Pinnacle MOVIEBOX USB Capture

Ordered one with Studio version 9. Opened the box ...

Strengths: cheap. Hardware: good looking design device. Everything is self-explanatory. Software: intuitive. Support: 1st class.

Weaknesses: Sound Out-of-sync. Support: required many IDs/passwd for forum/questions/customer care etc.

Summary: Ordered one with Studio version 9. Opened the box and started capturing my Hi8 tape without even reading the manual. Oh, need to download and install latest patch 1st which I've prepared thanks to many forwarned from users. Edited the capture (delete/combine everything). Added DVD chapters menu. Couldn't get the DVD menu to work on MPEG final file. Email question to support and got feedback the same day. Many Emails back-n-forth and even got reply on Saturday. However, all the instructions were typical common fixes like "...try uninstall/reinstall, close all background tasks..." blah, blah. It was working fine if one just burn directly to DVD disc. I may have to play around with sound to fix OOS. Perfect tool to convert all my self-deteriorated Hi8 tapes over to DVD with chapters menu to jump to different events instead of fastforward the disc like other software.

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Posted negative reviews are a tad extreme. As with ...

Strengths: Easy to capture video, work with Studio 8 Interface, and render customer DVDs. Dedicated MPEG encoder is excellent - no dropped frames, workable file sizes

Weaknesses: Occasional system crashes. Demanding on hw for DVD rendering.

Summary: Posted negative reviews are a tad extreme. As with all software and drivers, highly recommend obtaining the latest patches from the vendor. In addition, I'd expect Version 9 of Studio has made some improvements. I produced two excellent personal DVDs for family enjoyment. Definitely recommend Pentium 4 2+ Ghz system with lots of memory, dual harddrives on separate channels, etc. This is video editing and DVD rendering - a resource demanding exercise. And for the price, you can't expect the same results as a multi-$100k+ solution. That's not realistic.

I will admit some frustrations with Studio 8 - even with the patches. System crashes did occur - usually when too many tasks were occurring. (i.e. Using InterVideo to view a complete movie while attempting to render a new one. Recommend dedicated tasks). But I remained patient and got the results I expected.

I successfully burned multiple DVDs. Did "coaster" a few - user or system software errors to blame. Estimate 1 "coaster" in every 5 attempts. Recommend purchasing a ReWriteable DVD or CD (VCD and SVCD) for testing until the right results are met. Need to be aware of the "+" or "-" compatibility for DVD players. (i.e. Most modern DVD players can handle both, older DVD players work best with "-". Need to look carefully at the media and burner capabilities).

Overall - a good product.

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Doesn't Work

Strengths: None

Weaknesses: Can't get beyond the "capture error" message

Summary: I bought the Pinnacle MovieBox USB 2.0 from Tiger Direct, (refurbished). My CPU is an AMD 64 3200, 512 RAM with a 40G HD. I also have an ATI Radeon 200 graphics card. I followed all instructions, hooked up my VCR composite output cables to the input side of the MovieBox, came out of the MovieBox with a USB cable into my Compaq R4000 laptop. I cannot get beyond the "Capture error" message. I've downloaded the latest XP drivers from the manufacturer's websites. The device manager recognizes the MovieBox and says it is working properly.

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This software is not worthy of the single star min ...

Strengths: None

Weaknesses: Doesn't work.

Summary: This software is not worthy of the single star minimum offered by your reviews. Having been a computer professional for 35 years, I'm thoroughly disgusted with myself for buying this piece of trash! I wish I had paid attention to the reviews beforehand. I've installed Pinnacle MovieBOX USB and Studio Version 8 on a Dell 3.2 GHz HT system with 2GB memory, 2 120GB disk drives. Nothing is good enough for this piece of trash. I have NEVER completed burning a DVD! The menus don't work right, are hard to understand, and options appear/disappear. The Help functions are often cryptic and don't match what the menus do. The software has never run to completion - always abruptly stops with a System Error before finishing. I have not yet produced a finished product after spending countless hours working at it. What a total waste of my time and money. This product offers a lot and delivers nothing. RUN! Run as far away from this piece of trash as you can! It is not worthy of one cent of your money! There is NO redeeming value in this product. Having been in this business so long, I figured the reviews were from inexperienced naysayers who didn't know what they're doing. I apologize to all of your for my arrogance! You were right!

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