What to look for in Video Capture/Software 4 newbie?

[rivrbyte]

MSI P-35 Platinum MoBo/3.3GB DDR memory/Intel Core2 Q6600 CPU/ Nvidia GeForce 8600GT with 512MB/500GB Internal WD HDD/500GB Ext, WD HDD/WinXP SP2/ NERO 9 / Phillips DVR-111D-710 DVD 16x16 Writer

Newbie is FRAZZLED!
So many choices...So Little time! I have many analog VHS-C tapes I want to capture, edit,and burn to DVD,or CD, filmed on a 1997 JVC Analog Camcorder. I even have a VHS tape of our 1977 Appearance from the original gong show, that I would like to post on YouTube, as well as my own VCD, or DVD copy to play either on the TV or computer.
Is this basic Video Capture device like the SIIG (JU-AV00-12-S1) 2.0 USB Video capture (Below) alright to use with other software programs like Adobe Premiere or VideoDub?

USB 2.0 Video Capture Device Easily Capture Video from VHS
Host Interface USB
Product Type-Video Capturing Device Graphics
Resolution720 x 576 PAL720 x 480 NTSC
Interfaces/Ports1 x S-Video In2 x A/V In
Functions - Video Capturing Software Included Driver Form Factor External Frame Rate25 Frames Per Second PAL30 Frames Per Second NTSC
Video Formats - MPEG-1MPEG-2
MPEG-4
AVI
VCD
DVD
Video System NTSC / PAL
System Requirements - PC computer with an available USB 2.0 port Microsoft Operating System(s):

• Windows XP (32-/64-bit)
• Windows Vista (32-/64-bit)

..OR something like this Diamond VC600 -
USB 2.0 Video Standards: NTSC/PAL
Video capturing formats: MPEG 4/2/1
NTSC Video Capture:720x480 @30FPS
PAL Video Capture: 720x576 @25FPS
Burn support files to DVD/VCD
One touch capture and DVD record and editing software
Interface: USB 2.0
Video Standards: NTSC/PAL
Push Button: Pres to start/stop video capturing
Video capturing formats: MPEG 4/2/1 formats
Video Inputs: Composite RCA or S-Video
Still image capturing: JPG or BMP formats
NTSC Video Capture:720x480 @30FPS
PAL Video Capture: 720x576 @25FPS
Burn support files to DVD/VCD

I would like to NOT spend a fortune on this, and I know you get what you pay for, but down the line I may be buying a new digital AVCHD camcorder,Canon HF10, or HF200, and may have to purchase a new capture card, maybe not.

There are myriads of software out there...Pinnacle MovieBox,w/capture, Roxio Video creator w/capture, Adobe Premiere 8, Pinnacle Movie Studio, Roxio.Windows Movie Maker,Nero, and on and on and on!

Interlaced,non-interlaced,adjusting bitrate, lossless, video output,AC3 Audio,Mpeg1,2,3,AVI, PCI card vs. USB connection, etc,etc....

Thanks for any help to point me in the right direction!

[hech54]

Since you are luckily still on XP....I'd simply go for a Hauppauge PVR-250 or PVR-350 so you can capture
the footage as "already DVD-ready MPEG2". You can pick them up used on Ebay pretty damn cheap and
you can download the software for free from their website any time you like.

[rivrbyte]

Thanks,
Curious....You never mentioned using NERO 9...have you ever tried that,or went directly to the Hauppauge? Should I only use that for burning Data/CD's, and for watching DVD Movies? Is that a PCI card? I saw that this or WINTV also makes that USB-LIVE, which is a simple capture device, but looks like it has only two RCA connectors, I know Analog is not stereo,so is that all I will need, or should I buy something like that PVR 350 that willd accommodate me with future Connections for transfer with my Digital HD Camcorder?

[hech54]

Friends don't let friends use Nero. Too much useless crap in Nero.

[edDV]

Note that Hauppauge has drivers for the PVR-250/350 for 32 bit Vista/Win7 but not for 64 bit.
http://www.hauppauge.com/site/support/support_pvr250-350.html

The support site shows only WinTV v6 (not v7).

I have a PVR-350 running under 32 bit Windows 7 tied to MCE and it works fine.

I have an HVR-1600 on a different 32 bit Windows 7 machine. WinTV v7 is running great with that card.
http://www.hauppauge.com/site/support/support_wintv7.html

It looks like WinTV v7 only works with the HVR series currently.
http://www.hauppauge.com/site/support/support_wintv7.html

[rivrbyte]

Given that I want to do the VHS capture and edit now, and maybe down the line even a DV/Firewire connection type PCI card, with a new AVCHD 1080p camcorder, are these the important list of features I should look for, or is this going to cost me more for an above quality PCI card? I don't want to pay for a TV Tuner type PCI if I'm not going to really use it, but if it comes with it then ok.
That Hauppauge software is very expensive.

That NERO 9 Vision, I haven't had any success trying to hook up that dazzle 80,so maybe a PCI card with it's own software..Nero for me I use to burn Data and Music discs.

DV/Firewire
MPEG1 hardware
MPEG2 hardware
MPEG4 hardware

[edDV]

You should stick to HDV format for Firewire (e.g. HV30 or HV40). Those cans also have anolg to DV pass through.

AVCHD has considerable editing issues. Research that before you go that route.

[hech54]

For Windows XP and an older Hauppauge 250 or 350....all you need to run it is free from Hauppauge's website.
http://www.hauppauge.com/site/support/support_pvr250-350.html

[rivrbyte]

Thanks guys,

As you may gathered already, I am a true newbie, I thought the AVCHD and HDV was the same thing and the avchd was the new format for the newer HD 1080p camcorder cameras..whew! This is going to be a wild ride.

"Installation note on the Hauppaugh 250/350: A valid WinTV application CDROM will be needed to install this WinTV v6 version."

EdDV- you said "I have a PVR-350 running under 32 bit Windows 7 tied to MCE and it works fine." What is "MCE"? I clicked on that and it took me to Windows Media Center in WINDOWS 7.

But then it gives a v6 Plus download-able single file underneath it. [Confusion sets in...] Do I buy the CDROM version or download the software version and as far as the capture device...PCI with Firewire, composite for VHS capture, and maybe s-Video?

heck54- you said "For Windows XP and an older Hauppauge Wintv 250 or 350....all you need to run it is free from Hauppauge's website". What PCI card is best used with this software?
http://www.hauppauge.com/site/suppor...vr250-350.html

...Or do I have to buy a Tv tuner PCI card like the WinTV - Theater PCI, just to get the features to capture analog now, and HDV,in the future? Are they pretty much easy or for starting out DIY'fer, or professional everyday editing? I know you are trying to help but the Hauppaugh PCI's seems pretty expensive.

I am running WINXP PRO 32 Bit 3.2DDR2 PC6400 / INTEL Q6600 Core 2

[edDV]

EdDV- you said "I have a PVR-350 running under 32 bit Windows 7 tied to MCE and it works fine." What is "MCE"? I clicked on that and it took me to Windows Media Center in WINDOWS 7.

"MCE" = Window Media Center.

You only need to download the drivers for MCE to use the card.

Same goes for other PVR (TV tuner) software from
BeyondTV
GBPVR (free)
SageTV

But then it gives a v6 Plus download-able single file underneath it. [Confusion sets in...] Do I buy the CDROM version or download the software version and as far as the capture device...PCI with Firewire, composite for VHS capture, and maybe s-Video?

heck54- you said "For Windows XP and an older Hauppauge Wintv 250 or 350....all you need to run it is free from Hauppauge's website". What PCI card is best used with this software?
http://www.hauppauge.com/site/suppor...vr250-350.html

...Or do I have to buy a Tv tuner PCI card like the WinTV - Theater PCI, just to get the features to capture analog now, and HDV,in the future? Are they pretty much easy or for starting out DIY'fer, or professional everyday editing? I know you are trying to help but the Hauppaugh PCI's seems pretty expensive.
I am running WINXP PRO 32 Bit 3.2DDR2 PC6400 / INTEL Q6600 Core 2

Hauppauge requires your original PVR install CD in the drive before you can install WinTV updates. It can be any version of a WinTV CD. Version 6 is the latest for 32 bit XP. Version 7 is much better but requires an high def HVR card.

[hech54]

I just bought a used PVR-350 from Ebay (just the card....nothing else), downloaded the software from Hauppauge's website....and away I went. Captures perfectly via broadcast channels and s-video. "I don't need no stinking updates"......

[edDV]

I just bought a used PVR-350 from Ebay (just the card....nothing else), downloaded the software from Hauppauge's website....and away I went. Captures perfectly via broadcast channels and s-video. "I don't need no stinking updates"......

So when you get to the point in the install where they say the original CD needs to be in the CD drive, they are just bluffing? I don't know 'cause I always put in the CD.

[lordsmurf]

If you have an AGP slot on that motherboard, an ATI All In Wonder card would work well!
MPEG-2 and lossless/uncompressed AVI options!

[hech54]

I just bought a used PVR-350 from Ebay (just the card....nothing else), downloaded the software from Hauppauge's website....and away I went. Captures perfectly via broadcast channels and s-video. "I don't need no stinking updates"......

So when you get to the point in the install where they say the original CD needs to be in the CD drive, they are just bluffing? I don't know 'cause I always put in the CD.

I've never seen any kind of warning message. There used to be (and probably still is) a series of drivers and crap that you needed to install "in order" for Windows XP to first recognize the card and then install WinTV. In June of last year I found a simpler installer package on Hauppauge's website called:
wintv2k_413_24088.exe that made it much easier. I've never had any of the original software for this card.

[edDV]

Not an issue for the drivers only. Those are all that is needed for MCE, or other PVR software.

The CD issue comes into play when you install or update Hauppauges WinTV applcation. WinTV is useful for recording off the S-Video or composite inputs.

[hech54]

Not an issue for the drivers only. Those are all that is needed for MCE, or other PVR software.

The CD issue comes into play when you install or update Hauppauges WinTV applcation. WinTV is useful for recording off the S-Video or composite inputs.

I don't own an install CD.

[lordsmurf]

I have an install CD for the 150.