Which of the 3 is best?

[funkmaste]

I have narrowed my choice down to 3 cards. I have a AMD 1.2GHz, 256Mb, 30 Gb HDD System with an option to put a new graphics video card in. I plan to record from VCR(to convert a wedding video) and possibly from a video camera later. Plan to record to CD and VCR.

Do I:
1) Buy Pinnacle Studio PCTV Pro and forget about the VCR Option and stick just to VCD/DVD or,
2) Buy the Pinnacle DC10 and still need to buy a graphics video card for games etc, or
3) Do I buy the Matrox Marvel G400-TV card with integrated graphics video card?

I have Vegas Video 2.0 already, so I am not worried about the bundled software in the 3 options above.

Please I need urgent help with this - its just all too confusing right now!!

Thanks for all your help!!

[Rise]

In my opinion you get better results if you use separate video card (capture and edit) and graphics card. However if you use integrated card you will have less possibilities for compatibility problems which might occure with separate add-on cards.

If you choose to buy a separate video card and graphics card make sure that the graphics card doesn't have capture ports/option. With this compination the graphics card capture will most likely interfere the video card. Also it's good to check your motherboard compatibility with the cards.

If you want to capture and edit your analog VCR movies you don't have many possibities -> Pinnacle Studio DC10 plus.
You can also buy a video card with both DV and analog inpu/output ports. This option is far much more expensive. If you want to add later the DV card you can do it with DC10.

I'm using Pinnacle DC10 and ASUS GTS Pure graphics card with AMD 1GHz machine. DC10 is very good card for the money you have to pay. I like specially the editing software which comes with the card. This combination works for me perfect.

Hopefully this helps you to make your decision.

[Freddie100]

Stay away from the Marvel G400. I am stuck with one and Matrox won't support it any more.