Creative Labs Video Blaster Digital VCR for $49.99 after $50 rebate at creative online store

[Bagger]

Here's the link


"Smooth, full-screen video. Sparkling stereo audio. The ability to watch a recorded show while recording another. A real infrared remote. These are the features that separate the serious TV cards from the toys, and you get them all with the Video Blaster® Digital VCR. Enjoy stunning video and audio performance in TV shows on your PC courtesy of the onboard hardware MPEG-2 recording engine. Never before has this much power been included in an affordable TV tuner card. In the past, a low-cost TV tuner card meant low frame rates, grainy video, or slow performance from your PC when recording programs. Say goodbye to old technology and start enjoying TV the way it's supposed to be!

-Watch dazzling, full-screen TV on your PC
-Hear crisp, clear stereo audio
-Pause, replay and fast-forward live television on your PC
-Control your Digital VCR from across the room with the infrared remote
-Capture video from your antenna, basic cable, digital cable, satellite box, VCR, camcorder, or virtually any video device and watch it on your PC

Wireless Remote Control
The high-quality wireless infrared remote is the control center for your Digital VCR. Change channels, browse your recorded programs, pause or rewind live TV, or record what you're watching with the press of a button. Of course, the Digital VCR's features are at your fingertips with your mouse and keyboard, as well.

Easy to Install
The Digital VCR offers easy hook-up and installation. Simply install the PCI card that holds the cable-ready TV tuner and powerful MPEG-2 recording engine into your PC. Then connect your antenna, cable, or satellite TV feed and the included infrared receiver to the Digital VCR card and you're ready to go! The composite to S-Video adapter allows you to attach a composite video source, like a camcorder. Also included are a quick-start guide, an installation CD, and batteries for the infrared remote. Installation is so easy, you'll be watching and recording television on your PC and impressing your friends and family in minutes.

Fast, Flexible and a Joy to Use
The Digital VCR's software is fast, flexible and a joy to use. One integrated application lets you watch live TV, channel surf, schedule recordings, choose a recorded program to watch, and import video from VCRs, camcorders, and other video sources on your PC. It's all in your control with the infrared remote or your mouse. And, when you're recording a program, your Digital VCR's PCI card with powerful MPEG-2 hardware is doing the work, so you can continue to use your PC for other things."

 

[HumblePie]

sounds like a weiner! Anyone ever use one of these and can attest to the claims made by Creative? I'm still a bit skeptical since I've had soo many problems with their sound cards lately it's not funny. Least the price seems good for those features if they deliver.

 

[corinthos]

I dunno... but the WinTV 401 does a pretty good job... and I hear good things about the Leadtek tv card deluxe package sold at newegg...

 

[Bagger]

Here's a link to the Cnet page that shows you user reviews. 68% positive (all based on selling price of $99), not too shabby.

 

[vladgur]

FYI Website devoted to the Digital VCR

Also, The rebate form is only good for purchases from creative store but if you have a BVG card, you can PM to http://shop.store.yahoo.com/erwincomputers/creatvidblas1.html at 85.95 to make it $35.95 after rebate

 

[vladgur]

And the unofficial EPG for DVCR

 

[randomlinh]

does anyone know if this records sound it self, or if it passes through to the sound card? I wouldn't mind my tv card's recording so much if it weren't for the fact my sound has a god awful hiss...

 

[airduct]

this is a pretty cheap price for a card w/ remote. how does one incorporate this w/ digital tv? can a digital tv capable card be able to do pvr?

 

[netbull]

I bought this card after reading some good reviews when they first came out. Paid about $80 from maybe buy.com, I think. It worked well as a TV tuner though I absolutely hated the fact you can't resize the viewing window. (only pre-sets) I really wanted to use it as a capture card to convert some old VCR tapes and copy a few DVDs. It started pretty well and I cut a few 10-15 minutes clips without any problem.. Then it started to crap out. Audio out of sync and then start to freeze my PC (XP professional). Downloaded the latest patch from Creative's website to no avail. Finally gave up and bought a Pinnacle PCTV vision from CompUSA when it was onsale. Video capture quality not as good as the Creative one but a lot more stable...
Of course your milage may vary. Seems to be more stable on W2k but still would crash after an hour or so of viewing. I kept my drivers up to date and tried both on NVidia GeForce 4Mx and Radeon 7000. I might sell mine on ebay for whatever I can get. Go with a different card, I'd suggest.
HTH.

Steve

 

[tedinde1]

I bought this thing maybe 10 months ago, straight from creative, before it was anywhere. It sucked. And the hell with their "format" then can be exported to .MPG. yeah right. It was terrible. I sold it in someone's computer as a TV card, and told them it does record, which it does, but to hard to work with their ATI format. save your $$$