Hardware MPEG4 encoder with DV? (No need for codecs for clients?)

[snek_one]

We are looking to buy at least 4 hardware mpeg4 encoders to encode DV material real-time. However, many encoders do not seem to support DV-in and only svideo/composite..

Does anybody know of any good cards below $600,- which will capture straight from DV to mpeg1 or mpeg4?

Then there's the problem with the codecs. We do NOT want to have to distribute codecs with the cd's, this might frighten customers.

Which codecs can we use?

Divx/xvid/h.264 seem to be out of the question since they need to have a codec installed manually. ASF files usually need an audio-codec as well..

[SeeMoreDigital]

Panasonic's DMR-E100 is supposed to include a real-time Mpeg4 encoder and includes FireWire. For more information look here: -

http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=87692

Plextor's ConvertX PX-M402U (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1587788,00.asp) also has a Mpeg4 encoder but connects to a PC via USB2.


Cheers

[snek_one]

thanks for the info, it's a step in the right direction for sure..

we are also looking into getting Mini Mac's due to their stabillity and have found a few nice devices for a good price (€200 ex) which can do what we want...

guess it's shopping time today :D

that Panasonic is pretty darn expensive for what it does though..
and it's too big to carry multiple around.. so I think we'll be going for 4 mini-mac's with that breakout box I saw (not at work, can't post link)