Analog Tuner Card (Hauppage) vs Mpeg Hardware Compressor (Da

[spidey]

Hey Guys,

Here's a general question that may seem like a step backwards.

I have both a Hauppage WinTV Go card, as well as a Dazzle DVC 1 USB.

The Dazzle is a Mpeg Hardware Encoder, while the Hauppage is just a straight analog tuner card.

Recently I read a few posts stating that the tuner card would give far better quality (ie using Vdub and Huffyuv).

I am debating on whether or not to try to sell one of them off and go with one or the other.

Using the Dazzle I cap at 3000 x 224 Mpeg 1 CBR, then re-encode to VCD using TMPG. Using the Dazzle to cap straight to VCD spec's does not give great results so it is necessary to go this route. I originally had got the Dazzle to try to skip the re-encoding.

Obviously, if I have to re-encode anyway I could use the Hauppage instead (drivespace is not really an issue).

The other advantage the Hauppage has is it's a PCI card ( the Dazzle is external - and just plain annoying sitting next to the pc - I'd much rather prefer everything contained internally).

The Dazzle however also does have an SVideo input which could come in handy in future capping (ie from a satellite or so). SO this is a plus towards keeping it I guess.

I was just wanting to get some general opinions comparing the two devices, and some input as to anyone elses' opinions comparing the two devices. My current OS is W2K Prof, and has no problems with either unit.

Thanks Guys

[spidey]

Oh come on guys, no responses ????

This is just a ratehr simple questions. Thanks for any input.

Hope you all have a great weekend.

[matt-o]

seeing as you have both cards why not try using the Vdub huffy codecs and make up your mind yourself? see what works best for you.

[spidey]

matt-o,

Thank you very much for your opinion.

I have tried them both myself. I was simply trying to get some opinions from other people and to see what they have found in comparison as well.

[Wonderin]

I use a Hauppage WinPVR that does mpeg1 and 2 on the fly. I have found that although the sharpness is better I get slightly better results using the card in capture avi mode with vdub then tpmgenc it after. I use the tpmg for dvd rips too and people cannot believe the quality. You can't see the difference even on a 29" TV.

I like the fact that the Hauppage can create a file that is pretty much perfect. Tpmg takes around 3 seconds to process each minute of the captured file to make it compatible but Hauppage also have a utility to make them compliant. Theirs is just as quick. You can download it from their website.

I want to put all my home video on CD and am now starting to expermiment with SVCD as I would like the higher resolution if I am not looking at keeping the original tapes.

[ApacheWraith]

I have WinTV GO and so far I like it. I capture with WinXp using VDUB. I haven't really done a full capture, but I let a video tape I had run in my vcr while I capture it for 13 minutes. 50% of my CPU was in use, but there was not a single frame dropped. Who knows if my system starts heating up what might happen, but I have to admit that it looked pretty good. Like you said the S Video is a good thing. If you don't have to sell it, I would keep them both. That's what I do. I also have a StudioDc10Plus for my S-Video captures, which I don't do many of, and Windows XP isn't compatible with it. It's ok though, I like capturing with Huffy.

Apache