USB2.0 analog capture devices - ConvertX?

[sej7278]

I'm looking at buying an analog capture device, I don't want a PCI solution as they usually use software encoding, so get audio out of sync, dropped frames, low bitrate etc.

So I'm looking at these hardware encoders which basically take an analog feed, encode them to MPEG internally and then write them to your PC's hard disk.

I mostly want it for archiving TV shows to DVD (and maybe copying LaserDisc Star Wars to DVD!) and old analog video tapes, so only need to trim bits, not edit.

These are the devices I'm looking at (ConvertX seems preferable at the moment):

Plextor ConvertX - does MPEG4, only 6000Kbps, $173
http://www.plextor.com/english/products/ConvertX.html

ADS Instant DVD 2.0 - crappy software, overheating, does 8000Kbps, $135
http://www.adstech.com/products/USBAV702/intro/usb702intro.asp?pid=USBAV702

Adaptec VideOh! - new versions limited to 6000Kbps and crappy MyDVD software (not MovieMill/8K) $124
http://www.adaptec.com/worldwide/product/proddetail.html?sess=no&prodkey=AVC-2200&cat=%2fTechnology%2fVideo%2fVideo+Capture+and+Creation

Pinnacle Studio MovieBox USB - limited to Studio8 software, does 8000Kbps, $168
http://www.pinnaclesys.com/ProductPage_n.asp?Product_ID=1172&Langue_ID=2

I really want to know if the ConvertX does true hardware encoding to MPEG2, or if it's a partially software-based thing, it only actually says hardware MPEG4 encoding, and hardware MPEG2 "capture".

If I use a digital camcorder with analog passthru, what kind of bitrate would I get, or does bitrate not come into until you convert the DV to MPEG?

[xbert]

Hi sej7278!

A couple of weeks ago, I posted a similar question about the ConvertX without any feedback. In the meantime I've found a review at:

www.benscustomcases.com/reviews/convertx/ (http://www.benscustomcases.com/reviews/convertx/)

I don't know anything about this guy and his reputation, but he seems to like the box.

Personally, I'm not really convinced. Especially I'm still not sure about the hardware encoding. Seems more like some kind of software thing.

Hopefully in the near future, we will find some more reviews and tests about it.

Good luck - xbert

[navydoc]

I have the Pinnacle Studio MovieBox USB and am very pleased with it. I usually capture at 9000bps and get excellent results for capturing movies from tv. You can use composite or S-video cables and I use S-video running from my satilite box directly to the 'MovieBox' as well as rca cables for stereo audio.

While you can only capture with this device within Studio 8 (mpg2 video and audio), you can use other programs on the captured video for additional editing too.

navydoc

[MarsOfOld]

I use an InstantDVD2 (external hardware usb mpeg1/2 encoder) to capture to DVD-compatible video and have found no significant problems. Only possible issue is that it has realistic hardware requirements of a 1.6 Pentium4 CPU, 512Mb RAM, and a big fast harddrive.(I have a 3GhzP4, 1 Gbyte RAM, and 2 raided WD-JB hard drives). A heating issue only exists if you use the module's video outputs to directly feed a vcr or tv. The video output section then gets too hot and results in audio-video desynch after 45 minutes. Since I only capture directly to my hard drive for DVD authoring/burning, my module never even gets warm. I download video files to my docked laptop, then play them on the laptop into an ADS "TV Elite XGA" scan convertor to get the display to output in RCA video-audio, which then goes to the input of the Instant DVD2, which feeds my desktop via USB. That way I don't have to deal with the many software format-conversion issues which I found to be a bigger headache than a hardware solution. If my laptop will play it, I can have it on a DVDR disk an hour later. I recommend it...

[kvideo]

sej7278

Sorry it took so long to reply but had to wait 5 days - rulz. I went through the same search for info on the Plextor product - no reviews of any real helponly repeat of the hype by Plextor. I have always found that Plextor makes a good product and I have been satisfied in the past so I bought this product and although I have not fully tested this capture device I am very pleased with the results so far.

I have a 2.56 P4 - Asus P4B533-E w/1GB DDR Ram and USB2 - PNY G-force FX 5200 Ultra - 80 GB Maxtor 7200 main drive - two 80 GB Maxtor in Raid 1 config running Win2k. I have only captured S-Video signals from my Dish Receiver and they are captured in true MPEG2 format at high quality DVD setting. I have not tried MPEG1 or 4 yet nor have I tried composite video but the MPEG2 I have captured has resulted in some very fine DVD's with very good video quality. When I try composite video capture from my VCR I will report on the results. Hope this is in time to help you with your decision.

Thanks
KV:)

[dr.pauli]

Originally posted by navydoc
I have the Pinnacle Studio MovieBox USB and am very pleased with it. I usually capture at 9000bps and get excellent results for capturing movies from tv. You can use composite or S-video cables and I use S-video running from my satilite box directly to the 'MovieBox' as well as rca cables for stereo audio.

While you can only capture with this device within Studio 8 (mpg2 video and audio), you can use other programs on the captured video for additional editing too.

navydoc

I agree with you, the MovieBox USB does a great job at capturing. However, what do you do about the Out Of Sync (OOS) issues when converting the capture to a DVD structure? I know that this is a very significant problem when capturing from tape, though it might not be an issue with over-the-air/satellite/cable captures....