I have heard that the Plextor M401-U is an excellent VHS to digital device. Three questions: 1. Is this statement true? 2. Is there a difference in basic function between the new M402 and the older M401? 3. Will either or both devices accept input from a DVD or TV source as well as VHS? (It would seem so theoretically, but I don't want to purchase and then return it because it doesn't. I need a multi-use investment.)
I had the 402 unit. It worked quite well with PC's that has a 2.2GHZ processor or better for short video clips of one hour or less. After that time, there tended to be loss in audio and video sync mainly because the 40x devices are USB based vs Firewire. Time stamping of the video with regard to the audio and video streams are very important. Firewire has this ability, USB has not. The main difference between the 401 and 402 device is that the 402 device has a built in hardware DIVX and MPEG-4 encoder. Any video source that has an analog output (RCA -composite, S-Video --VHS, DVD players etc.,)will connect to the 40x unit. You will find the video source from a DVD will be more rock solid stability wise than that of a VHS deck.
The TV402 is what you'd want. The 401 doesn't have the hardware encoding of the 402. I use the PX402 (no tv tuner) and have never had sync issues or macrovision problems. There isn't much need for capturing from a dvd player since this can be done all on computer. The ConvertX is for capping analog sources as in tapes...... On a side note- using usb devices, your computer needs to be set up so it is dedicated during the process. This helps eliminate potential sync problems during cap. I've transfered some 50 odd tapes so far.
