... The DAC100 is also good, but you would have to do some reading to see if it could send from PC to VHS. I'm not as familiar with the DAC unit..

[edDV]

I agree that a program like Premiere Elements would suit your needs for Pyro, ADVC or DV format camcorders. Elements defaults to DV in and DV or DVD out so you don't need to deal with codecs and such. Elements also has wide tutorial and forum support. Other recommended programs in that class are ULead Video Studio and Sony Vegas Movie Studio.

Vidtualdub + TMPEG MPeg2 Encoder + TMPeg DVD Author is another way to get to the same result with more technical options but also requires more technical mastery.

WinDV is just a simple program to acquire and export DV video to and from DV-AVI files. It can be used with any of the above.

[zoobie]

The glossary is a 2 hour read and will save you mucho confusion down the road.

PS - The DAC is just like the ADVC & ADS...It goes both ways with the same connections. I got mine new on eBay for $150 delivered. It also defeats macrovision....ADVC-110 doesn't. Dunno about ADS...

[harley2ride]

The glossary is a 2 hour read and will save you mucho confusion down the road.

PS - The DAC is just like the ADVC & ADS...It goes both ways with the same connections. I got mine new on eBay for $150 delivered. It also defeats macrovision....ADVC-110 doesn't. Dunno about ADS...

Pyro also defeats Macrovision.

[CNT]

Datavideo DAC-200 bypass macrovision.
ADS PYRO AV/Link bypass macrovision.
Canopus ADVC-110 does not bypass macrovision.

I didn't think of that. I know it's a pain to work with macrovision. Thanks for bring this up in here. Since I have thought about a DV camcorder (pass-thru model), I rather wait a little until after I finish with all the analog, then I will go out. Right now, I am watching the JVC with the HDD. I rather have a flash memory than a moving HDD (if it's possible in the first place), but there aren't enough flash memory for a camcorder yet !? Maybe something will come out by Christmas?

I think I will go with the ADS PYRO AV/Link since it comes with the software. I am playing around with a Premiere Elements Tryout (v1). Also, seems PYRO does everything the ADVC does, plus the bypass. I will trust that the audio locking thing (on the PYRO) will be exact (I am Deaf, so I won't be knowing if the audio is blurring or whatever, let alone modify the sounds).

Chuck