FAQ - How do I connect my cameras to VidBlaster?

[Mike]

Getting video from your cameras to VidBlaster is extremely easy and versatile. Any method that works for Windows' WDM model will work for VidBlaster. Here are some suggestions...

Firewire or USB cable
Most cameras have a firewire and/or USB connection. Connecting your camera to a PC with firewire is really easy, just plug in the firewire cable and you're done. For USB, you will first need to install the USB driver for your specific camera model. If you are connecting multiple cameras this way, make sure to use inputs on seperate controllers to not overload the controller. Never use a hub. This is a very economical solution with one disadvantage: this method sometimes causes a noticeable delay of the video signal.

USB frame grabber
To digitize those old VHS tapes you can get extremely cheap (less than 50 US$) frame grabbers that are connected to a USB port. Some of these work really well and have very little delay. A model I've used many times is the USB2821, which is sold under many names like the Conceptronic Home Video Creator, Startech UBS 2.0 Video Capture Cable and Plextor USB Video Converter. For more cameras, just plug in as many frame grabbers as you need. Also worth mentioning is the EasyCap, a very cheap interface available from various outlets incl. eBay. Unfortunately (so far) the driver for EasyCap only works properly if you connect only one interface.

Plugin cards
Often the more professional frame grabbers are placed inside the PC and are available with PCI(e) connectors. They are usually of high quality, have a very low CPU load and almost no delay. Prices are usually higher. Again, all models that come with WDM driver or are DirectShow compatible should work, so far the Osprey (both the one and quad channel 440), the Blackmagic Decklink cards (e.g. Intensity Pro) and the VC440e by Webcam Corp. have been confirmed.

IP
You can use your LAN or even the internet to stream video from a camera (either an IP camera or camera with IP transmitter) to VidBlaster. This can be very practical, but keep in mind the delays involved.

If you have succesfully used a model I did not mention, please post a reply to this message below. Thanks!