USB Streaming

[Skip Talbot]

So I picked up a new Sony XR-500V, an HD harddrive camcorder. I was hoping to use this camcorder for both my main recording source and also to stream with. Apparently none of the harddrive camcorders, from any vendors, support streaming. There is an A/V out on the camcorder though, and I was thinking I could use that with a USB tuner or capture device. Does anyone have one they can recommend? Many of the reviews I've read about these devices make them seen pretty shoddy.

 

[Scott Bennett]

I have been happy with the EasyCAP USB devices found on ebay, the drivers are a royal pain to get working right but once done they work great.

Make sure to pay attention to the vista/non vista ones.
You will also want to make sure you have the 1160 drivers not the 1150 IIRC.

Many people on chasertv have been using them with great success.
I keep meaning to do a "How to" with them but I have not had the time, unlike the Dazzle devices they don't run up the CPU that bad.

 

[Skip Talbot]

Thanks Scott, I just put in an order for one. That's cheaper than I expected, and if it works well it will be a steal.

 

[Jayson Prentice]

Scott,

I've been looking at the EasyCAP for getting the video from my Canon HG20 onto the computer for live streaming, etc. It looks like the cords are fairly short, what is the actual length? I guess I'm thinking that if you have to hook it up from the camera to the computer you would need some extension cable... Just looking for the best option.

 

[CraigFisher]

Jayson, I would think that you should be able to get RCA cable for cheap at Radio Shack for cheap to extend the lines.

 

[Dave Marshall]

I found it more economical/practical to actually use a USB extension cord and put the capture card at the camera. This allowed for a single cord, instead of three, one for video and one for each audio channel.

Made it easier to yank the camera off the dash and use it outside to give a better view without pulling a huge mess of cables out with me. You can usually find 10' or 12' USB extension cables for less than $15 if you look around.

 

[Scott Bennett]

Scott,

I've been looking at the EasyCAP for getting the video from my Canon HG20 onto the computer for live streaming, etc. It looks like the cords are fairly short, what is the actual length? I guess I'm thinking that if you have to hook it up from the camera to the computer you would need some extension cable... Just looking for the best option.

Jayson,

It's not very long, 12-18in at best I think, just enough so you don't plug the device directly into the laptop itself and bust it off.

As for anyone ever looking for cables like this always check out www.monoprice.com for the best prices on cables. Here is a 6ft USB for $0.85 http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10303&cs_id=1030304&p_id=2222&seq=1&format=2

Personally I would do what Craig recommended because you are less likely to cause disruption if unplugged (IE Drivers don't need to reload if it gets unplugged) and you want to get out of the car.

I tried to find the cable on Monoprice, I know they sell it I just can't find it 3.5mm to 3 RCA