Video Capture Devices
From SDA Knowledge Base
Not all video capture devices are created equal. Here's a list of DVD recorders, capture cards and capture cables, along with what we know about them.
See HDTV Lag for instructions on how to test a DVD recorder's lag. The PC/laptop should be connected to the recorder and the TV's channel set to that of the recorder - each frame of difference on the screen is 40ms (PAL) or ~33ms (NTSC). Don't assume that your recorder has no lag just because you can't see any.
Inputs:
RF Analogue, low quality. Uses coaxial cable for audio and video. AKA "TV aerial plug", "PAL connector". Europe only?
Cmps "Composite video". Analogue, medium quality. Uses a yellow RCA plug for video and one (white) or two (white/red) RCA plugs for audio.
SVid "S-Video". Analogue, high quality. Uses a black 4-pin Mini-DIN plug for video and RCA plugs (as Composite) for audio.
SCART Analogue, very high quality. Uses large rectangular connector for audio and video. AKA "Péritel", "Euroconnector". Europe only.
Opt "Optical Audio". Digital. Uses a fibre-optic cable for audio only. Rare.
DVD Recorders
| Model/Title | Manufacturer | NTSC | PAL | PAL-60 | Quality | Lag (ms) | Inputs | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DVR3004 | Bush | Yes | Yes | Yes | Good | ? | RF SCART Cmps SVid | Drive sometimes unresponsive. | N/A |
| RDR-HXD870, 970, 1070 | Sony | Yes | Yes | Yes | Good | ~100 | RF SCART Cmps SVid | Must switch between PAL and NTSC through system menu. Cannot record, edit or erase PAL video while in NTSC mode and vice versa. | UK |
PC Video Capture Cards
| Model/Title | Manufacturer | NTSC | PAL | PAL-60 | Quality | Lag (ms) | Inputs | Notes | Buy |
|---|
PC USB Video Capture Cables
| Model/Title | Manufacturer | NTSC | PAL | PAL-60 | Quality | Lag (ms) | Inputs | Notes | Buy |
|---|
