What is the best card for image/video capture editing for under $250?

[da_xanadu]

Hello,

I'm a newbie to this. I'm building myself a system for the first time.
It's a hobbist machine. The main power instensive uses will be 2D graphics,
video capture (probably using my digital camcorder for converting my anolog
tapes to digital format) and video editing, watching movies--but I'm not
into games.

I looked around in the forum for relevant info and it seems to me that
mostly people (and the latest great cards) are oriented toward gaming
concerns. And so my question is: what is the most appropriate card for my
purposes? For below $250?

Also relatedly, is the video capture quality of an All-in-Wonder card, or a
separate TV tuner/capture card (such as by Leadtek or Asus) or a standalone
converter such as the Datatvideo's DAC-100 better than that of my digital
camcorder?

Thanks a lot in advance for any advice and suggestion!

da_xanadu

My system:

ASUS P4P deluxe mobo
Intel P4 2.4C processor
Mushkin 1 GB DDR PC 3500 DIMM
Western digital 120 GB HDD 7400 rps
Antec PSU True Blue 480
DVD Burner (not decided yet)

 

[Cliff]

Matrox is generally regarded as King when it comes to 2D quality.

Recently released two new cut down versions of the top end Parhelia - the
P650 and P750. Not sure on pricing though.

You should still be able to pick up the G550, which will definitely be in
your price range. This is an older card, but it still does the job. I've
just upgraded to the P4P800 and still hanging on to my Matrox
G400Max...purely because of 2D quality. That said, I don't know what the
others (ATI, Nvidia) are like...but from what I read Matrox is the safest
bet.

Not sure on you analogue capture issues. I've been using the companion
Rainbow Runner analogue card (as a TV tuner) for my analogue work...works
fine. I'm retiring it (compatibility issues with XP), and moving to Leadtek
Winfast TV2000XP deluxe...seems well regarded.

HTH, Cliff

 

[Doug Hook]

Start looking for the cheapest Radeon 9700 AIW . It will do everything you
need and more. Not sure about the price right now . If you can wait a couple
months the price should come down, if you can't wait its worth the extra
ca$h.