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KuroNeko
9th March 2005, 14:09
Does anyone know where to find a comparison test of various hardware MPEG2 encoders such as the Plextor, Hauppauge, Canopus, Gainward, etc cards/usb2 devices? Bit like the codec comparison tests here.

I need a quick-and-dirty conversion of various SVHS tapes (good quality but noisy.

A list of currently available products so I can search for optiosn and google for tests would also be very helpful.

Thanks
Neko
rfmmars
9th March 2005, 17:33
A couple of year ago there was on the net a very detailed visual comparasion of Mepg`2 HW encoders. They were rated from 1 to 10

Only two, Canopus and ATI-AIW (Ligos), had a 10 visual rateing. The hard thing now is to find out the other brand's encoder maker.

I have five Ati-AIW cards and the great deal is they can use also almost any AVI codec and external capture program, and can be had for as little as $79.95 US

richard
KuroNeko
9th March 2005, 17:52
AIW ATI is a software encoder. And I know which review you're referring to, it's unfortunately too old, the cards now on the market are not tested.

Sofar I found precious little reviews or comments except on the Hauppauge and Plextor devices. Opinions seem to differ and the only good card that got general approval - the Hauppauge WinTV PVR 250 - is no longer available, being replaced by the 150. That card got poor reviews (poor Q Svideo input).

Purely going on brand name, the Canopus seems interesting (MVR and EMR versions) but I haven't found a single review on them.

Neko
trevlac
9th March 2005, 18:46
Originally posted by KuroNeko
AIW ATI is a software encoder.

I believe AIW cards have hardware to support mpeg encoding. I would call it hardware assisted. The upside is as richard pointed out, You can also hook them up to other codecs and programs. Unlike a pure hardware encoder.

BTW: I've never owned one, so I am just going on what I remember reading about them. But, I'm sure Richard knows what he's talking about.

... please do post back if you do find some info on current devices. Would be great info to have ...
rfmmars
9th March 2005, 19:02
You may be correct about hardware assisted, can't prove it but I can not find any indication that there is any mpeg encoding codec from Ligos' nstalled. I do have Ligos 3.5 stand alone and it does have software encoding

Two very big things,no dropped frames ever, never, and perfect audio sync always.

richard