Video capture and editing

[Greenhorn1]

I'm toying with the idea of editing my home videos on my computer and would like to know what kind of hardware and software I should be looking at. I won't be doing anything professional, just an excuse to mess around with my computer and perhaps learn a few things along the way.

I recall reading an article in PcMagazine about one of the writers trying to do the same thing and he ran into all kinds of problems.

Any advice/help/info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Greenhorn1.

 

[cucumber]

Well, I would recomend the Matrox Marvel G400. I recently built a system around it using an AMD K6-ii 266, with 64 megs of ram, and a Maxtor plus 40 20gig drive. This system is barely acceptable for video editing, but it works fine. Anything less, and I think there would be problems. First of all, I think the most important factors are to have lots of ram, and a very fast+big hard drive.
For less money, you can get the Matrox Marvel G200. There are cheaper and less powerfull Matrox graphics + RainbowRunner (video captuer) card combos, but I have not seen one that can do full screen + full resolution capture and playback. And if you plan to put these videos onto VHS, these features are a must. Whichever card you choose, DO NOT choose a card with less than 8 megs of memory on it. I've never tried anything other than the MAtrox cards, but from much research, you can't find anything better for the price.
The Marvel G400 comes with Avid Cinema software. A very simple to use editing program that works well. If you want more power look to Ulead MediaStudio, or the high end Adobe Premier 5.5 (expensive though.)

 

[Greenhorn1]

Thanks for the info I'll look into the Matrox cards and the software programs you mentioned. Are there any cards specifically for video capture and playback? I really didn't want to purchase a new video card right now.


Thanks again,

Greenhorn1.

 

[DarkKnight113]

I would also take a look at an ATI All-in-Wonder card, specifically the one based on the new Radeon chipset. It has some good video capabilities that should suit your needs, and it's bundled with Ulead VideoStudio I believe. Plus, it has arguably the best DVD playback of just about any available video card at this time. Like cucumber said, you'll need lots of RAM, and a big fast hard drive for it to work right. I know this from experience (not going into THAT)...

 

[(Chanse)]

If you're looking into doing basic video editing, the ATI All-In-Wonder 128Pro offers the same video features basically as the newer card, just on an older 3d chipset, for far less money.

 

[Heretik]

If you're really looking to go the cheap route and aren't looking for really polished, professional looks AND you already have a decent graphics card, try for an ATI TV Wonder combined with WinVCR or Ulead Video Studio. The capture software for the TV Wonder isn't the greatest, and can't do VCD compliant streams. WinVCR is good for doing straight captures, while Video Studio allows you to add Titles, transitions, and other nifty effects.
You could also try for an external capture device such as the Dazzle Digital Video Creator or Pinnacle Studio MP10. I had very bad luck with the Pinnacle solution which was supposedly due to it's parallel interface (bad audio/video synch). These seemed to be a very common problem with most of its users. Never tried the Dazzle, though.

ATI TV Wonder ~$40-$70 (depends on if you find a deal)
WinVCR ~$50
Ulead Video Studio ~$99

Dazzle Digital Video Creator ~$99 (saw it at Wal-Mart & comes with Ulead Video Studio)

 

[cucumber]

For video capture/playback only, I would suggest something from Pinnacle Systems. I can't think of a specific model, but they make the whole range of products from cheapy cards, to full blown professional systems.