Analog Capture Samples Database

Like most things in my life, a quick project turned into the most ambitious one of its kind found on the web. (If this estimate is in error, let me know so we can combine forces for evi^H^H^Hmutual benefit.)

Current recommendation: Compro VideoMate TV Ultra∞. This thing kicks ass. I haven't tried many other "modern" 9- or 10-bit capture cards, but so far nothing else comes close when it comes to extracting the most value from less-than-perfect signals. Call it the tuner, call it the 3rd-party comb filter, call it whatever you want -- until I have a chance to scientifically discriminate these factors, of course -- but on composite video* the Compro looks far better out of the box than the most highly-tweaked BT8x8. Don't settle for written superlatives, though. Have a look at the reviews:

• ComproUltraReview
• HauppaugePitfalls
• Pvr150Review
• TweakingLevels -- why settle for the best when you can make it better? We also breathe some new life into the 401, just for fun.

Obviously, context is key. The larger aim of this page isn't to rave about Compro, but to provide raw data on the analog capture market as a whole. I don't anticipate doing a full review of every card I come across, but between the neverending loops on Channel 14 and my friends' tape archives, there's no reason I can't give an objective measurement on a couple standardized fronts...behold:

• WeatherMapRoundup
• KentuckyGameRoundup

TODO:

• Old VHS torture test. Have on hand: cheapo VCR, a 2nd-gen dub of an SLP sports recording from 1992, and lots more where that came from.
• Write something intelligent about [some of] the other raw material I've started archiving∞.
• Flesh out Compro review:
  • Use the Compro to capture, postprocess, and release something cool from start to finish.
  • Review bundled software & drivers.
  • Post examples of playing with the NEC Y/C-tweaker.
• Post examples from the Hauppauge comparable to current "News 14 Carolina" roundup with hopefully better levels via BT tweaker.
• More cards available for review: MuchTV Plus [SAA7130] (on hand, needs driver); Hauppauge WinTV-PVR150 (on hand); Hauppauge WinTV-PVR250 (borrowable from the store); AverMedia UltraTV 350 [] (borrowable); ATI TV Wonder VE (borrowable); various Dazzle crap (borrowable); who wants to send me a DV bridge?
• Write enough intro and explanatory material to turn this into a publishable article.
• Refactor this part of the wiki page as necessary.

*If you have a pristine y/c or component source:
(1) stopping plugging your DVD player in that way and rip the damn thing already
(2) not a DVD? ok, I hate you
(3) you don't really need the juicy Compro mojo. check the archive∞ to see what the old BT8x8 is really capable of

Back to VidCapFAQ or see essay topic∞resources