VHS to DVD Hardware Suggestions?

[Pi rules]

Over the summer, I am going to transfer some family VHS tapes to DVD. My question is about what video capture device is best. I found some TV tuners on Newegg, but can't decide which one to use. I don't know if all of them have a hardware video decoder, which I would like to lessen the load on my CPU.

Leadtek TV2000XP RM (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814122221) - 8 bit decoder, TV tuner, remote, video format: RGB32/RGB24/RGB15/YUY2 - $27.99

Leadtek TV2000XP/EXPERT (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814122180) - 10 bit w/ adaptive filtering, TV+FM tuner, remote, same formats, extra software (a bit outdated, but decent) - $41.99

Prolink PixelView PlayTV MPEG2 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814144306) - 8 bit, TV+FM, remote - $29.99

Right now I'm leaning toward the middle one. Only $15 more than the cheapest but comes with a better video decoder and more features/software. There is a review here (http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleid=1574&page=1) that recommends it but doesn't like the instructions. Any opinions or other suggestions?

[photolady]

I have this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16815116625

But I wish I had this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16815116620

Reason I wish I had the second one is because of the composite connections. With mine, I had to use an adapter for the sound and recording vhs the sound would lag. :(

Anyway, I'm not that infused about those Leadtek and Hauppauge are one of the leaders in vhs to dvd capture. Reading the reviews of that second one doesn't endear me to them either. One comment was video was grainy. Not so with Hauppauge's cards, and software.

[Pi rules]

They look good, but I would like to stay under $50 if possible. If it is absolutely necessary, I would be able to go over, though.

Thanks for the suggestion. :)

[mylanta]

PI I can't believe you said you want to stay under $50 when PL offerred you one at $64 and the $14 stops you? That doesn't sound like you at all.

[photolady]

ditto. For $14 more you can have the best. If you bought the Leadtek one, you would have grainy video. Who wants that? Not me. With the Hauppauge one you can see what you're capturing. I'm not sure the Leadtek would allow that.

[Pi rules]

I'll consider it, but I'm trying to save as much as possible. I need money for college as well. It doesn't come with a remote, but I'm not sure I would use one anyway. Is it also compatible and tested under XP? It says it supports Media Center, so I would assume so..

[dbarrow]

I have had an MSI TV tuner with vid capture for some time.
Oddly, it was crystal clear on the old machine but ever since I moved it to the new one, it gets a little grainy.

Almost all tuner cards use/come with the same software!
Most common is Power DVD for dvd and vid capture.
The TV tuner software usually derives from the same 'parent' software and there are usually many alternative programs you can use for that including a Winamp plugin.

Look closely at any of these units and you will find they all use the same Phillips TV tuner! I even found one inside a friends Slingbox! Same component!

Hauppauge's cards are regarded as top of the line although a little more expensive.
The remainder, ATI, MSI, Saphire, etc. are all pretty much identical and compared side by side will have the same identical components on the card.

The latest rage is the "dual tuner" card that has both analog and digital tuners for HDTV. Consider your source and any changes in the near future.

As for vid capture/recording, they all pretty much do the same thing, with the same software.
Strongly condsider a dedicated large HD for that purpose if you record a lot as files are huge and the drive needs to be frequently formatted (as recommended by people who do a lot of this) They (HD) also wear out a lot faster from that use and you don't want to lose your other files from a drive crash.

[Pi rules]

Does anyone know about this one (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7385821&type=product&id=1122654704617)? That Hauppauge doesn't come with much; the full one is $85 + S & H. I only need composite and/or S-video, not a TV tuner. I've seen good and bad reviews for every video capture device in my price range, including the Pinnacle Studio 500. But, it is in-store, which my parents prefer due to my past experience with a faulty case fan ruining several power supplies.

Strongly condsider a dedicated large HD for that purpose if you record a lot as files are huge and the drive needs to be frequently formatted (as recommended by people who do a lot of this) They (HD) also wear out a lot faster from that use and you don't want to lose your other files from a drive crash.
I'm probably going to get a 250 or 320 GB HD soon (Western Digital, of course unless I see a good deal).

[photolady]

I know a few people who use the Pinnicale systems. They say they get good results. Though I haven't seen any of those results so can't comment on that either.

btw, Doug, that Power DVD only plays video does not capture. Not the one I have, Version 5. I think you were thinking of PowerDirector by same company.

Pi if you need help deciding and want to read more about video capture, take a look at this website, dedicated to video capture, video editing and so on.

www.videohelp.com There are some excellent resources over there including a forum where you can ask questions.
Plus they have a list of all programs that do this and some of those programs are freeware.