&bids&type&subid&bids&type&subid
Computer Times
Editor's Choice Hardware
DVD Xpress
DVD Xpress, from ADS Tech (Retail $99), is a compact device used to convert your VHS movies into CD and DVD format and burn them directly to disk. Along with the Capture Wizard software, it is easy to use, space efficient, and a great way to preserve your old videos and family photos in a more durable media. It even comes with basic video editing software, ULead's DVD Movie Factory 3.
DVD Xpress is so simple that all you need to do is choose a few settings in the Capture Wizard menu, and your work is finished. Hook the device up to your video source, whether that be a VCR, TV, or Camcorder, using either Composite or S-Video cords. The Capture Wizard software will load and give you options for format, bit rate, and resolution for the clip you are about to record. You can also choose to use a filter to take care of excess "noise" in the shot, and adjust the brightness and color of the clip. Press the record button and let the video play through. As the video feeds into DVD Xpress and onto the computer, it will automatically be converted to the designated video format. You can stop it at any time, or pre-set a clip duration, and Capture Wizard will stop recording when the clip reaches this length.
There are two ways to then transfer your now converted video files to disk. You can use the super easy Direct to Disk function, allowing you to record to the disk without having to take up space on your hard drive. This is a very convenient, and time saving capability if you simply wish to copy a video. If you wish to put more than one file on a disk however, DVD Xpress will also allow you to record several video files and then put them together to record at a later time.
Packaged along with DVD Xpress is a software package from ULead called DVD Movie Factory 3. This program allows you to use a few simple editing tools in order to make your CD or DVD project a little better. You can use this software instead of the Capture Wizard, to record from your source video, or you can import files that you have recorded with Capture Wizard earlier. You can even create a still photo slideshow.
The editing options that are available to you are easy to use and just right for the beginning video editor. You can cut out sections of a clip, trim time off the beginning or end, combine several clips into one, and add transitions from one clip to the next. You can add sound from a file, or record from an audio device, and also add text to the frame. Once you have your clips sorted into chapters, and are ready to burn to disk. There are a variety of templates you can choose from to create a pleasing DVD menu. After that, just follow the easy directions on screen to set up the drive, and create your own CD or DVD filled with treasured memories.
ADS Tech's DVD Xpress can be used in conjunction with other video editing packages as well if your needs fall towards more extensive editing capabilities. For other options in editing software, refer to the reviews on WinDVD Creator 2 by InterVideo, and Presto! DVD Power Suite 2 by NewSoft. For all your video capturing needs, DVD Xpress is the truly easy, versatile, and all in one device that can handle the job.
Product Features:
System Requirements: