Elgato Video Capture Digitize Video

I just bought the Elgato Video Capture and I absolutely love it. It's dead simple and does exactly what I want. In the box: - Elgato Video Capture hardware - Elgato Video Capture software CD-ROM (for Mac 10.5.8+ and Windows 7) - Cyberlink PowerDirector 8 CD-ROM - Proof of purchase key (on the Video Capture software CD envelope, which I never had to type in anywhere for some reason) - Composite-to-SCART adaptor - Composite video/RCA stereo cable (which is only three feet long, so you may want to invest in a longer cord) Something to keep in mind if you're going to purchase this used like I did, the one I bought came with everything but the Cyberlink PowerDirector 8 CD and the composite to SCART adaptor, so I can't comment on either of those items. But I believe if you have iMovie or Windows Movie Maker, you probably won't need the PowerDirector program. Also, although I don't intend to install this on Windows (especially considering my laptop is running Vista, not 7), I'm very happy that this device works on both Mac and Windows. Setup (I'm using an Intel iMac, running Leopard 10.5.8 with 4GB RAM): Setup was quick and painless: connect the composite cables into the back of the device you want to record from (in my case, the TV 1 area on the back of my DVR). Connect the other ends into the Elgato capture hardware and then plug the USB into a USB port on your computer. Then install the application by putting the CD in and then dragging the app icon into the /Applications folder. Boom, done. The Software: The app itself is very straightforward and I haven't had any issues with it crashing or hanging. The app is in a setup format: Screen 1: Naming the video file and choosing how long the recording will be. The time length option is only for letting you know how many MB the final file will be, rather than a time restriction. Screen 2: Selecting the video input and aspect ratio. Here, you can select if the video input is S-Video or Composite and if the aspect ratio is 4:3 or 16:9. Personally, I would play around with the aspect ratio to get the best looking picture. For instance, even though my TV is a widescreen, I chose 4:3 in the app and adjusted my TV to stretch 4:3 (non-HD) video across the screen (making it 16:9) and that was the best choice for video quality (in my opinion). I used 16:9 in the app to record a 16:9 (HD) video. It really depends, so I would suggest doing a couple of tests with different settings to see what will give you the best video quality. Screen 3: Audio check. Nothing to do here except make sure you have sound. Screen 4: Recording. There are two checkboxes for automatically stopping the recording after 10 minutes and muting the sound (not of the recording but of the playback over your computer speakers) and a large red record button. There is next to no lag time when you press the record button. Also, there's a timer at the bottom of the screen that shows how long you've been recording, as well as how large the file is becoming (which is very helpful to know). A 30 second clip is about 6mb, so make sure you have plenty of space on your hardrive. Screen 5: Viewing and trimming the video. If you recorded too much, you can trim the beginning and end (no ability to trim video from the middle). You don't have to utilize this feature if you plan on editing in iMovie later but it's very helpful if you just want to trim, export and go. Screen 6: Once you make it to this page, the video will export to the location of your choice (which you can choose in the Preferences pane). This screen lists where the file was saved, as well as giving you options to play the video in Quicktime Player, add to iTunes, edit with iMovie and upload to Youtube (the app stays open if you choose any of the options). At the bottom are two buttons to exit the app or begin the process again. The Preferences are also short and sweet: Tab 1: Choose where the videos will be saved, which format the video will be (Automatic, MPEG-4 or H.264) and a checkbox for checking for updates automatically [haven't had any updates (and I probably won't since I'm on Leopard) but I feel better knowing that updates will come in the app rather than requiring me to go searching all over]. Tab 2: Video adjustments (Brightness, Contrast, Saturation and Hue controlled by percentage sliders, which you can adjust while watching the video, before recording) Tab 3: Audio adjustments (Volume) Video and Audio Quality: Here are some screencaps showing the video quality: Screencap of a 4:3 recording (originally 4:3 video stretched to 16:9 on the TV): [...] Screencap of a 4:3 recording (originally 4:3 video kept at 4:3 on the TV): [...] Screencap of a 16:9 recording (originally 16:9 video kept at 16:9 on the TV): [...] I was worried the video quality wouldn't be very good, based on some of the reviews, but I'm very happy with it. It's not HD quality but I didn't expect it to be (you're using composite cables... can't get much better than 480i). It's slightly fuzzy but otherwise, very acceptable for my purposes (I just wanted to archive some clips on my computer, not burn Blu-ray quality video to disc). Compared to the Dazzle DVC 80 I used to use long ago, this is much better. I'd give the video quality a 4.5 out of 5. The audio quality is superb. Negatives (nitpicks, really): - I don't like that the app always creates a new folder in the /Documents folder called EyeTV Archive. There's nothing in it... so why is it there? It's harmless enough but I just hate when programs create folders unasked. - I wish the input source and audio check screens were located in the preferences pane instead of the main app. Once it's set up, I don't need to adjust the input (it is what it is) or audio (I can hear the audio through my computer speakers when I'm on the record screen so I'll know if the audio is working or not). It's just a bit of a waste, having to run through those screens every time. Overall: I fell in love with this device after five minutes and I think you will, too. It does what it says it will and it does it well.