USB Video Capture

[Buzz]

Hey, I just ordered this: USB Video Adapter (http://www.usbgear.com/computer_cable_details.cfm?sku=USBG-VX3&cats=125&catid=614%2C125)

I wanted it because a friend used a similar device and had great results. The quality was not bad and the compression was great. I don't know which one he used exactly. All I know is that it was a USB video capture device. So anyway, does anyone have any comments/history with such a device? I'm excited to finally be able to capture and post all my own vids.

Second, I am wondering about the software that comes with it: Ulead VideoStudio. Has anyone used it before? Is it good? Can I encode using various codecs?

Thanx in advance.

[BACH]

I would say you will need to import at the highest quality it will allow, then encode it to whatever you want - I doubt you will be able to import at quality levels that FireWire would allow.

[Buzz]

I would say you will need to import at the highest quality it will allow, then encode it to whatever you want - I doubt you will be able to import at quality levels that FireWire would allow.
Yeah, that's true. What if I am pulling the information from a VHS? Do you convert the A/V cables to FireWire? I liked this cable because it has the A/V openings.

[BACH]

FireWire is when you're pulling from a camera - The analog signal should be low quality enough to not have a problem with the USB

[Buzz]

FireWire is when you're pulling from a camera - The analog signal should be low quality enough to not have a problem with the USB
Yeah, most of my digitizing will be coming from VHS anyway. So, this'll work it seems. Thanx for the input, Bach!

[Tipo mastr]

Actually, if you have windows XP, don't use the capturing software it gives you. Look in the c drive, program files, and then movie maker. This is really good software that comes with all Windows XPs. Also, you will need a double ended AV cord to connect to the VCR. BTW, don't forget to connnect the VCR to the capture card via the output, not the input!(That was my first mistake).

[Buzz]

Actually, if you have windows XP, don't use the capturing software it gives you. Look in the c drive, program files, and then movie maker. This is really good software that comes with all Windows XPs. Also, you will need a double ended AV cord to connect to the VCR. BTW, don't forget to connnect the VCR to the capture card via the output, not the input!(That was my first mistake).
LOL! I'll make sure not to mess up that A/V cord issue. Well, the cable will come with Ulead VideoStudio which I heard is really good. What is so great about Movie Maker?

[Omnigamer]

Contrary to what Tipo said, I'd go with the software that comes with it. Windows Movie Maker has a number of faults and shortcomings, and I would recommend it only if you have nothing better to use. Ulead should get you through better than fine.

[Redd]

I just got a USB capture device Sunday.
It's called Dazzle Digital Video Creator 85. Comes with Pinnacle Studio 9.
Very nice.

I capture, then save.
Open it in WMM, then take away sound/add music.
Then, I got to save movie files, and save it as 512k DSL type.
I thought it would be bad, but it's good quality, and only 12mb for a 3 minute match.

Anyway, just my story, they work well.

[Buzz]

Do you have any recently posted vids with that device so I can see the quality?

[killafox]

yo redd, how much did the usb capture device cost?

im tryin to post some vids

[Redd]

It cost $50, found it at Circuit City, but also at Best Buy.

Buzz: I'll send it to you on aim.

[BETA]

Do you have any recently posted vids with that device so I can see the quality?
The DVC 85 is the cheapest one out there. It's probably got poor quality. Not that anyone here cares for quality...

[Buzz]

The DVC 85 is the cheapest one out there. It's probably got poor quality. Not that anyone here cares for quality...
Well, of course we don't care to have a crystal clear picture & sound, but it has to be clear enough to easily follow the action. No one likes to watch a splotchy picture or clunky framerates. Usually what it comes down to is compression abilities.

[Redd]

The DVC 85 is the cheapest one out there. It's probably got poor quality. Not that anyone here cares for quality...

No poor quality. It was above average quality when I compress it to 12.9mb. It looks amazing if I leave it at 35 mb.

[Tipo mastr]

Well, I'll agree with Omni in that WMM is not good in terms of application. But for beginners like me, its great. If you are new to the capturing/editing/producing of videos, that's the perfect thing for you.

[Qwester]

However, good luck doing anything without crashes :)

[Buzz]

However, good luck doing anything without crashes :)
Is that in reference to the Movie Maker program? :laugh:

[Qwester]

Yes. Windows Movie Maker set the industry standard with dazzeling figures such as 10 crashes an hour and 5 million disatisfied customers.

[Buzz]

I lost respect for Microsoft and their products a looooooooong time ago...

[Qwester]

Doesn't stop you using windows though, eh? Linux is free :)

Anyway, if you're looking for free software, check out ddclip and Zwei-Stein. Zwei is pretty tech heavy.. but if you can understand it, you've got a very powerful piece of software free of charge. As for non free programs, Ulead and premiere are the best I've used.

If you're just after cutting bits out and compressing a video (aswell as capture) I'd highly recommend virtual dub. It may not have a timeline for editing, but it easy to use and gets the job done.

[Buzz]

I will start off with Ulead since it comes with my cable. If I find something dissatisfactory about it then I'll look into those other pieces of software.