Anyone tried DAC-2 for Analog Component to DV?
 

I'm looking for a quality - but as cheap as possible - transcoder to go back and forth from betacamSP to firewire DV.

in searching online, I see one which has the analog component in and dv out, the datavideo DAC-2. It seems to be a discontinued model but available about $500, which is less than half the price of others which have the component inputs matching the betacamSP's component outputs.

any thoughts on this model? Or better ones at similar price? I'm on a budget. The lower-end canopus ones don't seem to have the proper inputs, the Laird ones are more costly.

thanks

Don, I bought Canopus ADVC100 for a reasonable price .
You are right that this converter does not have component connectors, but I've transffered footage from betaSP via y/c (s video) , and am very sattisfied . I think there is no viewable difference in quality because analog to digital conversion have to be done anyway.

Just my two cents,

regards
Darko

The ADS PYRO A/V Link has Component video IN, DV out. I can't vouch for the quality, but it is < $200.

I do use an ADS capture card in my PC - no problems with it.

I used the DAC-2 a couple years ago to transfer some beta footage to DV. I haven't had them up side by side on broadcast monitors, so I can't vouch for quality.

One thing I heard is that the DAC has a built in TBC, which I think is a worthwhile option to look for.

Pyro, and different kinds of component vid
 

OK, here's where we come up against a large piece of ignorance on my part.

There seem to be two different component video standards (at least). The 3 component inputs on the Pyro device are called "Y Pb Pr" and I think probably use RCA jacks, while the component outputs on my betacamSP are "Y R-Y B-Y" and use BNC connectors.

Am I correct that these are two whole diff'rent kinds of component vid? Obviously the cheaper pyro unit fits my budget better, but the DAC-10 actually MENTIONS being used with betacam and having the BNC component inputs.

Moreover, in talking with the people at datavideo, apparently there is ALSO a box you need to buy to convert the 'unbalanced' audio of a betacam to the 'balanced' audio of DV... which is another $300+.

So, can anyone here put this into perspective?

many thanks!