Video Capture

[SydneyBomber]

Buying a new pc soon, and thinking about fiddling with capturing from ANALOG (yes, yes, I know it should be DV by now) but don't know much about cards etc.

I've seen pics of some funky looking USB connected boxes that you can use, but other than that I've no idea where to start.

Looking to spend up to/around $200-300.

I thought about getting a ViVo vid card, but figure a dedicated device would be better.

Anyone know of any good forums/sites to learn more?
Any recommendations?

Cheers.

 

[Desredandwhite]

You can get some low-cost USB devices, but the quality won't be as good (especially for just 200-300). The bandwidth just isn't sufficient for smooth video. Ages ago, I bought a VIVO card for my PC.. That worked pretty well except it was a huge hassle getting it to work (having to install countless drivers, in the correct order etc) and then getting it to work properly with the software etc.

These days, I'm using my DV camera as a A-D converter. Plug the analog source into the AV inputs on the camera, then through the DV output to the firewire port on my PowerBook.

Either that or a dedicated FireWire ADC would do the trick as the easiest solutions.

But for your budget, you might have to go for one of the USB boxes (worse quality) or a low end VIVO card (harder to set up).

 

[SydneyBomber]

Cheers Des.
I think I'll go with the USB option, and give it a try.

Just interested in dabbling a little, so didn't want to spend too much early on.
If I get hooked on it (which I'm worried about!), I can always upgrade, or buy a dedicated card (canopus etc?).

Seeing as you're also in Sydney, any recommendations for the best places to check out the USB type?

 

[Piebot 3k]

Originally posted by SydneyBomber
Cheers Des.
I think I'll go with the USB option, and give it a try.

Just interested in dabbling a little, so didn't want to spend too much early on.
If I get hooked on it (which I'm worried about!), I can always upgrade, or buy a dedicated card (canopus etc?).

Seeing as you're also in Sydney, any recommendations for the best places to check out the USB type?

I dunno man, I'd tend to go for the vivo option - you can pick up a geforce card with VIVO for round $200-250. I've heard USB gives pretty ordinary results - although I havent tried myself.

Cheapest place round at the moment seems to be www.msy.com.au - they have a store in Auburn. Pretty easy to get to, and not in part of Auburn where you need to carry mace.

 

[mighty mick]

belkin usb video cable $99.00

pinnacle video boom box $600.00

if your dabbling get the belkin

got em at office works

 

[SydneyBomber]

Thanks all - much appreciated.

Just been to Moore park supacentre and had a look/play with a few different options - the Pinnacle looks pretty impressive, but obviously a bit steep in price.
The USB kits (ADS, Belkin etc) look a little cheap, but probably the best entry level stuff, so I think I'll go with that for starters.

My mrs is regularly in Singapore for work, so I might get her to price some stuff there too before I purchase.

It's funny how the quick 'I'm curious about vid-editing' has turned into a major drama! haha

LOL about Auburn.
Once had to carry around $3k for an hour or so down there once, and did NOT feel real safe (and no, I wasn't buying drugs or guns either!).