Calling all Videophiles.......

[Feedman]

I am in need of some decent quality video equipment. Its been several since I last did anything worth while...I am sorta out of the game....so I am looking for some help.


My needs are:

QUALITY IS A MUST. (it can only get so great using VHS).

Transfer Vhs tapes to a digital format to archive.

Will be burnt onto cd's or Dvd's as necessary.

Take a video source, Vhs/camcorder/etc and capture still images to be printed.

Price is sorta a concern, I would like to stay around the $200 dollar range...

I don't have a firewire card, but one could be purchased if needed...

Being able to purchase it locally would be great, although not a must.



For example this is in the running....
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/ADS-Tech ... tDetail.do (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/ADS-Technologies-Instant-DVD-Video-Editor--USBAV702-/sem/rpsm/oid/70520/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do)



Thanks all for the help.... 8)

[Davis Silver Sti]

Yea, that ADS tech gadget looks pretty good for what you want to do.

I use my MiniDV Cannon video camera to capture video off the TV or VCR and turn it into digital by recording on to my MiniDV then to computer via firewire.

Since quality is a must, then I think it might degrade a bit going theu the ADS thingy, especially using the USB 2.0 which will also make it rather slow.

If you just have one project, I can transfer the VCR analog stuff for you and turn it into a .AVI file that can be edited and burned to DVD. It would save yourself from buying that thing but you will still need some software to edit the video. (can use MS movie maker if needed)
Now if you have multiple projects, then buying the ADS thing will probably pay off.

Let me know if you are interested...I can do this rather quick.

[Feedman]

Thanks for the offer Davis...but I am inquiring b/c the Police Station needs the hardware.

We have had several instances where we needed to get still pictures from a security camera from local establishments and weren't able to get it onto the p/c to do so. Parkersbug has the capibilities, but I don't want to be forced to rely on them.

I would like something along the lines of Firewire, for speed obviously. Quality is very important, you can't Id a suspect if the picture is blurry, Lawyers have a field day with that. Needs to be clear.

Looking for any and all ideas....

Thanks.... 8)

[ShortysTRM]

Until a couple of months ago, I would've recommended a capture device running through USB, but I have since gotten a firewire cable and I now officially hate dealing with my capture device. It's not very reliable, kind of slow, and the picture quality isn't near as good. For some reason, the audio isn't as loud, either. The only problem is that to get a camera like Davis has, it's gonna cost you a lot. We just bought a $600 Sony MiniDV and I am absolutely in love with it, but it doesn't have a/v inputs to do what Davis is talking about. We went the tiny camcorder route, so maybe if you buy a bigger one that is around the same price it will have the inputs..?

[Feedman]

I think you guys are missing the point.

I don't need a camera. I need to TRANSFER video from a vhs tape to a computer.

For example, Walmart Security cams, Mall Security Cams/etc....

I need to make it as good a quality as possible....

8)

[ShortysTRM]

No, Adam, you are the one missing the point. In that situation, like when someone may be thrown in jail according to what is seen on tape, it is extremely important to have the best thing you can get. As far as I have been able to find in the last 4 years, firewire is it, and in order to transfer SURVEILLANCE TAPES through FIREWIRE, you must first RECORD it to MINIDV, such as a CAMCORDER, then it can be transferred via firewire, providing a very clear picture. It's a lot of trouble to go through, especially if you don't actually want a camcorder, but it's the best way to go. I also have a Dazzle DVC 150 to capture analog in the same resolution, but the difference in picture quality between 720*480 on that, and 720*480 on firewire is huge. I honestly don't think that a capture card would be clear enough to identify someone from a distance. To see the difference between the two, go back and watch my Auto-X video (http://atabo.com/sccaOct2004.wmv) and see if you can pick out the scenes which are from Davis's and my fiancee's camera as compared to the ones captured through my DVC 150. I think Davis's scenes are actually in 640x480, but they still probably look better. My DVC 150 almost always put lines in the video during movement.

[C_Note]

I'd look into Dazzle, they're pretty much the leader in that area of technology. Plus, they can usually run off USB.

[narfdanarf]

I thought USB 2.0 was faster than firewire

[ShortysTRM]

I don't think so...firewire is 400 MB/s I believe. I know that for editing/capturing video firewire's faster. You can even control the camera through your computer that way, and it gets rid of the 7-8 second delay in video I have with my DVC 150.

[Davis Silver Sti]

Yea, what shorty and I are saying....

Get a cheapo Canon camera (ebay used) that will act as a digital converter which will make much more ease into trransferring that high quality image to computer. From there you can do the necessary edits.

I've used those anloag digital dazzle converters in the past and just didn't like them + had problems ID'ing the capturing device.

Basically you need something you can use that is high quality AND quick. If the PD wants better stuff they'll have to add another $200 for good stuff. If you go the camera route then they'll have a good quality camera to boot. (plus the fact that it does the conversions) Very handy!
Plus it is something that that you can train somebody else to do easier if needed. Companies/agencies like to hear that sometimes so its not just a "we can do anything unless the IT guy is here to work it" thing.

Cheers,

[Feedman]

I thought USB 2.0 was faster than firewire

Usb 2.0 is around 488m/b and Firewire is 400m/b.

8)

[Feedman]

Ok, then let me re-phrase the question. We are not buying a camera. Its not in the budget. So, with that said, what is the best way I can transfer an analog device to a digital format. Although it won't be digital quality..I am just looking to get it on the p/c to save and print stills...

Thanks... 8)

[Davis Silver Sti]

I thought USB 2.0 was faster than firewire

Usb 2.0 is around 488m/b and Firewire is 400m/b.

8)

Real world performance is much slower on 2.0

Also the device that captures can have problems.

BUT, that thing from Circus City might be your best bet if budget is totally fixed.

[ShortysTRM]

Yeah, my DVC 150 was only $99 at circuit city. BUT, you may wanna search the web for reviews of different devices. You may even be able to find a MiniDV VCR for way cheaper than a camera and still be able to do the same thing with it. What do you do at the police department, anyways??

[Feedman]

Yeah, my DVC 150 was only $99 at circuit city. BUT, you may wanna search the web for reviews of different devices. You may even be able to find a MiniDV VCR for way cheaper than a camera and still be able to do the same thing with it. What do you do at the police department, anyways??

Network Admin. 8)

[ShortysTRM]

Whew...I thought we were being infiltrated lol.

[Feedman]

Whew...I thought we were being infiltrated lol.


Don't worry, what happens here, stays here....unless I am supeaned...lol.. 8)