--- You wrote: The whole idea with these analog/digital converter boxes, for me anyway, is to have the flexibility to move video in and out of the Mac from various sources and to also use a TV as a monitor for editing etc. at the same time, not just to digitize a few old tapes. --- end of quote --- I use my camcorder, a Canon ZR 40 for real time analog to video conversion into the computer via Firewire. It is a very good converter built inot the camera, and a feature they dropped from later low end models. I'm not sure which of the Canon ZR series is the last to have it, but some of the current higher end Canons and maybe some Sonys still have it. But if you got a used ZR40 for a couple of hundred dollars you'd have an very good outboard converter AND a pretty good digital camcorder. Convert digital on the computer to analog while editing to view colors on an analog monitor too.
For routine transfer of tapes to DVD, howver, it is best to avoid the computer entirely. DVD recorders are now well under $200 and are one step from tape to disk with excellent quality. I converted all of my VHS movies this way and threw out the tapes. Family Hi8s too (though I kept the originals.) You can rip the DVD and convert it to a format that Final Cut or iMovie can use. There is therortically a loss of quality going form MP2 to DV but if your source tapes are VHS or 8mm the loss is inconsequential. The advantage is you rip only the stuff you need. There is a variety of free (and legal) software that can do this. Rich -- G-List is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- We have Apple Refurbished Monitors in stock! | & CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> G-List list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; Send list messages to: <mailto:[email protected]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/g-list%40mail.maclaunch.com/> iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com
