Its been nearly two years since we published Outstanding video editing "accessories" . In that article, we presented a number of video capture and conversion devices and programs that we’d tested successfully with Windows Movie Maker, which we’d long recommended for capturing video on Windows XP.
At the time, Windows Vista was still mostly a "bad dream" and easily avoided, but that’s no longer the case. Windows Vista now can’t be easily avoided when purchasing a new computer, but some would say Vista is still a bad dream.
Bad dreams and Vista hassles aside, for video editing, Windows Vista’s Home Premium and Ultimate editions have much to offer. Specifically, Video capture is now "built-in" and works easily and reliably in Windows Vista. Plus, these two Vista editions include DVD Maker at no additional cost !
This means it is no longer necessary to purchase additional software to play or burn a simple DVD, or spend a small fortune on a program that captures video . The Vista video capture capabilities come with a tradeoff, however, which is discussed in detail in this article from The Coaches Advisor Journal – specifically that ONLY firewire video capture is supported. But then again, this tradeoff is the same for sports editing programs that capture video only through firewire.
For Windows Vista users or prospective computer buyers who want to skip the details of the articles mentioned above, you need to know only 2 things:
1. Make sure your computer has a firewire connection. If you already have a computer that lacks one, its possible to add a firewire "card" – either inside a desktop or with a "PCMCIA" type card to a laptop. (click for example)
2. Purchase a firewire capture device unless all of your video is on a camcorder that connects to the PC with a firewire cable. This means you don’t need to work with video from VHS tape, DVD’s or other "external" video sources.
The Canopus ADVC 110 and ADS Pyro A/V, because they connect with Firewire, are frequently chosen for video capture on computers that run Windows Vista. The ADS Pyro AV is a far better buy (nearly $100 less) and comes with all the cables you will need. Choose a version without the software if it does not explicitly list Vista compatibility. Don’t worry, Vista itself can get the video from the ADS device and the Vista capture wizard is extremely easy to use. Plus, it works !
The Canopus ADVC 110 is often recommended as a “professional” capture device, particularly by sports editing vendors. Because it was made to capture VHS tapes, the Canopus “adjusts” the video that is captured, using its own proprietary “codec” chip. In our experience, this can result in compatibility issues, particularly when capturing in .avi format. Always check with the software vendor before choosing a capture device or choose Windows Media formats for compatibility.
Amazon.com carries both devices. For Schools that can only buy things with a purchase with a purchase order, your local computer reseller with access to computer product distributors should be able to order either product for you, but expect to pay more.
Hands down, the ADS Pyro is our #1 choice. (click this link for a Pyro AV spec sheet )
