Video Capture for laptop?

[Bargeek]

Anyone have any suggestions for a video capture set up for a laptop? Specifically, I need something that I can feed a console game system into and capture footage for review purposes.
I have been searching all over the internet, and this is the place that has given me the most hope for finding an answer. Thanks everyone!!

[Bob]

The game counsel is a good place to start with. Some have audio and video outputs which makes things easier and more choices on devices to hooh it up to.

Let's say you have these audio/video outputs.

Common Caputure devices, will have audio/video-INPUTS ( some also S-video). Thier output may be USB (USB-2 recommended, fast data output, up to 480Mbps)
The other common output is "fire-wire" (IEEE 1394). Normally when Fire is mention thier referering to 1394a which has been around for quite a few year ( 430Mbps, I think). Thier is "IEEE 1394b" which is really fast , double the speed, nice to have but costs more and you can do ok with . Regular Fire-wire or USB2 for feeding it to your computer/lab-top.

Compusa ( Retail -store) has these devices.

Your lap-top speed (cpu) and memory size is important, you will see the requirements on the video-caputure devices on the suggested system specs.

For example see:

www.pinnaclesys.com

They have a "Dazzle" unit that has RCA, input connectors for video/audio and I think USB-out.

The "Dazzle" company was bought out about a year ago by pinnacle and I think thier phasing out thier stuff.

Also you can take a look at this website:

www.adstech.com

They sell video caputure devices and other hardware.

Alot of "Video-capture" devices come with video -Caputure/editing software.

I use use mainly pinnacle Studio9, its fairly easy to use and does the job.

I've been told by another persons that edits that all Software (editors) have bugs, which I agree. The best solution is get something you like and see how it works for you.

Alot of companies have a trial version, although sometimes you may need more time.

I have found pinnacle frequently has has sale prices and a on-line E-store and gives previous owners a discount on thier prices.

The choice is yours though.

Also Compusa, Best Buy, and other places like Circuit-city, Office max,etc.

For some added information see " Videomaker" Magazine, March 2005.

www.videomaker.com

Hope this helps and good luck...
Bob...