Honestech VHS to DVD 3.0

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honestech VHS to DVD 3.0 Deluxe
Conclusion
February 24, 2007
VHS to DVD 3.0: IntroductionVHS to DVD 3.0: What's In The Box / Closer Look
VHS to DVD 3.0: Installation / In UseVHS to DVD 3.0: Specifications
VHS to DVD 3.0: Conclusion


Honestech VHS To DVD 3.0
Video Capture Input: S-Video or Composite RCA
Video Capture Output: USB2.0
Weight: 60g (~2 oz)
Warranty: 1 year
Official Website: Honestech.com
MSRP: $99.99 | Click For Best Price
Pros
  • Easy to install
  • Simple to operate
  • No capture "hickups" observed
  • Interface is well designed and easy to use
  • Nicely produced user guide
  • Quick Start Guide is a nice touch and users should read it
  • USB2.0 My VID BOX is a small and compact device, but can still capture great video
Cons
  • Video is forced to split in Advanced Mode (4.38GB and 7.5GB) with no option for continuous feed
  • Advanced Mode really isn't all that "advanced"
Observations
  • Software seems to not recognize previously installed versions so uninstalling the original version is recommended
  • MP3 audio is recorded at only 56Kbps (Kilobits per second), which is very low and should be avoided for any kind of archiving or use in MP3 players.
Suggestions
  • Allow for more customized audio quality when recording in MP3
  • Allow for higher quality video when recording in Advanced Mode
  • Provide continuous video feed option when Advanced Mode is selected
honestech's VHS to DVD 3.0 performed rather well. For those who are looking at a simple solution under $100 to transfer their VHS tapes to DVD, I would suggest adding honestech to the short list of companies who can do the job. The GUI is pleasant, and there are a limited amount of buttons to use so the user is not confused on what to do. Two big "record" and "stop" glass buttons dominate the interface which also adds to the ease of recording your personal video.

Some might frown on USB2.0 device being used to capture video, but it is more than sufficient. USB2.0 devices allow for up to 480Mbps data transfer, which comes out to 60MB per second. Considering standard Digital Video (DV) quality is about 4MB per second data rate, this brings video quality into perspective. The biggest issue, is making sure your computer can handle the video data which is being streamed to the hard drive. This is why DigitalDingus suggests a higher performance computer system in the specifications section of this review.

RECOMMENDED PLUS

Using the audio capture function is more of a gimmick than anything. This can simply be changed by honestech to allow users to select their own audio quality. At the predefined MP3 rate of 56Kbps, your vinyl and cassette collection will sound horrible. I am well aware this quality issue is software limited so it can easily be changed by a software update.

Overall impressions of VHS to DVD 3.0 are pretty good. I did have a few other issues, but since this application is intended for the average user, I don't have any problems with it other than what I stated above. I really do think honestech needs to lighten up on the MP3 recording quality options, and provide much more. I can download an MP3 capture program which gives me a variety of options to choose from for free, so honestech can be a little more generous and provide the same.

VHS to DVD 3.0 is a nice and compact package for the typical user who wants convert a VHS collection to the digital domain, and I recommend it for such purposes.

As a final recommendation to honestech, and after visiting their website: only sell a few products. Don't create so many products which overlap the features being offered which in the end confuse the consumer. If anything, produce one great product, and sell it. I have yet to see such a product, but I am hopeful honestech can muster something which will really impress me.


HomeReviewsForumsNews 201520132012200920082007200620052004
RSS FeedsFOV Factor TableSensor Sizes | Definitions: A-DE-HI-LM-PQ-UV-Z | Sitemap
Articles • Archived Websites (Pre-DigitalDingus): D100 LoungeE-10 Club | Contact