Question re: VIVO... do I really need this?

rawhyde

Member
Mar 14, 2001
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Trying to decide which GeForce4 Ti 4200 card to get and am curious as to what I could use the VIVO functionality of some cards for. I am definitely going to get a 128MB version of the card, all of these seem to have TV-out, so no decision to be made so far... but video IN is only offered on a couple of cards right now, the eVGA and Gainward ones to be exact.

Now as I understand it, the VI functionality can be used for capturing TV, VCR, video cam, etc. with the correct software, but if I was ever going to do any serious HTPC stuff (i.e. TIVO-type functionality, HDTV decoding, etc.) i'd need to buy additional equipment anyway. Correct? And most video cams or digital cameras come with USB or Firewire connector, so I'd use a different interface in those cases anyway. So my question is... why would I pay an extra $20 for video in? Or to put it another way, is it worth an extra $20 to have that option?

FWIW I'm looking at the Visiontek 4200 card at buy.com ($168.50 shipped for discover card users) and the eVGA 4200 card at Newegg ($189 shipped).

Any advice or thoughts on the subject would be much appreciated. Thanks!
 

oldfart

Lifer
Dec 2, 1999
10,207
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Its worth it if you use it. I use mine for videp capturing off my old 8mm camcorder. Works well.
 

rawhyde

Member
Mar 14, 2001
54
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So if I happen to have an older 8mm camera that I want to capture video from it would be worth it. If not, I might as well save the $20.

I'd really like to build a Home Theater PC in the near future, but it sounds like I'd probably want a different video capture card for this anyway.

Any other uses for VI?
 

AnAndAustin

Platinum Member
Apr 15, 2002
2,112
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:| I've heard the GF4 cards are still no better at TVout or VIVO than the GF2 & GF3 cards.

:D That means the advantage of VIVO is the use of Philips chips which give a semi-decent output. The Vout versions use Conexant or Chrontel chips which give poor quality (off-centre & black borders). I believe the sw 'TV-Tool' can aleviate the Conexant chips short-fall, but better VO by the Philips VIVO chip may be worth the extra cash.

;) As oldfart (nice name dude) stated, the VI can capture any S-Video source, that means VHS, Camcorders etc.
 

lupohki

Golden Member
Oct 11, 1999
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I'm in the same situation. Can someone tell me if using the official Nvidia Detonator drivers willl retain the VIVO functionality, or do I have to use the manufacturer's drivers?