Need good recommendation for capture card

[QuickSilver]

I need to be able to capture both video and audio into an MpegII format for putting on DVD. I would like to do this using standard RCA jacks. What is a good card to look into? Thanks!:D

[Hi Ho]

Leadtek makes good cards as do Asus, ATI, and Compro. The Compro cards have gotten good reviews and they aren't very expensive. THIS (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-160-022&depa=1) one is only $36.

[QuickSilver]

Thanks for the info, I'll check it out.

[Spartan]

I am using the ATI and I am very happy with it.

-Spartan

[cicero]

Originally posted by Spartan
I am using the ATI and I am very happy with it.

-Spartan

Are you using an All In Wonder?

[Redfallon]

Look at something with a hardware encoder. More expensive, but then you can actually use your rig while capturing the video.

[Spartan]

Yes I am using the AIW and so far I like it alot (even though I have used only a fraction of it's capabilities). ATI also makes other just capture only cards.

-Spartan

[VideoQuasar]

http://www.viewcast.com/products/osprey/osprey100.html


"I need to be able to capture both video and audio into an MpegII format for putting on DVD. I would like to do this using standard RCA jacks."

Just using RCA jacks is where the card requirement for capture in MPEG 2 lies I think. Believe me I have looked hard for that very same configuration. You can find them for capturing in AVI files then render to MPEG. Most situations you can capture in MPEG 2 but the audio must go through your sound card or MB separetly which can and does lead to sync problems when imported to a editing program.

The Osprey above is what I'm considering putting in my Capture/Render "box" I plan on building. Dropped frames and sync problems can drive you nuts! These type of cards solve these problems.

Any other card links I may have missed while searching for this would also be appreciated here.

For my editing computer, I have this card on it's way from New Egg. yeeehaaaa!

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-121-165&depa=0

[TwoRails]

I recently switched from Asus nVidia (GF3) to the AIW 9800 Pro and I love it. The AIW has been around a while and it works great. You can capture from composite (RCA), S-Video, and cable. You can capture at different quality settings, too. Also, I've basically retired my VCR now as I do most of my TV recording right with the AIW.

For DV capture, I just use the FireWire port on my Audigy 2 card.

HTH

TwoRails

[QuickSilver]

I have a firewire set up that I am using for DV capture right now, the problem is that there is no way to capture the date that is recorded on the tape. For some reason, when capturing video, the date is not captured along with everything else. I figured since I can record directly to a VCR and keep the date display, that using a capture card would solve this problem.

I want to have a card that will allow me to capture audio and video in one fell swoop. I have had to deal with those sync problems before. No more of that thanks, LOL.

So, do any of these card have the ablility to capture the video and the audio at the same time?

[VideoQuasar]

Yes QuickSilver, I'm sorry...I put the wrong card there, this is the one I wanted to post.

http://www.viewcast.com/products/osprey/osprey210.html

here is the product features and comparisons, and that is the "suggested" retail price

http://www.viewcast.com/products/osprey/analog_comparison_chart.html

here's the link to the encoder, I'm going to down load it and see how it responds! I know MPEG is what your after, but believe me, any type of editing with MPEG is very cumbersome and if you plan on messing with video it is very wise to have a dedicated storage drive. An example, I captured "Urgh, a music war" which is 2 hours in AVI with Uleads DVD Workshop. It put down 142 GB's of video!!! But you see, my point is that was "2 hours" of capture. You can get a 160 GB hard drive for under a 100 I think, new egg has one now for 92.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/9series/encoder/default.aspx

I'm very interested in the Osprey 210 for the audio capture with the video "in one" device. I also realise it's pretty pricey doing video, so I'm just going to hold off until I recoup from that hit the 5950 gave me.

[QuickSilver]

ooofta! Man, I was hoping for a less expesive solution if possible. I would be set up fine already if it wasn't for this darn date thing. Arahhh!!

[VideoQuasar]

Pinnacle Fusion in home video hardware
http://www.pinnaclesys.com

here's something for 80 bucks, but I'm not to keen on the resolution or frame rate it provides. Pinnacle has other ones too, the Fusion is the next step up at 99. I already have Studio 9, and that is the only way to get their capture card which is 200 bucks and I can't imagine it being better than the prosumer Osprey card.

JUST DON"T EVER CONSIDER EVER THE ADS PRODUCTS!!! I had the Instant DVD and sold it for 50 bucks just to off it. I'm still trying to off all the crap it left behind after uninstall. It put a new meaning in FREEZE.

[QuickSilver]

Would something like this work for capturing the video and the audio togeather in one stream? http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=14-160-017R&DEPA=0

Or this: http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=15-117-201&depa=0

[VideoQuasar]

I don't know bubba...the first one is refurbished with no accessorys....the second one has a review about the poor sound quality, which may mean it captures audio at a rediculisly low frequency right, and they are still forty buckish!

I guess the Pinnacle products are junk....but check out the reviews on this Plextor product. Maybe you can scan the web for a super deal somewhere!

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=14-144-306&depa=0

[QuickSilver]

OK, thanks. I linked to the refurb one by mistake, I meant to link to the new one. I guess I'll have to cough up the extra change and get something decent. Thanks for all your help guys! :D

[reboot]

I like the Dazzle150 from Pinnacle. The Dazzle80 is much cheaper but so is the quality.

[QuickSilver]

Are you using the 150 yourself? Does it capture video and audio in the same stream?

[reboot]

Almost all capture devices capture in one stream. Some will only do very small aspect avi, others will allow avi or mpg, in larger aspects, and/or your choice of codecs. Some allow the flexibility of capturing in separate streams. The Dazzle 150 also allows you to cap audio at various frequencies and fps.
Depending on what you want to DO with the captured video, is how you capture it.
The dazzle is just an easy to use, versatile, device. Capture to mpeg2 directly for burning to (S)VCD or DVDR, capture to avi (with a selection of codecs) to archive, or only play on computer, and/or edit extensively before encoding.
It also comes with Pinnacle software (some of the best).

[QuickSilver]

Ok, I'll check it out. Thanks for the info! :)