resolved: Need source for software for capture through ATI VIVO card

[palouse]

Multimedia Center (MMC) has all the software functionality I need to capture VHS tapes to mpeg2 format to put onto DVDs. ATI will not allow MMC download for VIVO-only cards. What software alternative is as good a fit as MMC to take advantage of my card's VIVO capability?

I have ATI cards with VIVO, X800XL and X1800XT from PowerColor and Sapphire, respectively. Those cards, and I assume all VIVO cards, do not ship with an install CD for MMC as do the All-In-Wonder cards. Without the install CD, I am prevented from downloading the DVD portion of MMC from the ATI web site. ATI support has so far not responded to my request for information on how to get the DVD portion of the install.

18 months ago, I read all the MMC and ATI All-In-Wonder "how to" links that are still referenced at this web site today. (www.digitalfaq/capture/... ) They describe exactly what I want to do, copy 10 to 15 original S-VHS tapes to mpeg2 format. I purchased a JVC HR-7800, and made sure video cards I purchased had VIVO. I got busy, did not finish the project. Recently tried to finish, and found that MMC is not on any install CD that I have. ATI download process will not allow access to the relavent software without CD.

I have RTFM'd, surfed the web, and Googled. Twice. AMD/ATI has "closed" my non-solved tech support case, and written back suggesting I read their tech support self-help. I wrote back, and they reopened the case, but did not provide an answer.

Is MMC available from other sources? Is there another software package that will enable the Theater chip to do what I want it to do? I want legal software. I want to stay with simple software designed for my hardware. (At least the designed for the Theater chip.)

I want to preserve information on these family VHS tapes, and make them as viewable as possible. I don't need fancy titles, fades, or extras. I do need to clean up signal errors on the tapes, and retain as much detail as possible. I don't need to compress all that much, multiple DVDs are fine.

[lordsmurf]

You don't need the DVD player software from ATI. Just skip that section of the install. Their DVD player software is a skinned version of some ancient software, and I don't even remember the name of it. It really sucks. PowerDVD, WinDVD and even VLC are better DVD player options.

I'll give you a good version of ATI MMC, either 8.7 or 9.02, your choice, but you'll need to PM me for more information. ATI no longer makes this software available on their own site, it's "too old" and now unsupported.

[palouse]

I'll give you a good version of MMC, but you'll need to PM me for more information.

Great! PM on the way. Oops. I must wait for "1 day" before sending PM. Maybe you could PM me? Thanks!

You don't need the DVD player software from ATI. Just skip that section of the install. Their DVD player software is a skinned version of some ancient software, and I don't even remember the name of it. It really sucks.

My description was vague, due to already large post. What I meant was that video capture software component seems to be tied to DVD player software. Another source on Google says DVD player, although worthless, is actually licensed by ATI and must be licensed to user. Without original CD, the ATI download skips the "DVD portion", and final install only provides a still shot capture utility; no video capture. The utility described at www.digitalfaq.com (yours?) does not download. I don't need DVD player software.

I've seen several similar posts to mine. Most OPs do not get your answer, and just seem to give up.

[lordsmurf]

ATI MMC never required the DVD player software, ever, in any version of ATI MMC that I've ever seen, up to 9.13. You can skip it, and everything else works fine.

[palouse]

For reference purposes, AMD punted:

"Greetings!

Thank you for contacting AMD Customer Care for ATI products.

The ATI Multimedia Center comes with VIVO cards up to the X800 series of cards and can be used. Users with Radeon X1000 or X2000 series cards with VIVO capabilities will need to use alternate software, such as, Windows Movie Maker, for their video input capabilities. The Radeon X1000 and X2000 series cards do not come with the ATI Multimedia Center or Catalyst Media Center software.

Your Sapphire X800 series Vivo card is not a Built-by ATI product. Therefore, for capturing purposes, you can either consult the manufacturer, or use a third-party video capture software program, such as Windows Movie Maker. Windows Movie Maker is included in the Microsoft XP Professional, Home, and Media Center Edition 2005 operating systems.

Thank you for choosing AMD

AMD Customer Care for ATI Products
http://ati.amd.com/"

[palouse]

Issue resolved.

One answer, "you're not looking in the right place", was enough.

I had MMC 9.08 install executables downloaded from last year, and for whatever reason the "TV" utility with video capture was not available when installed. Also, ATI's web site download server was down, and I could not access the current 9.16 MMC drivers.

Downloaded 9.16 this morning from ATI's now functional site, installed (skipping "DVD"), and as per lordsmurf's comment, "TV" utility is now available with video capture functionality.

The 9.16 MMC is available for VIVO-only ATI cards from the ATI site.

Thank you for your patience.