using conopus capture box for Video games possible?

[zeek543]

Is it possible to use one of those Conopus capture boxes to play and at the same time record video games on a computer?
For example, would connecting an Xbox via composite cable to the conopus converter box then that connected to a computer via Firewire cable be quick enough to allow for real time playing of video games? Basicly, do those converter boxes produce lots of lag between the game and the video being displayed on the computer screen? also, would recorded to DVAVI on the computer at the same time work or would it be too slow or taxing on the hard drive?
I think you all get the idea, would this work?


thanks for the help...kind of an odd question i know. ha

[edDV]

There is lag through the box but I can't tell you how much off the top of my head. An S-Video DA upstream would have zero lag.

This one is probably overkill for the task.
http://www.inday.com/PDF/svda-manual.pdf

[Rawit]

The Canopus boxes have lag, but not much. I captured some Dreamcast gameplay with it, which works well, but I think the lag could be big enough to give you "problems" with playing fighting games like Street Fighter or First Person Shooters where timing is critical.
However, you could split up the composite lead easily, running one to the TV as monitor and the other one to the Canopus box. The Canopus ADVC 1x0 series also have an output on the back, that can be used for monitoring.
If you want to use the PC monitor for playing the game, maybe the Adaptec GameBridge is something for you. You can capture with it, and claims to have zero lag.

[Bagshot]

The Canopus boxes have lag, but not much. I captured some Dreamcast gameplay with it, which works well, but I think the lag could be big enough to give you "problems" with playing fighting games like Street Fighter or First Person Shooters where timing is critical.
However, you could split up the composite lead easily, running one to the TV as monitor and the other one to the Canopus box. The Canopus ADVC 1x0 series also have an output on the back, that can be used for monitoring.
If you want to use the PC monitor for playing the game, maybe the Adaptec GameBridge is something for you. You can capture with it, and claims to have zero lag.

I agree. Splitting the signal is definately the easiest way to play lag free. GameBridge claims it can play lag free but it can't, or at least in my experiences with it. I would go for the signal split personally, especially with composite, it's cheap and easy.

[CCEncoder]

Does the lag only happens with video gaming or also with VCR tapes? If it does I'm gonna need to transfer everything again... By the way I'm using a canopus.

[FulciLives]

Does the lag only happens with video gaming or also with VCR tapes? If it does I'm gonna need to transfer everything again... By the way I'm using a canopus.

You don't need to worry about the lag unless you need real time preview which is what you need with games but it makes no difference with VHS or cable TV or other VIDEO sources.

The Canopus simply takes a moment or two in order to process the video and audio so when you input a signal it comes out a moment or two later hence the "lag" but there is no audio video sync problems etc. it just isn't conducive to real time preview.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman