VIDEO CAPTURE

a process of transforming a video (e.g., NTSC) image into a computer (digitized) image. Video capturing options are reviewed in New Media , March 24, 1997, pp. 58-70. The process entails adding hardware and software designed to transform an analog (TV) image, say from a videotape, into a digital computer image. Usually a video capture board must be installed that is compatible with the bus of the computer. For example, a PC generally has an ISA, EISA, or MCA bus that in turn requires a compatible video capture board inside the computer. Video boards also enable computer users to view videotape or television images "on-the-fly" without necessarily capturing the images into computer files. Video capture boards vary greatly in price and quality. What is best for a given computer depends a great deal upon the amount of RAM, video RAM, graphics adapter, screen resolution, color depth, and speed of the computer. More recent comparisons are provided by Doyle (1994a) and (1994b) . In particular, Windows users should not purchase or install a video capture board before reading Doyle (1994b) . He provides excellent advice on things to do before installing a Windows video board along with comparisons of alternative hardware options. Price is not currently a good indicator of quality and features. (See also Video board , Active video , and QuickTime )