Video-Capture Reviews

I purchased this card last week and installed last night, my XP Pro system has not been stable since. Pulled the latest drivers from ATI and still have problems. Every 30 minutes or so the screen goes black and the ATI software resets the driver. Its a good deal, but the drivers may be premature.

I love this card I went from a Nvidia MX 440 to this and WOW.
Also what a GREAT PRICE 58% off retail.
I saved a bundle.

I was given this card for christmas and so far, it kicks ... Its got a higher graphics core, memory interface, higher nandwidth, and higher fill rate then any of the new FXs except maybe the 5950 Ultra...
Also, any of you fools who think this isnt an ATI card IT IS! so use ATI and Omega drivers!

Well, I bought a AV120, and I have filled half of it already. It has great tech. Videos & photos can be seen clearly in color, and the screen isn't that small. All the description Amazon fives explain what it does clear enough, but the only problem it has are the batteries. In a way, it'd be better to have a discman or cd player, for you can change when they expire, but with the Jukeboxes, you have to charge them. On the manual, it says you have to do it for 3hr, but it doesn't explain or tell how much they will last. I charged it for 2hr, and that was how long it lasted, but what if you go on an 8hr trip, and there is nowhere to charge the batteries? Try changing the batteries? that's a good idea, but you have to take the screws, and that ain't as easy. But besides this little defect, it id great. If you'll use it for short trips, it's a great aid to keep you entertained

The Jukebox works fine and does every thing it can perfectly. Its quite an amazing device giving the fact that you can watch clear DVD quality movies on that little screen and record directly off of a TV, computer etc.This is alot more convenient than buying a portable DVD player and bringing that on an airplane, train etc.
It is extremly simple to use, if you have a current version of Windows (or mac) , than all you have to do is plug it into your computer's USB, and it will then instantly pop up as a second harddisk on your computer screen (for example, in the My Computer folder in windows).Archos definitly hit the spot in the Ease of use catagory. GREAT as a Laptop companion. I have been able to store more than 45 CDs on my Juke box (I have the 20gb model) and I still have used up only 1/4th of the space on Mp3 format(yes, the music plays clearly and their is a whole menu where you can adjust Bass, Treble, pitch etc. Great on Storage

---------------------------------------------------------------
The only problem I have with jukboxes (yea, all jukeboxes) is that you still can not take this to places where you will be away from AC power, or places where the Jukebox could get damaged. I have recently taken the Jukebox to Austrailia and back, and it has been great on those long flights, but you would have to watch your battery life. (with a cd player, you just have to replace those affordable Alkaline batteries, not with Jukeboxes). It has also has been great on space. It is nearly a hundred times smaller than a CD player + all the CDs you have to carry with it. .

So in conclusion the Archos AV 120 / 140 is PERFECT for home and office use, short trips and short airplain flights. It is also good for vacations where you know you would be visiting a AC power socket for re charging the battery. The only place where the Jukebox does not belong are places where it could get damaged (example, boating) or places where you would be away from power, in those cases, you should take your more durable CD player.

I find Archos AV 120/ AV 140
A Highly Recomended Product

It overheats if asked to do more than 5 prints in a row. Once cooled (45sec.), it will continue, but heat problem & delays get worse. Considered a "normal" condition in the manual! Like a Windows crash is a "feature"???

Awesome is a horribly overused word, but this little puppy earns major kudos! It's terrbily intuitive, easy to use, runs on a honking big NIMH battery (or AC) and -- yes -- produces dye-sub prints that are rich and gorgeous and tough-to-tell from conventionally processed ones. If the big chasm preventing digital photography from going mainstream has been the lack of physical prints that you can stick in an envelope and mail to the relatives (or carry around in your pocket), the P-200 more than bridges that gap. It's a masterpiece of engineering.

The system is great. It have video output, fm-tv turner and audio-video input but the only set back was no remote control. The studio software is excellent to edit your own movies or TV recorded programs and the price is very cheap....

Shipping policies, which weren't a problem have changed since I bought my pinnacle pctv deluxe usb with remote. But as far as the product goes, I couldn't be happier. It does exactly what it says, and doesn't crash. It records cable tv, nad has RCA & S-Video (inputs), which can be recorded from. The remote does work, which I have read posting else where saying it doesn't. The slight draw back is that the tv application has to be selected(highlighted) on your task bar for the remote to work. As far as the remote, it's cool looking, has many options, and allows you to control the station menu on the monitor. The unit itself is compact, and very handy b/c it's external(usb). The software is decent; for real time tv viewing, great. The timelapse(like TiVo), works great too, and a conversion program(included) converts them into vcd, svcd, mpegll ps(DVD). The program also can burn them straight to cd/dvd(haven't tried yet) if u have dvd writer. The recorder scheduler is ok, messes up occasionally, but works. Overall, a great product, but like I said: SYSTEM WILLING

I have a dell dim 8100 Pentium 4 1.7ghz w/256mb ram, and 45GB storage. It runs good on it, but I probably wouldn't want to have any less.. newer computers would prolly run awesome with it. I think one big factor is having usb 2.0. I have 1.1 and it runs good, but maybe with usb 2.0 a slower system could run well with it. I'm planning on buying a usb2.0 card soon, but haven't so I don't know. You definately need a good amount of storage. I'd say a good 20Gb... more or less depending on how much you record, and how often you delete old pctv video files(easy to do, use gallery). The video files can get pretty large, especially if you are recording in hi qual.

I loved this camera on my computer that was running Windows 98. But when I tried to install it on my ne Sony Vaio computer and it won't load the software at all...

hello, i have a cybertainment system but my driver needs replacing. the CD-Key is ML7142926D687628 the SN: 10051305 can you download a driver to me or can i buy a replacement?
i really like this system and i rely heavily upon it for my personal emailing. my address is 4011 Lafayette ave, Omaha,NE 68131.

I bought the Cybertainment Video Email system at a
Frys Electronics store in Burbank, the fact that it had
it's own video capture card with not 1 but 3 inputs
on it (2 RCA 1 S Video)was a definite plus, after I got
home 12 minutes after arriving home I was using the
CyberMail A/V features like an old pro.
I would recommend it to any one who is new to the
Computer scene or as a gift for a friend or family member.

Had this product for over a year and it worked great until I installed a Logitech Webcam, and the two devices don't like living together. The Logitech deleted the drivers and software for the Win TV card. I reinstalled the TV card using the newest drivers downloaded from Happauge and it kicked out the webcam. I made the decision that I'd rather have the webcam but Happauge should definetely make a patch so that their products get along with everything else.

I was reluctant to purchase an internal card, but the Hauppage WinTV DBX was my first choice if ever. I initially got a Pinnacle Studio PCTV USB...and it wasn't any good! The resolution was poor, and the sound had a 'distinctive hum' when increased. Returned it to the seller, and told them I'll exchange it for the WinTV card - and twas a good thing I did have it replaced!! This card has great resolution, and has all i need (video and still capture, input for ext. a/v devices).

The DBX sound is great too, and no more 'hums' - plus i got mine with a promotional free IR remote! So now i can chat, surf, and not have to get off my seat to watch (or record) tv! Highly recommended (specially the unit w/ the free remote included). Running the unit on an AMD Athon 1.33GHZ w/ 640MB DDR RAM, and a 64MB nVidia GeForce 2 video card.

I've had this card for about a year now, I use it everyday, I never watch TV on a television anymore. This TV tuner has many features and great software. One feature I like a lot is that you can take snapshots, this is great if there is a number or address that is displayed too quick to write it down. The snapshot feature is real nice because it doesn't take bad quality interlaced pictures, it enhances them so you have a high quality image without any lines. Also, I like how you can resize the TV screen and have it at the bottom of your screen while you do other stuff. I really recommend getting this card!

If you are just looking to improve your graphics a bit over integrated video then this card is pretty good. It will play most new games that don't have a maximum 3d demand. I will say that its 2d scores blew away a lot of higher dollar cards. Overclocking really doesn't enhance performance that much and in some cases actually degrades it. Installation is fairly easy, although I highly recommend that if you have difficulty due to onboard video that you boot into VGA mode in xp and check your irq settings. Lots of good troubleshooting info on the web. All in all a good card for the money and much better than the comparable prices gForce chip.

I upgraded from an ATI Radeon 7000 64MB to this one. I must say that the graphics processor does a very nice job. Everything in my layouts, digital photography, and games, seem to come alive. The only drawback that I can find with this card is that it doesn't overclock very well. ATI and Sapphire Technologies are the best AGP manufacturers out there. Forget the nVidia nForce. Ive had one of those also, and can truly say that the graphics are not as good as this card. I recommend this card to anyone that does not intend to overclock or play serious games that call for overclocking. And last, but not least, buy it@amazon for the best price and service.
Ps also they have here with 256 Mb edition for $30 more

I have been waiting for about 2 years now to get a video card, I was planning to buy a 32MB or a 64MB, but little did I expect that I would buy a 128MB, such one as good as this video card.

I am a big Star Wars fan and I play Jedi Outcast and Jedi Academy as well as BioWare's Knights of the Old Republic and I must say, the video and graphics quality are TOP NOTCH! I was astounded because I was finally able to upgrade from my old nVIDIA 16MB video chipset to a VisionTek Xtasy ATI Radeon 9200 SE 128MB video chipset and the graphics that it was processing.

I am very pleased with my new piece of hardware and am very happy. If you are looking for a video card and don't want to spend a whole lot on one, I suggest this one!

The Screenblast Movie Studio is very easy to use and I had it doing video clips and transitions 10 minutes after opening the box. Installation was very smooth and the tutorial is quick and good enough to get you started. The manual that comes with the software is pretty good, but the HELP menu in the program itself is pretty much the way to go. Everything is drag-and-drop and making changes could not be any easier. I have used Adobe Premiere, Pinnacle 8, and a few other OEM bundled packages and Sony Screenblaster is so much easier to use and in most circumstances, has better looking transitions and effects.

You import video/pictures from any source and move it from the media pool to where you want it on the timeline. You can select transitions and view how each one works prior to incorporating it into your project. Doing that is drag-and-drop, just like everything else. Most of the production is just trial and error...select a transition or effect, drag it where you want it and hit play to see how it actually looks in the view screen. If you don't like it, click on it and delete and try something else. You will rarely need to use the help menu, everything is all laid out in from of you in a very organized and simple manner. I am totally in love with this product. The BAD side is the 3rd party DVD authoring from SonicFoundry. It crashes a lot and locks up everytime I select to burn a DVD straight from the camcorder. I have Nero 6 installed and it is not much better...most of the newer DVD authoring software is full of bugs. (I use Roxio and Nero and neither one works all that good either.)
Sony really has their act together on this product and I have already deleted the Pinnacle 8 program and will use this full time.
The Sony software is 5 stars. Because of the SonicFoundry DVD authoring software they choose to use, which has wasted a few of my blank DVDs, they loose a star for that. This is a great buy.

as an editing program movie studio can't be beat. i am constantly amazed at the feature set, and what is possible to do. it is very stable and never crashes. i rate the editing part of the package (the movie studio software itself) 5 stars. very good value for the money.

the dvd authoring is another story. despite the advertisements, authoring is not integrated and is handled by sonic mydvd v4.5, a very limited and disappointing program. that's why i marked the overall package 4 stars.

movie studio can almost handle 16:9 editing. all of the needed features for 16:9 are available during the editing process, the only hitch comes when encoding to mpeg-2 in order to create a dvd. this requires a workaround involving a free program called dvdpatcher to set the correct aspect ratio on the mpeg file before authoring. this only takes a second so it isn't a big deal.

i honestly think movie studio is the best "consumer" (under $100) editing program available.

I've used Adobe Premiere in the past, excellent but too expensive, I tried Ulead what a horrible experience, pinnacle reviews said crash after crash. Based on the reputation of Video Vegas I gave this product a try and it is really excellent.

I've used it so far to create 2 online projects for work documenting team meetings and posting the video online. It's easy to work with different pieces of the timeline and then output them in an appropriate format like Windows Media 9.
Excellent integration with external codecs - quicktime, wmv, mpeg1 and 2, and real video. The only drawbacks I've found so far are no control over the output only fixed templates. For example if you wanted to fine tune the audio bit rate, SB will not let you do that. Oh well I guess it is an entry level package. Secondly, the outputted MPEG is a little bit halo prone. It's supposed to be main concept encoder, but since you are not allowed to tune it at all, there's no way to fix it.

Lastly the NTSC mpeg2 video it creates is actually non-compliant for DVD production, since it only supports mpeg audio. In the US you really should output either PCM or AC3 Stereo. Neither of those are an option. I've filed a bug against Sony, but they have not responded. If sony would allow a little more control over the output I would definitely give this package 5 stars.

First the pros: excellent stability, very easy to use capture, good editing capability, easy to generate output.
Cons: lack of control over output.

I did not buy Microsoft Photo Viewer. I may or may not. Not sure. Have been reading reviews. I have been comparing it to a similar product, Iomega's FotoShow which used to be very, very pricey. FotoShow can also be hooked up to the TV for viewing images. While I like the simplicity of the Photo Viewer, it is basically a floppy drive using diskettes. I think you get more bang for the buck with the Iomega FotoShow which can read/copy Flash and Smartcards used in most digital cameras, direct image edit from the interface, larger storage capacity as it uses 250 mb zip disks, can zoom and pan, can also serve as a zip drive with usb connectivity. Now that is alot of versatility, as opposed to Microsoft's over-priced diskette drive. No wonder they provide the software as a free download. However, diskettes are cheaper, but you can't get much on them. I really don't want to have to store my images on a whole bunch of 3 1/2 inch diskettes. Still, for those needing things basic and easily used, i.e. older folks in the family who do not have computers and are a bit computer phobic, the Microsoft TV Image Viewer is a great product. As for me, my requirements are a bit more. I need a large central storage place so I can get the photos off the hard drive. I also want to take larger slide shows (not just 40 images) on the road for presentation. And I like being able to use the FotoShow as a separate zip drive. I think I just convinced myself to go with the Iomega FotoShow! Each product is a great idea and fit different needs. I think both products also take PowerPoint presentations. And both gadgets are completely portable for hook up to any TV.

Setting up the set-top box was easy. I installed the CDROM software and made my first floppy album. Carried it over to the TV, popped it in, pressed the remote control, and a contact sheet appeared on the screen. From there it works like a slide projector, just press Forward or Backwards to see the photos.

I like this product. Making floppy disk albums is incredibly fast and easy, and floppy disks are cheap. I ignored the software's suggestion to limit the number of images to 20 for best quality, never the less with 40 images on one floppy disk the photos looked very good on my 27 inch RCA TV.

The PC software also lets you e-mail a completed album to a friend. Presumably if they also have a TV PhotoViewer then they can download the e-mail to a floppy disk and see the photos on their own TV.

Got a digital camera? Got grandparents without a computer? Got a bigscreen TV? Like slideshows but hate dealing with the projector? This might be for you. It's pretty cheap now (...), which makes it a great gift for those relatives who don't have a computer--just mail them dirt-cheap floppy disks of photos and they can see them on their TV, with a handy remote control to boot! It's quite nifty, and while the resolution isn't 2- or 3-megapixel, GET OVER IT, it's a *tv*. TV's are 640x480 devices at best, so that's all the resolution you need. In fact, the pictures look AMAZINGLY good on tv (Sony wega 36")!!

It's not for everyone, but if you want to have the livingroom TV cycle vacation pictures during a party, and/or show pix to a lot of people at once, it's really nifty. I also liked that while of course you DO need a RCA video-in on your tv/vcr/whatever, you DON'T need a currently-free one... the device has an automatic video passthrough that works flawlessly, and is a huge convenience since I seem to have all of the MANY inputs on my a/v receiver full.

Cool product. Yeah, 1.44M floppies aren't huge, but they're dirt cheap, everyone can write to them, and you don't really need 650M of space for images destined for NTSC TV display. Nicely executed, good price, I like it!

The one I purchased arrived defective. It took customer service almost 2 months to fully correct the problem and send another unit.

When it works, it's a great device. Good range and has the key features for a good presentation.

I really found this remote to be perfect for what it's supposed to do, run PowerPoint. It has a nice look, fits perfectly in the palm of your hand (as opposed to my old, bulky remote that I found myself fidgeting with), and runs PowerPoint like a dream. I have free range within my training room and quick response to commands. It is also is very easy to use with a simple layout for the technology impaired user.

The only warning that I would give anyone is that the RemotePoint Navigator is designed to run PowerPoint and nothing else. If you want it to run other programs, you're better off looking for something else. In my organization, many of the subject matter experts produce their own slide shows for training or presentations. Many of them prefer to use Corel Presentations over PowerPoint (I don't know why). This remote doesn't work well with Corel Presentations because of the commands.

However, if your only goal is to run PowerPoint, I highly recommend this product.

I do a lot of speaking - workshops, keynotes, etc. - and recently bought this to replace my old serial-port remote. It works like a dream from both close up and while wandering in a big room and does everything it needs to for a reliable PowerPoint presentation. As a bonus, it is really small. The remote, batteries, and small USB stick fit into its own bag, which is smaller than a glasses case. I am more than happy with it and would recommend this product to anyone looking for a small, reliable, and uncomplicated PowerPoint remote.

One small recommendation - be sure to remove the batteries when you're not using it. Any jostling during your travels will push the buttons and wear out the batteries. Of course, this advice would be the same for all remotes. I just had to learn it the hard way!