Is there a capture device that does everything?

[timmaddog]

I realize there are many types of capture devices available depending on what you want done. However, in my research, I have not found a single device that does it all. Maybe I am greedy, is there such a device or can you combine one or two items and achieve that goal? Let me explain what I consider ideal:

1) I would like to watch TV on my computer, this is not normal TV, it is Directv or satellite, connected via SHV cable and analog sound.

2) When watching Satellite TV, I also would like the availability to record a program to HD for later burning to DVD.

3) I would also like to view and record movies from either a VCR or a camcorder similarly to that of the satellite.

From what I have learned, the canopus is a pretty good choice for the analog recordings. However, I am not sure about viewing while recording. Could someone answer this? By the way, I have read that this device permits the ability to bypass the macro vision, is this true? And if it is, then why can't a DVD player be connected to this device in the same manner as a VCR? (I know that was a stupid question but it was one of those nagging ones you just got to ask.)

I have also learned that the ATI All in wonder does much of what I am looking for. Here again, can any one reply to this with respect to all of the items I am trying to do? Should I combine the 2, and if I do, will I have problems?

Although there is an abundance of information on this site regarding capture devices, I have not seen anything on the topic I am referring to. This is a hardware issue I have not found enough information on. So please help.

Thanks

[Greg12]

Firewire devices allow previewing while capturing.



Firewire devices are just NICE period. I have a Dazzle DV-Bridge and aside from an occasional dropping off the BUS, it's a wonderful lil black box.

[timmaddog]

Thanks for the reply. I just so happened to be looking at those yesterday.

Do the firewire devies also allow previewing without capturing? Let's say I just wanted to veiw a sat program on my pc without capturing, like wacthing on a regular TV?

By the way, what type of graphics card are you using? Does this make any difference?


Again thanks for the reply.

[Bondiablo]

The video card is pretty much irrelevant with DV capture devices. Previewing is really a matter of what software you use, most can at least preview the video, I only know two that can preview both video and sound, Scenalyzer Live and Adobe Premiere and you don't have to actually be capturing anything to get the preview. Yes, you can bypass macrovision with the Canopus by holding down the input select button for about 20 seconds while the unit is on, it then remains disabled until it's powered off so you have to do it again next time you turn it on and yes you can connect a DVD player to it same as you would a VCR.

[pb]

IuVCR can preview DV devices without capturing, at what ever resolution you have set in the video properties. Vegas Video 3 allows audio and video to be previewed when using the programs capture utility.

My personal experiences are:

Canopus ADVC 100, great, no problems with analogue capture/output or DV capture/output, no audio sync issues, no dropped frames. It is only a capture/converter device, no tuner, but you would be using an output from another box by the sounds of it.

ATI AIW 128, terrible, has a tuner, but numerous issues with capture rate, resolution, audio sync, dropped frames, file compatibility etc.

Read some more before amking a decsion.