MPEG Encoder Review: ADS Tech Instant DVD USB 2.0 Capture Device (page 2)
Not Complete, But Worth the Price
The quality of the encoding is amazing for the price. The hardware encoder and real-time burning alone are well worth the price for this product. With that in mind, however, you shouldn't consider this package a complete solution. The video editing and scattered start menu installation problems are rather frustrating. The software included in this package should be looked at as a starting point and not as a final solution. When combined with other editing packages, this could be a very powerful solution for the hobbyist or the person looking at breaking into the DVD dubbing industry.
TECH SPECS
Platform PC
Operating System Win 98 SE, Me, 2000 or XP
Processor Pentium III 800MHz or Athlon / Duron
RAM 128MB
Additional Requirements CD-recordable or DVD-recordable drive, 500MB hard drive space for software installation, At least 4GB hard drive space for video capture
Inputs USB 2.0, S-video, composite video, stereo audio (3.5mm mini jack)
Outputs USB 2.0, S-video, composite video, stereo audio (3.5mm mini jack)
Bundled Software Ulead DVD MovieFactory 2 SE, VideoStudio 7 SE, muvee autoProducer DVD SE
STRENGTHS
- Real-time encoding
- Inexpensive
WEAKNESSES
- Bundled software tends to crash the system
- Install procedures could be more intuitive
SUMMARY
A good low-cost solution for real-time DVD authoring with a few bugs left to work out.
Ty Audronis is a producer, editor, animator, and consultant for film and video specializing in visual effects.
$199
ADS Technologies
12627 Hidden Creek Way
Cerritos, CA 90703
(800) 888-5244
www.adstech.com
