replacing VCR w/ computer, what do I need?

[duuuma]

I have to tape tons of crap for my sister who lives in Europe, and I'm getting sick of these big, heavy, and expensive to mail things called VHS tapes. I know there're a bunch of you guys who're computer media center guru's, so please lend a hand with some suggestions?

Here's the system that I'll be using; I just need a good video capture card recommendation:

XP1800+
Asus A7N266-VM
512mb PC2100
Radeon 8500LE 64MB
mATX case w/ InWin 180w PSU

Thanks!

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Leadtek 2000XP would be best, but I've got a better idea.

Just buy a DVD-burner and tell her to get a player.

- M4H

 

[duuuma]

Thanks for the suggestion, Ill take a look at newegg for the leadtek. would something like an ATI All in Wonder VE PCI be comparable?

I'm waiting on faster speeds and lower prices before buying a DVDrw...going to stick with CD's. If I burn video captured TV shows on DVDs, is the quality going to be better than burning on CDs, or is the amount of storage the only difference?

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Quality will depend pretty much 100% on what you're capturing with. Since there's probably only a half-dozen cards that can capture MPEG2 in realtime, and even fewer storage arrays to handle that amount of data, the DVD won't be "DVD quality" - but it will hold a good chunk of video.

Plus, DVDs are cheaper than cassettes, less weight to ship, and don't fry as easily when double-digit IQ airport folk scan them.

- M4H

 

[duuuma]

gotcha, thanks for the tips, even though a DVD-rw is out of budget right now. CDs are dirt cheap enough for me though.

I just hope that burning on CD will allow at least equal quality to VHS. I guess the LeadTek Deluxe tv2000XP at Newegg for $53 is the ideal card to get? I'll be connecting the PC to a Sony WEGA without S-Video, so what method of connection should I use? I think I can get an S-Video adapter, right?

Sorry for these dumb noob questions; thanks so much for the help Merc.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Again, quality is dependant on source. You'll easily get VHS-quality footage at about 500MB/hour with MPEG. The difference between the CD and DVD is - well, 700MB/500/hr = 1.4h on CD, 4700MB/500/hr = 9.4h on DVD.

For input, use the highest resolution you can get. S-video from your cable/satellite box if that's your source, otherwise just use the coax. Output, again, highest res.

- M4H