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  1. Member
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    Ok, here's the deal:

    I want to capture the output of another computer to regular/standard video(avi,mpeg, or wmv if I have to - as universal as possible without too much of a niche codec). Oh, and WITH sound as well(!)

    Think FRAPS(with sound), but via special hardware, and from a separate computer.
    The idea is, to plug the video cable from one PC to the in-port of another, instead of a monitor, and then record the output on that second PC

    Hardware
    1. capture card with vga-in capabilities (no sound though, picture only)
    2. 2 computers, one of which has XP installed, the other can have any OS
    3. some scan converter boxes are also available, just in case (?)

    - Problem is, what software would work best here ?

    I want as simple a setup as possible, as in 'install recording program, start program on first PC, start recording output on second one, get playable avi or mpeg file'.

    File sizes, hmm, not sure... but duration could be anything from 30 sec to say 30 mins.
    As for quality, I'm thinking preferrably similar to at least HD, or as close to actual (desktop) image as possible without the files getting into the gigabyte class...
    (you should be able to read this text, or even smaller, without any? distortion)


    The capture card(PCI or PCIe, not decided yet) will (hopefully) be able to output up to at least 1600x1200 in realtime, into the memory of the recording computer, for display via the 'normal' video card.
    The card comes with a WDM driver compatible with the DirectShow interface.
    (I don't have it yet though)

    My first searches into this topic came up with WindowsMediaEncoder... (?)

    - Note: I'm a total newbie when it comes to this, digital recording, videos etc.
    Only have a rudimentary grasp on the codec jungle, for playback use...

    ...so, any sane suggestions ?
    I'm not opposed to buying some software, if within reason (sub $100 or so?)

    Thanks for looking

    Sorry if this has been answered before.
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  2. Exactly what brand and model of "dedicated VGA capture card" did you have in mind?
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  3. Mod Neophyte Super Moderator redwudz's Avatar
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    There are VGA full motion capture cards out there, but they aren't cheap. http://www.ems-imaging.com/catalog/modules.php?name=catalog&file=index&cPath=39&gclid=...FQJNagodlUpe5g
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    Last edited by specane; 15th Oct 2010 at 17:36.
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  5. Member
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    There are VGA full motion capture cards out there, but they aren't cheap. http://www.ems-imaging.com/catalog/modules.php?name=catalog&f ... agodlUpe5g
    Yup, thats the one (or actually it's 'father', different brand)

    So, before I ask my Islandic bank for a loan (kidding!), it would've been real nice to know if what I have in mind would actually work.

    I'd really want it to be as easy as possible - install card, drivers, and recording program...
    Then start source and press 'record', getting usable high quality standard media files directly.
    (or if I have to, record in some kinda raw format, and easily edit/convert later, with synced sound)

    There is a recorder with native codecs and a player for the card - but I want universal playability(mpeg/avi).

    And I'm really worried the video quality will not be as good as I want.
    I'm trying to get them to record a partial run of 3Dmark06, but no luck so far...

    So, there's an option of a 30 day buy or return period, in which I can test it.
    But my newbie status makes all the setups, program choices etc etc, a daunting task.
    (and I better be ready before shipment, so not to waste time from those precious 30 days)

    Hence my request for software input/suggestions - and maybe even a guide/tips on how to actually use a program in this way, with this card.
    I'm thinking getting the PCI version, though lower bandwith/speed it's been around for some time and well tested. (if I could afford it, I go for both versions.... heh)

    So there, now you know.
    Am I making any sense so far ?
    (disregarding any monetary issues!)


    *

    I was at first actually thinking of a composite input capture card, which seems way cheaper.
    (costing a mere 25% of the one mentioned above)
    I have the scan converters etc for that purpose(to put sync on green, as such card only has RGB in).
    But if I remember correctly from my reading(long time ago), the performance was rather mediocre, framerate wise (?)
    Am I wrong ?

    (The computerS I will be recording from will have any random output, all the way from 9-pin CGA and up... but via the converters I can translate into any variations of RGBS/RGsB/RGBHV/RGB/15pinDsub output)
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  6. Member olyteddy's Avatar
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    Have you considered using a 'remote desktop' to clone the second computer's screen, then capturing that with FRAPS?
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  7. Member
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    I found this card 18 months ago:
    http://www.pixelsmart.com/vga.html

    Anyone have any experience with it, or even some general comments ?

    There should also be another one, with R-G-B(3 connectors), as well - can't seem to find it right now, but...

    Then there is this thingy... :

    http://www.epiphan.com/products/recording/?PHPSESSID=g03bcbd7o06kahlhjqtfe347i5

    Which seriously screws with your bank account, Icelandic or not....
    ($4000+)

    And:
    http://www.epiphan.com/products/frame-grabbers/vga2usb/


    http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=496477


    I guess it must've been one of these(?):

    http://www2.promax.com/Products/PCIe;jsessionid=0a0106521f43843c2ea190454239afc2fe43b1...4Pa38Ta38Sbx50
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  8. Member
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    Regarding 'remote desktop'...

    My great vision is an OS independant recording machine.
    Not that well versed in the technology, but... remote desktop would indicate using winXP on the source machine ?
    (I want to be able to connect the output of an IBM XT, and record what happens...)

    Don't ask why...
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  9. Member
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    For simple caps from old out dated systems:

    Pc 1: Displays required image and sound (requires PC to TV/VGA box > ebay best source)

    Pc 2: Capture device , simple

    (dvd ezmaker gold) > http://www.avermedia.com/avertv/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?Id=175&device=4

    or

    (Winfast dvt 1000 t) > http://www.leadtek.com/eng/tv_tuner/overview.asp?lineid=6&pronameid=220

    Both cards have no issues with recording of pc input.

    -----------

    Pc 1 must be on first with tv/vga box setup accordingly before pc 2 or pc 2's capture device will fail to detect tv input.
    Audio > pc 1 speaker out to pc 2 line in

    -----------

    Pc 2 should be P4 3.2ghz or better for recording using windows media encoder

    -----------

    From here you go up in price with dedicated capture devices which don't require high system specs.
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  10. Mod Neophyte Super Moderator redwudz's Avatar
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    For your purposes, it sounds like you have the correct ideas. Do you have a link to the actual card? It looks like the cards I linked to can use quite a few different formats for output. But that's why those companies have technical assistance available most times.

    Those other cards you linked, in a quick look earlier, they seemed more like frame grabbers, maybe not best for full motion video. But I didn't look that closely at those sites and products.
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  11. Member
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    Originally Posted by redwudz
    For your purposes, it sounds like you have the correct ideas. Do you have a link to the actual card? It looks like the cards I linked to can use quite a few different formats for output. But that's why those companies have technical assistance available most times.

    Those other cards you linked, in a quick look earlier, they seemed more like frame grabbers, maybe not best for full motion video. But I didn't look that closely at those sites and products.
    http://www.datapath.co.uk/rgbcapturecards.html
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