Capturing video from unconventional sources like video conferences or video games are sometimes desired for professional or leisure activities. But the process usually is so complicated that most of the average users give up even before they try it. Hence there was always a need of a product which can make the task much more simplified and convenient to execute at the same time.
This is where the Diamond VC500 with one touch video capture comes into the picture. It claims not only to help average users capture videos from unconventional sources but that too conveniently with the help of their simple and easy to use hardware and softwares.
We decided to verify their claim and hence put the Diamond VC500 to the test. Read on to find out, what we found out 😉 :
In the box:
- One Touch Capture device
- Installation CD
- 1 x AV cables
- User Manual
Specifications:
- Interface: USB 2.0
- Video Format: NTSC, PAL
- Image Format: JPEG, BMP
- Video Capture Resolution: 720×480 (NTSC), 720×560 (PAL)
- Video Capture Format: MPEG 4/2/1
- Softwares: Arcsoft ShowBiz Video Capture, EZ Grabber Application, Dyyno Universal Broadcaster
Performance:
Installing the applications from the CD were a breeze. Setting up the hardware in place, as one can imagine is also not much difficult either with the one touch capture device. So we got through the two of these quite easily and this is when the road ahead started to get a little tougher and complicated.
It took us a fair bit of effort and time to get the feed into the EZ Grabber software sorted.We used a Sony Handycam (MiniDv) camera and plugged in the
VMC15FS A/V Cable and were able to get the feed and record the same using the Diamond VC500. The process seems a bit complicated at first with all the cables plugin and procuring of feed, but once you have got a hang of which cables go into which socket the task ahead is simple and even more convenient with the one touch capture functionality.
Here is a video of the sample clip captured from the Handycam and uploaded on youtube:
Its very easy to setup your own channel on the Dyno Broadcaster website using the software. Though there is a little lag while streaming a video on the website channel. I’m not really sure if people would like to use the resource to stream their videos. None the less the software allows you to stream up to 10 videos for free after which you will have to pay in order to stream nay more videos.
Though while recording the video we came across a very vital issue, there is no video compression in the software and hence you would not be able to burn a DVD once you have recorded a video of more than one hour.
We love the fact that it can be a very cheap and easy way to digitize your old VHS based videos or maybe even videos from your Xbox or PlayStation as well.
Verdict:
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Quick and easy to operate
Cons:
- Lack of detailed manual to help with settings
- No video compression for DVD
Overall the Diamond VC500 is really an easy to use device in order to capture videos once you have figured out the right settings. And taking the price tag $32 into consideration, it is one of the cheapest and easy non professional software out there to help you record and stream your videos.
