There is a few years I started to save on the hard disk of my old XP PC, my old family videos made with my camcorder SONY Hi8 in the early 90s. To carry out the analog to digital transfer, I had opted for a EZMaker AVERMEDIA housing, which provided the essential, but with a disastrous result for sound processing (de-synchronization and chronic nasal sound / image). I managed to create some memories DVD, but of course with a relatively poor quality result. This material was no longer compatible with WIN 7 and to continue this working memory, I started looking for new material. On the Internet, I've realized that it was not easy to find "the right miracle product" (especially in the range of desired price, less than 100) ensuring perfect transfer. Having weighed the pros and cons, I opted to purchase a Dazzle DVD Recorder HD Corel, the price seemed right. As usual with Amazon, no worries on delivery (by the deadline) and packaging (good product protection). The new PC, where I make my videos, and now analog video transfer to digital is equipped with an Intel Core i7 processor with 8GB of RAM, an SSD system disk of 120 GB and a hard disk 2TB WIN July 64. After unpacking the equipment, I applied a few lines of "minuscule" This manual in the box. Installing the software and drivers. Reboot the PC. Then I realized the necessary connections (not complicated with color). Besides, I realized the dual video connection (composite and S-Video) to test both. Difficult to give a judgment. I thought the video S would be better, but it is not conclusive. Sometimes I change the setting. A Dazzle of the connection, the PC recognition was immediate. I have not used the software delivered with the hardware, but Pinnacle Studio 17.5, already on my PC to my video editing. I had read reviews about the weaknesses of the software supplied with the product. So not worth wasting his time. I launched Studio 17.5, and then click on "IMPORT". After the message "Device not connected", I launched my old camcorder (I wondered if he was going to leave!) And "something", the import software immediately detected the Dazzle reacting as if I wanted to capture a "classic" course associated with some specific settings (actually very few), especially by offering me a DV capture. I virtually rediscovered in the configuration of the catch that I realize today with modern equipment. Of course, the result is not (can not) be comparable with what can be done in HD. But overall, the satisfaction was at the rendezvous. After transferring Hi8 ten hours of video files into several ".avi" sizes ranging from 13 to 20 GB (DV) by length movies 60 minutes to 90 minutes, I am generally satisfied with the result obtained the Dazzle. First, the resulting sound is very correct, and especially the timing sound / image is impeccable, not drift. Of course, the quality of the sound recording is the key to a good rendering. To listen to some bands, I realize that I do not master very well the saturation and changes in noise levels, not to mention the noise "wind" but hey, the atmosphere of remembrance is present and very properly audible. For video, the picture is quite good (of course, we must correct our judgment criteria by adapting our current repository unconsciously based on the HD). Here, a bit grainy image is obtained, but still acceptable for use that is made. No need to look for special effects "Vintage" herein is made of them! But that does not shock me, because I know that I watch movies I realized there are more than twenty years and in the meantime, the means have evolved and like me, my equipment has aged without necessarily improve (not like fine wine!). In fact, it seems to me that the important factor, which affects the result is the quality of the tape from the cassette to transfer the rendering of some cassettes is impeccable (sound and image nickel!). Some videos show random distortions in the upper part of the recorded image, not always visible in the camera viewfinder, or treaties of yellowish color. I tried several settings without having successfully mastered the phenomena. It may well be that my camcorder, which is a great father as its owner, begins to show signs of fatigue and that the heads no longer have reliability of yesteryear. We certainly need that I hurry to finish this work. In summary: I do not regret my choice. Memories are being backed up on the PC hard drive. By visualizing these old movies, despite the sometimes altered image quality, the magic of memories operates. At a certain age, especially when it is left on the way of life of the very expensive, viewing these slices of life awakens emotions very well for the remembrance of these fragments of happiness that is the path of 'a life. Dazzle to thank you for these flashbacks that make me warm at heart. ++++
