Many people choose the computer to do this kind of conversion but most cards bring a drop in quality of about 15% unless you start paying serious money. You also have all that fun getting everything to work with every other piece of hardware, so i leave computers alone as much as i can. A standalone converter like the one below will convert in realtime so there are no sound sync issues but you can use this device on other standalone recorders too like DVD recorders. The loss in quality is about 4% and that makes this device a real good buy.
 

We recommend this  DV converter, it converts either way, DV to Video or Video to DV.

Providing the industry’s highest picture quality preservation and A/V synchronization, Advanced Digital Video Converters from Grass Valley are compatible with all video cameras, decks and editing systems, Windows®- and Mac OS®-based. ADVC®55 is a compact, easy-to-use device that’s ideal for connecting VHS, Hi8 and other analogue video equipment to a DV camera, deck, laptop or desktop PC. Automatic input signal detection and convenient front/back connectors ensure easy setup and operation. There are no drivers to install and ADVC55 does not require a power supply when used with a 6-pin DV cable. Broad compatibility ensures long product life and high ROI.
Broad Compatibility
Broad video equipment and software compatibility ensures ADVC55 provides a long product life and a high return on investment.
Intelligent Input/Output
The intelligent usability of ADVC55 allows for easy setup and connection in any video environment. Automatic input signal detection and convenient front/back connectors ensure easy setup and operation
Proven DV Codec Technology
At the heart of ADVC55 is the innovative Grass Valley DV codec chip, providing the industry's best picture quality preservation during analogue-to-DV conversion.
Features:

    * Connects analogue video equipment to FireWire-equipped computers for video editing
    * Compatible with leading editing and DVD authoring applications for Windows® and Mac OS® including Grass Valley® EDIUS®, Grass Valley Let’s EDIT, Vegas®, Final Cut Pro®, iMovie®, Avid Xpress® DV, Adobe® Premiere® Pro, Avid Liquid™, Ulead® MediaStudio® Pro, and Windows Movie Maker
    * No need to install drivers or any software applications
    * Powered by IEEE 1394 (FireWire) connector; AC Adaptor Kit (sold separately) required when connecting to a 4-pin IEEE 1394 FireWire port)
    * NTSC and PAL compatible
    * 3-year limited warranty

ADVC-PSU5V AC Adaptor Kit* Technical Specifications:
Power Input * DC5V

Power Supply
DC5V AC Adapter AC100V/220V
*ADVC-PSU5V Adaptor Kit sold separately.
Note: Use of other power supplies for ADVC55 operation is not recommended and will void warranty.

Technical Specifications:
Video Formats
    * NTSC: 720x480 @ 29.97fps
    * PAL/SECAM: 720x576 @ 25fps
Audio Formats
 * 2-channel 48kHz 16-bit

Digital Video Output
* 1 x 6-pin FireWire (100Mbps)

Analogue Video Input
    * 1 x S-Video (4-pin miniDIN)
    * 1 x composite (RCA)
Analogue Audio Input (unbalanced) * 1 x stereo (RCA)

Power Source* IEEE 1394 bus powered or DC5V from EIAJ#2 DC jack

Power Usage* 3.1W
Minimum System Requirements:
Windows PC
     * Windows® 2000 (requires Service Pack 3 or higher), Windows® XP Home or Windows® XP Professional (requires Service Pack 1 or higher)
    * DirectX 8.0 or higher
    * Mac OS X (10.2.7/10.2.8/10.3)

EVEN LOWER PRICE

REF: HOL-ADVC55
PRICE JUST £114.89 +VAT
£134.99INC VAT+ £7.50* P&P UK

PRICE IN THE UK REF:-HOL--ADVC55UK £134.99 + £7.50 p&p* CLICK ON FLAG TO BUY

PRICE IN EUROPE REF:HOL-ADVC55-EU £134.99 + £12.00 p&p* €186  EUROS* INC SHIP

PRICE IN AMERICA  REF:HOL-ADVC55-USA £114.89 + £16.00 SHIPPING $247 DOLLARS INC SHIP

PRICE IN CANADA REF:HOL-ADVC55-CAN £114.89 + £16.00 SHIPPING $263 DOLLARS INC SHIP

E-mail for a price in your country, we deliver worldwide

UK NEXT DAY COURIER WORKDAY DELIVERY, EUROPE 3 TO 5 WORKING DAYS, AMERICA AND CANADA 5 TO 8 WORKING DAYS AND NEW ZEALAND & AUSTRALIA 5 TO 10 WORKING DAYS

MAKE ANY CHEQUES PAYABLE TO;
 

INTERNEEDS DIRECT LTD AND SEND YOUR MEDIA TO; 26, RADLEIGH GARDENS, ROCHESTER KENT ME1 2QR ENGLAND

Copyright 1997-2008 interneeds direct ltd