Newbie @ capture and editing video - need advice

[NOC9006]

Hello,

I just need some advice or a pointer to a good article. I would like to get started in capturing and editing video on my PC. I would like to be able to take video from a camcorder (digital or VHS) and edit it on the PC and then transfer it back to VHS or CD/VCD.

What do I need? One of those external Dazzel devices? Do the new TV/Capture cards do this?

If someone could please advise me or point me to a good link for the info it would be greatly appreciated.

By the way I am running a AMD K2 450 256MB RAM and 16 MB AGP video. I plan on rebuilding to something more "Up to date"

Thanks,
Doug

 

[Boogak]

Do you already have a camcorder? If you do and it's a standard 8mm or VHS-C, you'll need a video card with video in or a capture card like the Dazzle device to capture your film to computer and edit it using Adobe Premiere or other video editing software. If it's a digital camcorder (ie. MiniDV) and it's got a Firewire connector, all you need is a Firewire card on your computer to capture the video. If you don't have a camcorder yet, I highly recommend a digital camcorder as Firewire provides a much cleaner transfer since there's no analog -> digital transformation. Once you've edited it and you make it into a standard AVI or MPG, some cd burning software has an option to burn it as a VCD (at least I know Nero does).

That's about the extent of my video editing knowledge, hope that helps!

 

[rbV5]

VCDhelp is a valuable resource for PC video. Take a look at the capture card comparisons and the different video formats. You'll get a good idea of what you need. Come up with a budget, and ask for some advice when you get ready to build your rig, youll be able to gear your rig toward capture/editing.

 

[athlonator]

This is just a thought.

Since you mention that you have a 16MB AGP card, I would suggest that you do not go for the Dazzle or Pinnacle devices. These are solely video capture devices.

For roughly the same price, or probably a bit more you will be able to get yourself a decent video card with 32/64MB RAM, and video capture. The two companies that I know are ATI and Gainward, that make such cards.

Another option, is that if you have a firewire capable camcorder, than the only thing you will need to invest in presently is a firewire card for the PC, which you can get for as cheap as $15.

In your search for the perfect solution, make sure you integrate the bundled software. Good software like Premiere 6.0 and MediaStudio Pro 6.5 run upwards of $400, but sometimes they come bundled with a $100 card !! These might be LE versions (Limited), but they still offer good value.

Also remember that video editing puts more pressure on your processor and memory rather than graphics card.