frame capture from digital video

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Sorry about dumb question, am totally uninformed. Can only afford one camera; is a capture card neccessary to grab single frames from 8mm video? Considering low-end Sony 8mm cam.

Thanks,

Richard

-- RL Brawley (brawley@valise.com), June 22, 2000

Answers

Richard:
If your 8mm camera doesn't have the ability to capture a single frame already then yes - you would need a capture card for your PC to snatch single frames. It's not as frightening as it may seem. If you're comfortable installing cards in your PC I recommend the Osprey 100 card. This card costs under 200 dollars and fits in an available PCI slot.

Info on Osprey 100

The card comes with software that's very easy to use and it's really a snap to install. If you aren't compfortable installing cards in your PC you might want to consider getting a friend to do it for you.
To capture a frame you only need to plug your VCR into the video input on the card, run the software, then grab the frame(s) you want.
There are alternatives - such as the famous Snappy. ATI makes a card called the All-In-Wonder card - but it's a lot more difficult to install and set-up then the Osprey.

Des

-- Dan Desjardins (dan.desjardins@avstarnews.com), June 22, 2000.

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