Easily transfer video from a camcorder to your PC with a video capture card.
Video capture cards are essential for anybody who wants to make a high-quality, digital record of their video footage. Budding auteurs, aspiring professionals, business types and those simply with miles of family vacation footage to save can benefit from using a specialized video input on their computer. It is the easiest way to create DVDs and to be able to edit your film so that it can be shared with all who desire it.
Sabrent SBT-TVFM
This capture card by Sabrent allows both TV to be viewed on your PC as well as the capturing of video. It includes a remote control for comfortable use. Its S-video and composite inputs can connect to a DVD/VHS player or camcorder. It installs to your PC's motherboard and is available for $24.95.
Hauppage WinTV-HVR-1150
This internal PCI card from Hauppage allows TV to be recorded onto your computer. It also allows your computer to act like a DVR, enabling the ability to pause and record television broadcasts. It supports up to 1080i high definition video and costs about $50.
ADS DVD Xpress DX2
For $89.99, this device from ADS Tech connects to your PC via USB 2.0 or Firewire and allows input from video players and recorders. It then converts this video to any one of many popular formats which can be turned into a DVD or a CD or put on an iPod for future playback. The ease of this device's use and no complex interior installation makes it a worthy recommendation.
ADS Video Express
This is an even faster, yet simpler, method to get video on your computer from ADS Tech. This exterior capture device allows composite and S-video inputs to quickly transfer video to your PC. The Video Express can even automatically edit this video into an A/V presentation by allowing you to pick from assorted templates and music. It is $49.99.
ADS Pyro A/V Link
This is a more powerful piece of hardware from ADS Tech. It integrates software and hardware to allow for a rich range of professional-level editing options. It accomplishes this by incorporating Adobe Premiere Elements video editing software into its package. It has component inputs and outputs for high definition video and can convert digital to analog and vice-versa. This video capture solution costs $179.99.
Pinnacle Video Transfer
This device from Pinnacle is a handheld video capture card. It is simple to use. Just plug in your camcorder through the composite video inputs and with one touch, the video transfer will store your footage in its internal memory. There you can transfer it to your PC and burn it to DVD, edit it or copy to an iPod or other type of portable video device. This item costs $99.99.
Dazzle Video Creator Plus
The Dazzle also comes from Pinnacle but features a wider range of features. Simply plug your camcorder into this device and then plug the device into your PC via USB 2.0. It will easily transfer your video to your PC so you can add effects to your footage with Pinnacle's included video editing software. It also allows the burning of DVDs so you can share your footage with the whole family. The Video Creator Plus is $89.99.
Matrox CompressHD
This card comes from industry leader Matrox and is on a professional level. It features Matrox's proprietary MAX technology to speed up the transfer of video to the H.264 format, a high-end HD file format that can handle the highest quality digital video. With this card, you can capture a wide range of resolutions from iPod on up. This tool is ideal for those who already have editing software and need a great deal of HD work done.
Matrox Axio LE
This is the complete package for the serious professional. This Matrox card incorporates advanced Adobe Premiere software into its video capturing abilities to allow the real-time editing and viewing of footage. There are also numerous editing features thanks to the Premiere presence. These include 3D effects, advanced shadowing and advanced video correction techniques. This can output to any available video format and at roughly $4,000, it is a solution for the very serious video technician.
Grass Valley HD Spark
Grass Valley has long been a leader in professional studio-quality A/V equipment and this card carries on its fine tradition. Prices start at around $500 but go up with the optional inclusion of Grass Valley's EDIUS 5 editing software. This card supports all major video formats and uses HDMI inputs for lightning-fast delivery of audio and video via a single cable. It also features standard composite ports for older hardware to be able to import video. This is a good solution for standard- and high-definition captures.
Tags: editing software, capture card, from Tech, Grass Valley, transfer video
