capture card[HELP!]

[CS5n531]

Hey guys, I'm loving these forums :]

Ok, so I'm gonna break this down to make this as simple to understand as possible. I own an Xbox 360, I have $100 that I would like to spend in anyway possible (I'm guessing a capture card) to get my Halo and other gameplay off of my Xbox 360 and to my computer where I can edit it. I would like the audio and video to be at a reasonable quality level, and a reasonable resolution.

If someone could help me find the cheapest capture card with the best quality THAT IS THE EASIEST TO USE, then I would be greatful. I'm NOT willing to open my Xbox 360 to install any cards, if thats what I have to do.

One factor that might become a problem in the future (I'm not sure) is that my computer is on the main level of my home, and my Xbox 360 is in my basement (connected through a 100" ethernet cable). I'm not 100% sure if your xbox needs to be next to your computer to capture video+audio successfully to it.

Thanks a lot for any help!

[JohnnyMalaria]

As an off-the-wall suggestion (especially given your basement situation), you could get a standalone DVD recorder and simply record directly to a DVD. The DVD can then be opened by your PC. Since it won't have any copy protection, there are plenty of free tools that will help you edit it.

Or..do you have DV camcorder? You could record onto tape (in the basement) and, using a FireWire connection, import to the PC later.

Otherwise, you will need some kind of analog to digital video conversion box (with audio). There are plenty that use USB. Naturally, you'll have to set the game console and the PC close to each other.

Here are some USB examples: http://www.usbgear.com/USB-Video-Capture.html

[CS5n531]

I appreciate the reply Johnny.

Standalone DVD recorder? Sounds expensive. Unfortunately, moving my Xbox closer to my PC is nearly impossible. Ruling that option out for a moment, I'd just like to see what other options are available to me given my situation.

The USB examples require your PC near your Xbox, correct? I wish there was some sort of USB device that I could plug into my Xbox that would record the video/audio, then I plug the USB device into my PC to transfer what I just recorded.

So what exactly are my options? What should I consider purchasing?

Edit: I already have editing software on my PC, don't worry about that.

[JohnnyMalaria]

Standalone DVD recorder? Sounds expensive.

Not at all! Right within your $100 target budget.

e.g.,

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7944674&type=product&productCategoryId=p...=1152228787065

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4810683

[CS5n531]

Are there any other options?

Will my CD/RW drive in my PC read a DVD?