Video Capture from RCA jacks

[imported_springding]

I have an older video camera and want to transfer the video to DVD. The only bit of research left is which route to take for the capture.

Lots of folks here at Anand have recommended the KWorld Xpert DVD Maker PCI which sells for $29.00, and another $10.00 to upgrade the software. However, it only has an S-video input. My video camera only has RCA jacks (video, left-sound, right-sound). Is there a converter box that will switch the video?

I had also been looking at things like the Dazzle Digital Video Creater, which has a box you plug your camera into and then you connect to your PC via Firewire. Thos are much more expensive, and the reviews are really mixed, running the range from glowing endorsements to "piece of %$^#".

Saving money is good, and it seems like a PCI card might avoid the dropped frames and out-of-synch audio that I read about with external USB solutions. But, how to I overcome the RCA to S-Video problem?

TIA,

Kevin Springer

 

[DAPUNISHER]

I don't know your budget but I have a older JVC S-VHS-C and new JVC digital camcorders and ended up going with the Plextor ConvertX this one No drop frames or any other issues, probably because it does hardware encoding. I got it for $100 shipped in FS/FT like new but the rebate makes it a good price from da egg. PCI cards won't move from system to system nearly as easily, and I can't use 1 with a notebook, so the versatility and functionality sold me on it. I have captured tons of video from the old CC already and the quality of the 2hr DVDs it outputs are excellent. Your needs may differ from mine so someone with a pci solution that rocks can help there, so ^ for you

 

[KutterMax]

If you are looking for a high quality break out box, I've had great success with the Canopus ADVC-100. It has both S-Video and standard composite video inputs. It hooks up via Firewire and your video editing software will essentially see it as a Firewire Camcorder regardless of what source you have plugged into it.

I have converted a bunch of old VHS movies with it and it works flawlessly.

The Canopus products are a little more expensive but they do work very well.

HTH.