Instant DVD+DV

Review:
This is a device that lets you convert your home movies into DVD movies. By connecting the device to a video source (either a VCR or camcorder) and then connecting to a computer, you can begin the video capture process into your computer.

Basically, this is an external device that acts as the decoder, so you don't have to install a video capture card onto your PC. The device also compresses the video before it goes onto your PC, saving time in the transfer process.

The device was pretty easy to set up, just connect the supplied A/V cables from your video source into the back of the Instant DVD device, then connect to a PC (we connected via USB 2.0) and install the software.

In fact, there's about four different software applications to install, which took longer than the hardware setup. After the software is installed, you can capture content from your video source, edit it, create your DVD titles and chapters (if you want), and then burn to a disc (make sure you have a separate DVD burner). You can also do more fancy editing if you want.

The actual capture time takes as long as your video content is -- so if you have a two-hour home movie that you're converting, be prepared for two hours just to capture the content. Then you get to edit the video, and then the burning process can take a looooooong time. When you're finished, if you're lucky, you should have a DVD ready to go.

Nothing against this product (the hardware part was very cool and easy to set up), but if I had a whole stack of home movies on videotape, I'd just leave them there. The software and movie editing process is too complex and takes more time than I want.

Reviewed by Keith Shaw