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Macs equipped with FireWire ports capture digital video easily, without the need for an external box. But what if it's an old VHS tape or a DVCAM or Beta SP clip from the edit suite, and you want to burn a DVD? That's when you need conversion hardware.
USB Instant DVD from ADS Technologies is an inexpensive system for capturing analog video through a USB port to create MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 movies. This allows consumers or video pros with limited budgets to hook up anything from composite and S-Video sources and make DVDs. The system also creates MPEG-1 movies for web or CD-ROM delivery.
The Hardware
I tested the Mac version of USB Instant DVD on a 1.2GHz dual-processor PowerMac G4 with a 125GB internal drive, and a 1GHz Titanium G4 PowerBook with a 60GB drive. These are high-end Apple systems with amazing features and delicious build quality, but USB Instant DVD also operates on more humble Macs. For test playback of ADS Technologies' MPEG-2 demo, I used a 500MHz G4. G3 software is also provided.
The hardware component is essentially an external box that connects to your Mac, powered by a small DC power adapter. The adapter is designed for 100VAC to 120VAC. This prevents using the system in the UK or elsewhere abroad where the power is normally 240V without a step-down transformer. (All of Apple's laptops and computer equipment sense incoming voltages and adapt automatically.) ADS says that units distributed in other countries have the appropriate transformer.
The main box that does all the A-to-D magic is only about 8"4.25"2", about the size of a DSL modem. A thermostatically controlled fan whirs on to circulate air around sensitive components.
On the front is one set of analog audio and video inputs for quick hookups, but the back panel has more connectivity. You'll find two standard RCA jacks for composite video in and out, or use the S-Video jacks. To the far right on the back panel is a single USB port, and two miniature stereo audio jacks reside on the opposite end. ADS thoughtfully provides custom mini-plug adapter cables that terminate in RCA connectors. You also get a USB cable - something not always provided by manufacturers - and an S-Video cable.