Video Capture for UK'er??

[Webb]

So, I've read the threads before but this time I am actually looking for some links and what not as I want to buy one extremely soon.

Whether it be high def or standard definition is price dependant really, I don't mind paying more if its good value for money.

Thanks in advance :)

[Clipse 2]

I plan on getting a video capture device very soon also as I'd like to start developing video walkthroughs for the site. If you're looking for a reference you can start HERE (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_tlc.asp?CatId=1423). I'm not sure if they ship to the UK however it may give you an idea as to which unit you are interested in. Then you can check some UK computer hardware sites or even ebay (which I recommend for new in box cheaper units). Hope this helps Webb.

[Webb]

It means nothing to me man lol

This is a totally new ground to me :p I look at that page and don't know where to start :biglaugh

What sort of specs should I be looking for? How are they connected, etc?

[Clipse 2]

The majority of them use USB 2.0 to send the video to the computer and RCA inputs to get the video. The connections are basically like this.

Xbox 360 ------- video capture device ------- computer
|
|
|
TV

If you split the output from the Xbox, one set will go to the capture device, the other to the monitor or TV whatever youre using. Substitute the Xbox in the diagram for whatever you're planning to use. Most capture devices will come with software, this is my weak point on the subject, I'm not sure what software is good and whats crap. I do however know Divx Mpeg-4 is one of the best video formats in use right now.

This is the one I've been looking at and thinking about getting.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1061004&CatId=1428

and here is an ebay auction in the UK for one if you want to email someone that has it.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/PLEXTOR-DIGITAL-VIDEO-CONVERTER-PVR-DIVX-DIV-PX-TV402U_W0QQitemZ130131533779QQihZ003QQcategoryZ867 00QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Webb]

Ahhh, I see. Was talking with highpass about it last night and the sites we looked at, never had detailed specs like the one you showed me.

Thanks for the pointers. I'm starting to get closer everyday now :)

[Clipse 2]

What exactly do you have in mind Webb? What do you want to record and what do you want to do with it?

[highpass]

He needs either a USB2 or PCMCIA solution if feasible, as he'll be using it on his laptop. Must be capable of capping HD (at least 720p), accept either composite or VGA inputs and make toast. It'll be used for both montages and screenshots. Preferably something compatible with industry standard video editing software such as Avid, although if the bundled tools are adequate that's something he could overlook.

[Clipse 2]

I'd stick with a USB 2.0 model, personally I wouldn't want a PCMCIA card sticking out of my laptop with a few wires attached to it. I'm still going to recommend the Plextor ConvertX PX-TV402U PVR Recorder with Tuner fromt he link above in my previous post.

Specifications

Quality and Performance
Microsoft Designed for Windows XP and Windows 2000 Certified
DivX® Certified
High Speed USB 2.0 Certified
Video Capture Features
NTSC/PAL/SECAM Video Capture
NTSC Only TV Tuner
DivX Hardware Encode (Home Theater, Portable, Handheld Formats)
MPEG-4 Hardware Encode (Microsoft Compatible)
MPEG-2/DVD Hardware Encode
MPEG-1/VCD Hardware Encode
Key Hardware Features
Composite Video, S-Video, Composite Audio, RF/Coaxial Inputs
High Speed USB 2.0 Interface
Up to 720 x 480 Screen Resolution
Key Software Features:
DivX® Licensed Software Included
Watch, Pause and Record Live TV
Time Shifting (MPEG-1, MPEG-2 Only)
Free Integrated Electronic Programming Guide (EPG)
Timeline and Storyboard Layouts
Integrated DVD Authoring and Burning
Direct-to-Disc
Edit-on-Disc

I'm not sure of the software, but beind Divx certified I don't think it would be crappy.

[highpass]

Hmf, that's alright for SD stuff but can't manage anything above 720x480. I've spoke to a few lads at different video cap-orientated places and they all said the same thing; there are no decent HD solutions for laptops as of yet. Apparently even USB2 doesn't have the bandwidth necessary, somebody tell me this isn't the case.