DVD Recorder vs. TV Tuner Card

[Aimee Wilbury]

In general, which one has better quality to transfer from VHS to a digital format?

I currently have a Magnavox DVD recorder, it's pretty decent. It's cheapest one I could find, since I'm on a budget.
I'd consider getting a TV tuner card, but a) my computer's still on rental (about 3 months to go, then UPGRADE!!!!!) and b) it's not available locally, and we don't have a credit card to order online.

[xjsb125]

I think most capturing programs take the signal from tuner cards straight to mpeg2. DVD recorders definitely record in mpeg2. If you are wanting a solution for capturing VHS to your PC, I would urge you to pick up a analog to digital converter, like the Canopus ADVC 55 or 100. If you have no desire to edit and just want something to function as a DVR, then capture card is the way to go. Just make sure you research the specs of the card and its compatibility with your board and processor. If you want to edit your video and author it to DVD, then you'll want the converter to help avoid quality loss.

You can find them on eBay for reasonable prices. I understand you don't have a credit card, but you could set up a PayPal account and link it to your checking as a means of payment.

[AAR.oner]

typically, yer best quality options would be either a capture card [like the ATI All-In-Wonder card] or an external A/D converter like the Canopus ADVC series