importing Video from analog sources

[redchair2000]

I have a new HP computer running Vista with a "TV" card and some nice video inputs on the front panel (input 2)
My old XP system also has a "TV" card. The card came with a useful little program for controlling the tuner, video in and out, and recording.
My recording is primarily from a VCR or My Hi8 camera.

So far I cannot find a way to get the HP Vista system to pay attention to the video in's
Movie Maker, Premier Elements, etc. all want to see a DV camera.
I just want to record (in the right formats) from my old camera or a VCR
I 've gone round and round with Windows Media Center and find it of no use.(can any body tell me how to turn it off )

Thanks

[Steve Grisetti]

If you're interesting in editing this video, particularly in Premiere Elements, you'd be wise to digitize it into your computer using a DV bridge, such as the ADS Pyro AV Link.
http://www.adobeforums.com/webx/.3bb95e46

That TV card may be fine for watching TV on your computer or even recording -- but you don't want to use video captured through it for editing. It most likely uses a highly-compressed video file, and one that runs contrary to Premiere Elements, and trying to edit it will lead to more trouble than it's worth.

Trust me. If you want to get video from analog sources, use the Pyro. It's the best $150 you'll ever spend.

[jackfalbey]

Trust me. If you want to get video from analog sources, use the Pyro. It's the best $150 you'll ever spend.

I'll second that, Steve! And if you buy it here http://www.videoguys.com/pyroAVlink.html you'll getthe full version of Premiere Elements 4.0 free!

[redchair2000]

Thanks guy's for the quick answer back

I'll go check this out.

But is the video from my VCR or Hi8 cam good enough to need better import hardware??

[Chuck Engels]

The TV card will be nothing but headaches and you will most likely need to convert the files losing even more quality.
The Pyro Link or a Canopus converter is the only way to do it, IMO.

Here is something I wrote a few years back, still applicable today except for the System Specs
http://videoinasnap.chuckengels.com/sou ... _10-05.htm

[jackfalbey]

But is the video from my VCR or Hi8 cam good enough to need better import hardware??

The ADS Pyro A/V Link will import the video from your VCR and camcorder in its full quality as it appears on the tape. You can buy more expensive hardware (Blackmagic & Canopus for example) but the quality won't be any better than the Pyro for VHS & Hi8. The high-end gear is best for import/capture of high-quality High-Definition video through component or SDI connections.

[VernonRobinson]

Also in support of what Jack said, the high end gear can help if you have video of questionable quality and help with color issues.

-Vernon

[jackfalbey]

That's true, if you want to capture into a 4:2:2 color space for more accurate chroma-keying or color correction, but then you're getting into much deeper technical territory and much greater additional expense for equipment. There is definitely a purpose for the high-end gear, but for the home user it is cost-prohibitive.

[redchair2000]

Thanks Guy's for the good info
Being new to this the more schooling i get the better

But what i meant was that my video is of such a poor quality to begin with that i did not know
if i needed any thing other than a TV card or a Dazzle bridge
but the pyro unit is not to expensive
and I'll have an extra PE4 program that i can sell

thanks

[redchair2000]

Also does any one know the difference between the ADS Pyro "555" and "557"models

[jackfalbey]

The API-555 comes with Premiere Elements 2.0, the 557 comes with Elements 4.0.