Worth the $49.99 upgrade? Is the DVC90 any good?

[gof]

Subject line hits it home. I've been getting ads from Roxio (hey, every 2 days is a bit overkill) to "upgrade" to Deluxe for $49.99 + $8.15 S&H (note, go to the page and then delay ordering and it'll pop up with an extra $5 off to make you change your mind about waiting).

 

But is the DVC90 worth the $50 or would I be better off getting a different A->D board? It's the only real compelling part of the upgrade unless it's also unlocking more of the DVD creator functionality (which it doesn't seem to be doing). All I'd really need is for something to pull video off VHS for the most part. I'm not converting any vinyl or audio tape.

[mikiem]

FWIW my advice is to check out the capture forums at video related sites to get a feel for the variety of current opinions. I'd also check dealnews.com .

 

For a shipped price of around $50 US, sometimes less, sometimes after rebate, you can get a capture card that works in Vista and Works in Vista's MMC, sometimes with the remote setup to enable s-vhs capture in MMC. You won't have the flexibility of USB 2, but you'll have something that works in Vista today (if that matters)

 

Generally the higher quality, sub - $200 hardware is on a card rather than a box, and the trend seems to be back towards hardware video encoding for use with PVR software -- maybe not a problem if you don't use PVR, but, capture software without it is getting scarcer.

 

As for the deal, my personal impression is that the added software is responsible for a good portion of the price.

 

RE: getting your video off VHS & onto disc, after years of saying that PC capture was superior, I gave in and got a DVDR, primarily because I was never getting around to it. I have to say that I was *very* wrong. The lower end Panasonic recorder that I got does some built-in signal filtering [it works on the actual signal in ways very hard if possible to emulate in software], and the result is much better than I could achieve, includes CC, & takes very little time or effort on my part. I yank the mpg2 video off the +RW disc, use it to author a DVD on my PC (for compatibility) .

[who_are_you]

Subject line hits it home. I've been getting ads from Roxio (hey, every 2 days is a bit overkill) to "upgrade" to Deluxe for $49.99 + $8.15 S&H (note, go to the page and then delay ordering and it'll pop up with an extra $5 off to make you change your mind about waiting).

 

But is the DVC90 worth the $50 or would I be better off getting a different A->D board? It's the only real compelling part of the upgrade unless it's also unlocking more of the DVD creator functionality (which it doesn't seem to be doing). All I'd really need is for something to pull video off VHS for the most part. I'm not converting any vinyl or audio tape.

The Deluxe has more than the DVC90, it has some additional "features" - SoundSoap, DivX Pro, additional menu styles, etc.

 

Despite my concerns over Roxio's lack of focus on customer satisfaction that I expressed in another thread, I went ahead and ordered the upgrade (CD version) yesterday (June 12). I have never played around with an external capture device and thought at the 49.xx price, I would now have one to play around with plus getting the additional features. I felt it was a good buy for my purposes, just wanted to point out you get more than the DVC90 as part of the package.

[ILUVAWNINGS]

I do understand that additional features were added. I haven't found out what they are yet. I would love to know if there are any enhancements to the Video Wave editing program. Anyone know?

[mumbles]

I can confirm the above regarding Vista. I can't get Dazzle to capture audio. Video looks fine if you are planning on just capturing silent movies...

[gi7omy]

You could check what Pinnacle have to say about it themselves (but then, they aren't going to knock their own product really)

[ILUVAWNINGS]

I upgraded to Deluxe primarily for the Dazzle capture device -- but, I didn't get it! The software came in a DVD-like case in a small envelope. I e-mailed Sonic and they responded that I didn't order the Dazzle device, only the software. I responded that it's supposed to come with the software and even gave them the link. An e-mail response from them stated that they have to inquire further with the shipper. Still waiting.

[The Highlander]

i like the deluxe version , as i too love the dazzel device (DV-90) , i use it on a XP computer and capture from old cam corders , video players , and even old dvd units ect for my custermers... i say worth the $50,

just my opinion

[Larry]

I do understand that additional features were added. I haven't found out what they are yet. I would love to know if there are any enhancements to the Video Wave editing program. Anyone know?

Nope, no difference in the Videowave componenet.

[tbrewst]

I use one and I'm happy with it.Is it worth $50,that's pretty much up to you.

I use mine to capture tv shows.I've also used it to capture from a vcr.As far as the quality goes it's ok for what I use it for.You are gonna capture tapes so the quality won't be that great to start with.

Another thing to consider is what Windows are you using.If you are running Vista then you may have a problem getting the DVC90 to work,a lot of people have.

[Texan]

I 'upgraded' for the dazzle device. Before the dazzle, I would transfer from my old Sharp HI8 to my digital Sony via the TV I/O connections. Then import/capture from the Sony to EMC. Worked fine - just time consuming.

 

Unfortunately, the dazzle / Sharp combo was very unstable. I think I have seen a 'pinned' entry by Roxie that ID's the camcorders supported - Sharp was not on the list. Do not recall that list in the Promo I received when they wanted me to purchase the Deluxe version. So, I am back to using the TV I/O and importing from the Sony Digital tapes (after recording from Sharp Hi 8.

 

With that said, I was one that was so frustrated w/Roxie because of the memory error that many identified back in 4q06. Could never get that resolved. Performed clean install, patches etc. When I installed the Deluxe, it identified the old version and removed - then installed the new. I have not had the memory error in the two weeks I have been using the Deluxe version. Frankly, I love the software capability so much that just getting the memory error resolved was worth the $50. So if you are considering the purchase just for the dazzle input - be sure to look at what models are documented to be supported.