Digitizing Beta SP

[Naiche Lujan]

Alright, so from reading more, it seems that I’m going to need an AJA or Blackmagic card. Does that sound right?

Are there other ways to go?

[Naiche Lujan]

Alright, I guess I’m having a monologue here, but I did forget to mention one other small(not so small, forgive the pun) detail which is that my PC is low-profile, meaning it does not accept full-height PCIe cards.

I do have a lesser PC(older) that has a 2.4Ghz HT processor and 512MB RAM. Of course I could get more RAM. Do you think this would work fine?

Or are there other external box solutions that connect via FireWire or eSata cable.

[Edward Troxel]

Can you convert it some other way? For example, if you hook up the beta disk to a camera and convert it to a standard format Vegas can more easily capture then you could just capture via firewire.

Edward Troxel

[Naiche Lujan]

Unfortunately, no camera. But a good idea, thanks.

[Naiche Lujan]

Any suggestions on a camera that would do the trick?

I’m guessing that all DV cameras are on the same dv codec/format but is the quality going to be the same for capturing an analog signal across manufacturer’s? In other words could I get a cheapo camera that is just dedicated to digitizing the audio?
I really have no need to film anything and if I did, it would probably have to be a substantial investment, so for now thinking of a cheapish one that would accomplish this task.

I am not in the camera market so I could really use some suggestions on specific models here. Or is it something where you can’t go wrong as long as it’s dv and not mpeg2? Do I want to go with hard drive or tape?

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

[Edward Troxel]

You don’t really need a camera. Look at convertors like the Canopus ADVC series or the ADS Pyro devices.

Edward Troxel

[Tony Noon]

At work we use the mid level Canopus convertor I forget the model number, but it is around $400. That device is rock solid and works extremely well. There is a less expensive model for around $200 as well. I would highly recomend the canopus convertor.
Tony

Tony Noon
Noon Productions

[Naiche Lujan]

Thanks for the suggestion. I have looked at Canopus. But for my situation, I think monetarily I might do better to find a used MiniDV Camcorder that has the analog capture inputs. I’m sure I can do better and since its a dv codec, it should be the same quality, right?

[Tony Noon]

The answer is yes and no. DV is DV, however every codec is slightly different. More importantly how you encode an analog tape into a DV format can be different. A camera is not designed to be an editing deck. It is also not designed to translate analog sources into DV. It might have the capability, but since its primary function is to capture images to tape that is what it does best. A conversion box is designed to translate an analog signal into a DV signal. Therefore, instead of being used for multiple functions it is designed to one thing very well. I would expect that a high quality digital convertor would have less drop out, and visually be superior to a camera. (I base this on my experience with mini DV decks and what I have read in DV Magazine, etc.)

If you are going to look for a camera, I would suggest a Sony GV-D1000 deck instead. They are a high quality Prosumer Mini DV deck that we have had great luck with. It is essentially the recording guts of a video camera without the lens and ccd. You can find them on E-Bay, and some video supply stores still carry them.

Tony Noon
Noon Productions