Capturing Multiple Video Sources Into 1 Mpeg File resolution, necessary, separate, running

andy

Hello,
I'm trying to figure out how to capture 2 separate video sources into 1 file, on-the-fly. Right now, I have the 2 sources running into a cheap video switcher, and I'm just using that to switch between the 2 when necessary. However, the camcorder we have has a firewire out port, and when we view the stream from the camera, it is as perfect as you could expect. MUCH better than the rca out gt; video switcher gt; capture card method. The capture card is very limited in resolution. Is there any software out there that can display multiple video sources and allow you to choose which one to record on-the-fly? I've looked into security camera software, but I don't want to capture both streams all the time. I just want to be able to switch between them on-the-fly and end up with 1 mpeg file. If anyone knows of any software that might work, pc or mac, please let me know! Thanks!

-WilDCarD

-Most capcards have two simultaneous inputs, composite and svideo, for example nvida and ati cards have an external quot;purple boxquot; with both inputs.  You can switch between the two immediately in any cap software, by using a menu called video source.
-Duplicating to svideo+composite is a bit of a problem. Strangely, some cards can use the svideo input as a composite input, so now you have two composite inputs.  Just try it...
-If both sources are svideo, use one to the svideo input, use an svideo-gt;composite adapter to the composite input
-If both are composite, use one to composite input, the other can be svideo-gt;composite adapter plugged in backwards, to be composite-gt;svideo.  But this doesn't really work, and makes a b/w image.  Also turn down the color or you'll see some strange patterns.
-Some cards have fully two inputs, for example Hauppage PVR150MCE has an extra internal connector.  Finding the bracket for this connector is a bit hard though.
-Another way, if you have two composite, is use an RF modulator, now you switch between tuner and composite.  They should be equal quality.
-If you don't have two physical inputs, as composite and svideo, there is the possibility of making a special cable to give it to you.  For example I only have svideo input, but there are extra pins which can do something with a cable.

You could use a SCART switcher box, but if you live in NTSC land thats not really an option, unless there really are boxes over there with sets of RCA and Svideo plugs. It won't exactly be a clean transition either.