Living with the device for a while, you'll notice how toasty-warm the top surface becomes. This is due in large part to the aforementioned THX-certified audio amp. But it sounds so great, we think it's worth it, although there are more than a few cats we know of that we'd try to keep away from it. If your cat likes the warmth of your satellite receiver or cable box, we bet she'll love this box just as much.

The unit's remote control and support software with nice, big on-screen displays also lends it to be part of a den-based home entertainment computer system.

We're happy to say that we had a positive experience with the Creative USB Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS Video Editor and were very impressed with its versatility and high quality in everything it endeavors to do.

Operating System: Windows XP SP1
Minimum Processor: 1.3GHz
Bus Connection: USB 1.1/2.0 recommended
Compatible Video Format: NTSC
Analog Video In/Out: Composite, S-Video
Analog Audio In: Stereo RCA, 1/8" mic
Digital Audio In: Optical
RF Input/TV Tuner: n
FireWire I/O: y
SDI I/O: n
Analog Audio Out: 3x1/8", Stereo RCA
Digital Audio Out: Optical, Coaxial
Capture/Render Codecs In Hardware: DV, MPEG-1, MPEG-2
Real-Time Hardware Effects and Transitions: n
Real-Time DV Output: y
Real-Time Analog Output: y
Included Software: Ulead VideoStudio 8 SE, DVD MovieFactory 3 SE

• High-quality video captureM/li>
• Excellent sound
• Versatile

• Touchy, intrusive driver installation

A very good video capture solution, especially if you want better computer sound.

Charles Fulton is Videomaker's Associate Editor.

$250
Creative Labs, Inc.
1901 McCarthy Blvd.
Milpitas, CA 95035
(800) 998-5227
us.creative.com