[veryniceguy2002]

I am thinking of getting one of those Analog <-> DV (FireWire) converter for my 1GHz PowerBook , and I would like some opinions on which one should I get.

If price is not a major issue, would you recommend me to get a Formac Studio DV or Canopus ADVC-100? Are there any issues on either model, or is there something that I can do in one model which I cannot do with the other model?

Also, I saw Formac's brochure states power supply is optional if the bus power if it cannot draw enough power from the FireWire, but no such claims in Canopus's brochure. Does this mean Canopus's need a power supply at all times? (Also, are either products using standard or proprietry plugs for the power supply?)

Thank you in advance!!

[tr]

the canopus uses a power supply. not bus powered. it's not a walwart though, if i remember correctly. and it comes with the device.

i'd get the canopus. it's a good unit. it also has good audio sync, useful for long capturing. also has color bar output feature, which i like. it's got a nice small form factor, and it's got a pretty good price.

tr

[derekn]

I have to recommend the Canopus too. I won it as a prize at the new PC Mall store opening in Torrance.

It's a nice little box, you just set the dip switches on the bottom to the settings you want (analog or digital input when you turn it on etc). Then just plug it in, power it up and you're off. You can use something like BTV or iMovie to capture stuff, the quality is great though and the choice of inputs is as diverse as can be.

[veryniceguy2002]

OK. it's good to have some positive comments on Canopus!

Can the Canopus or Formac do both NTSC or PAL format in the same unit? Also, how to you control the VCR source input in, say, iMovie?? (Do you press record, and then pla ythe VCR, and then cut off the extra bits at the beginning and the end of your recordings?)

[tr]

Originally posted by veryniceguy2002:
OK. it's good to have some positive comments on Canopus!

Can the Canopus or Formac do both NTSC or PAL format in the same unit? Also, how to you control the VCR source input in, say, iMovie?? (Do you press record, and then pla ythe VCR, and then cut off the extra bits at the beginning and the end of your recordings?)

yes, the ADVC100 does both NTSC and PAL (changeable via DIP switches, as derekn noted).

when using it with iMovie, like when capturing, you have to press the play button in the capture window, and then press play on you VCR. iMovie doesn't control the the source VCR or the convertor box, like it would if you hooked up a DV camera to the computer.

the canopus is a good, solid unit. i use one at work (on XP, but that's a WHOLE other story! ) i haven't heard anyone say anything bad about it at all.



tr

[derekn]

There's one recommendation if you capture with iMovie. Use V. 3 if you can. 2 monopolizes your whole screen so if you are recording from a VCR and you need to leave iMovie or something it stops your recording. I haven't tried it with 3 yet but I'm guessing that that will let you leave iMovie without interrupting the input record.

And tr's right about this being solid. When I picked it up I was thinking "oh great it's free, it must suck or be a bad product" stuff like that. It's the complete opposite though. I've never used a box like this before but my impressions so far are VERY positive.

[biscool]

I have the formac studio/tv (same thing but with a tv tuner built it). Works great with imovie but it doesnt do PAL. Not a problem for me, but it sounds like you need PAL...