Capture devices

[gms9810]

So what is a good reliable capture device that works with X3 and won't mess up on me? I've looked at ezcap, the real one, and I'm still not sure. BTW it has to be USB as I use my laptop.

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi

What are you intending to capture.?
Capture devices are generally used to grab analogue type video, VHS, old analogue camcorder etc
They also come with their own software which we would advise you to use.

I do not know if there are any issues using Video Studio X3 and capture devices.

[gms9810]

Mostly I need to convert a bunch of VHS tapes to DVDs for a local non profit organization. I have ADS DVD express but It's always been temperamental and locks up.And now hat I have W7 it doesn't work at all. I read the post on EZCAP vs easycap which prevented me from buying something on Ebay for now. I don't HAVE to capture though X3, I just thought it would save some time but I can use other software. Right now I'm using the one the organization has because mine doesn't work. Theirs uses Power director which is big and bloated. I did like ADS software because it's simple and to the point and will import directly into the same DVD maker that VS uses. But if I can't get it to work it's pointless.

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi

I would try Ezcap using the Arcsoft program to capture to Mpeg2
A bit rate of 5000kbps will get you nearly 2 hours onto a standard dvd.

Then insert video to X3 to edit and render the final output file, create/burn a DVD using DVD Movie Factory 7SE

[gms9810]

I just ordered one, thanks.

[gms9810]

Update, for what it's worth:
I bought one, It contained the arcsoft software. It turned out to be a knockoff. We reported it to Ebay and I had a talk with the seller. Being Chinese they can't communicate very well. They offered a complete refund or a partial one, whichever I preferred. It does work perfectly so I ended up getting it for $5. After doing the research that I should have done first I found that the real company is in Britain so I'll buy the right one from them and have 2. The knockoff works fine as long as I use the software that came with it but not in VSX3 so I can use it. My wife has dealt with Ebay since before we met and takes counterfeit items very seriously. She's like a bulldog and will pursue the matter until they're dealt with. So I guess I came out ok. I got a working capture device for $5 and will get the right one soon, the bad guys are dealt with. The article here helped to clarify the matter up, even though I read it before I made the purchase and still was deceived. What caused me to fall for it was that it contained the arcsoft software as was suggested so anyone considering buying one needs to know that the knockoffs use it too.

[Ken Berry]

The knockoff works fine as long as I use the software that came with it but not in VSX3 so I can use it.

Just as long as you realise that the 'real' product is also likely not to work with VS. As we have said all along with other real capture devices, it is always best to use the software which comes with the device -- at least to capture with. Then you simply open the captured files in VS for editing...

[gms9810]

yes, I considered that. The main reason i plan to still buy the real one is because of software and driver updates. I doubt if the fake will do updates. I used to have an ADS DVD maker, it came with an older version of VS, 7 I think, it wouldn't capture with VS either so I concluded years ago that i needed to use the software provided, with isn't a problem for me. Im sure here is a downside to it but the Arcsoft seems to render a lot faster than VS. I have no doubt the quality isn't as good.

[Ken Berry]

Yes, even when they provided VS with the device, it was either only to be used for editing, not capture, or else had been tweaked by the hardware manufacturer to only work with their device.

As for ArcSoft, I have not used their editing software in years, though it once had a decent reputation.

[Ron P.]

As for ArcSoft, I have not used their editing software in years, though it once had a decent reputation.

Out of curiosity, I visited their forum, specifically the one for their current version of video editing software. For anyone that thinks Corel is bad, you should have a look at ArcSoft's forum. It seems that their current release would be worse than VS X3. In fact just a generality, I strongly recommend visiting the forum for whatever brand you're thinking about buying. Do some serious browsing and see if the problems you're having, that is causing you to dislike Corel's, might also be happening with these others. Also compare their support forums.

I agree with Ken, ArcSoft once had a decent reputation.

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi

I have just tried capturing using X3 and Ezcap.
I had no problems in capturing other than the settings available.
From the templates list I could only set 8000 or 9000 kbps with a full frame
Only by selecting a half frame did it give a lower option. 352 x 288 x 3000kbps
(By the way that’s Mpeg2)

Now I find this a poor option, unfortunately that’s the way Corel has been heading in taking away any manual approach.

ArcSoft allows much more options defaulting to 5000kbps, this is quite acceptable for VHS capture.
Again no problems, other than the capture window is a little small, however you will get the latest ShowbizDVD, I have version 2 I believe they now provide Version 3, may be this has been addressed
And no I do not think they normally allow up dates of the software.

A while ago I did have a small problem, the technical support was very good. Turned out to be a user error.

Hope this helps