What to use?

[Svenn]

Alright, I have 2 questions.

First Question is what format should I capture to? I just want to capture video in 320x240 with as small a file size as possible for at least decent quality, doesn't need to be that great. I'm just going to use it as an archive on my computer, so I won't be burning it to anything.

The other thing is I need a capture program that can do the following things. I'm not worried about money, so any program, regardless of cost.
-Capture to the format from question 1.
-Compress Audio
-Schedule times to record

Thanks for the help!
Svenn

[ColtWalker]

I would recommend capturing to standard VCD format or SVCD format. I would also discourage you from 320x240 capture in favor of 352x240 NTSC (525) at 1.15 M bit per second. Use for your audio 44,100 KHz 16 bit and in combination with the afore mentioned settings you will be relatively close to VCD standard, which is recommended for archival purposed keeping in mind storage space, and file standardization. SVCD specs and MPEG-2 encoding is also an alternative recommended format, which offers slightly better capture quality.

As for a product, I am currently using ATI All In Wonder. However, I cannot in honesty recommend it, as I am not happy with the product. The MMC software that it comes with the card _will_ do those things that you mentioned:
-Capture to the format from question 1.
-Compress Audio
-Schedule times to record

However, be warned! Their software does not encode to true VCD specifications even when the VCD capture option is selected. Also, their software will prevent you from capturing from VHS that is copy protected and ripping DVD which is copy protected. This is a real bummer for people wanting to archive their old VHS tapes to VCD format.

It would be interesting to hear from someone that knows of a superior product that matches ATI AIW MMC 7.x capabilities in addition to ignoring Macrovision copy protection and capable of capturing to a true VCD compliant format.

[Svenn]

Well, I have an ATI TV Wonder VE. What I was hoping for is to be able to compress like these files I see... like 140 megs for an hour of video... VCD and SVCD are much larger than that. Any suggestions?

[Bud]

Someone recommended the following Capture method and I followed it with great results for me. I have a ATI All In Wonder car, use VirtualDub Capture set at 352x480, audio is whatever you want, for a two hour movie off a Digital Cable system I end up with a 40-45Gb file, I then do a frameserve to TMPGEnc, now you can use the resize filters in VirtualDub or let TMPGEnc set the resize, anyway I use the standard VCD template, set the sharpen to about 70-75, which seems to "Clean Up" the picture a little better. Please keep in mind I start with a GREAT picture and end up with a picture equal to or the same as on origianl VHS tape. My other method is to do Capture via my Firewire Port on Premiere 6.0 DV Avi Formatt, which is much better over, however Premiere does not havea VCR type timer to allow me to record when I'm not there, I only use the Hollywood Bridge when I'm home or up to watch and be able to start and stop the recording. By the way I have two system set up to do all this. Not sure is all this info will help, just some comments.

Bud

[ChrisX]

MPEG OR A DivX video format would do an excellent job for a clip or movie in the hard drive.