Video Capture question

[gautamzone]

Hi friends,

I just wanted to know if it is possible to capture video from a camcorder with a FireWire port without the need for a capture card. I am sorry if it is a dumb question. I really don't know much on this. Also, which software are available to do the capture. I don't want to do any video editing. I just want the software to
do the conversion to avi files or any other video format and save it to hard disk.

Thanks a lot

[audiyoda]

If you want to capture via firewire, you'll need a firewire card. Otherwise, your computer needs some sort of video input -- dedicated video capture card, video in on your graphics card or USB (ugh!!) capture.

As for capture, you can use VirtualDub -- it's freeware. Certainly not the easiest to use, but it's the leanest and most powerful capture software I've seen beyond something you'd pay over $100 for.

-Craig

[glc]

The Firewire cards I've seen come with Ulead Video Studio - not the greatest thing out there but it works.

[gautamzone]

Okay. Does that mean that though the mobo supports Firewire,
I must buy another FireWire card to do the video capture. Just having a mobo that supports Firewire alone is not enough?

Thanks.

[glc]

If the mobo has a Firewire connector, then all you need is software, a cable, and a driver for your camera.

[audiyoda]

You shouldn't even need a camera specific driver -- IEEE1394 (firewire) support is standard in Win98se and up. After you load the M$ driver the minute you plug your camera into your system the connection wizzard will appear and you'll be all set.

-Craig