Looking for a external hardware encoder/analog capture box

[Deacon Blues]

Sorry for the poor title but I'm not quite sure how to spell it out.

I've got an old analog capture card from ATI, but I'll probably need to scrap it as the new computer I'm moving to has limited PCI slots.

I'm wondering if I should replace it with maybe an outside box (what is the proper term?) that will capture video from my analog camcorder, and maybe do more.

I understand that there are hardware boxes that do that and also help take the load off the computer when rendering/encoding. I see Creative has an Audigy video box, but it does not appear to be available in Canada.

And can a decent box be purchased for under $200.

Sorry if this post is a little vague.


Thanks,
DB

 

[gsellis]

Originally posted by: Deacon Blues

Sorry if this post is a little vague.

It isn't.

Pinnacle has AV In boxes included with their editor as low as $99 link This model may still use system resources, but I do not remember. There is also the PCI board version starting cheaper. link The Plus versions are $150.

One of the best solutions are the Canopus ADVC series. link to videoguys The 300 and 500, which are out of your range, will actually clean up VHS input. Never used one, so cannot give a barometer of how much.

Me, I still use an ATI All-In-Wonder for this (X800XT AIW currently). Since I only do it about once a year, no need to buy a different solution.