[AG-TECH] Video capture for Linux (reloaded)

[Andrew Daviel]

.. as in the Matrix reloaded (the movie)


All the Linux systems I've set up over the last few years use one or more 
Bt878-based video capture cards, usually the Hauppauge one without a 
tuner. It's cheap, it works, it has multiple inputs ... but it needs a 5V 
PCI slot. Last time it was hard to find a dual-CPU system with 3 of these 
slots. This time I want 2 cameras, on a budget, and Dell's current 1-CPU 
tower has only 1 slot.

So, what are people building today ? I note the comments about winnov.
I want a triple-head display card so an all-in-one card may not be an 
option (if they still exist, if there's support etc.).

I had had some cheap fixed-focus NTSC cameras in the past and might try
them again - the Sony EVDO cameras are nice but as I say I'm doing this 
one on the cheap. Which probably rules out Firewire cameras etc. unless
there's some under $500. Even if they work with Vic.

In general, though, what's the current lineup of A/V stuff that works
with Linux ? I know this isn't exactly the right forum for the question,
but maybe someone's built a system recently and might know.

BTW, Polycom's got a new USB audio echo-cancelling speakerphone. It's 
sold for use with Skype but they say it will work with other things.
About $125 US as I recall.


(I could, I suppose, go over to the dark side and install XP. We're 
registered as a charity for some reason and can get it at a reasonable 
price, and it seems pretty stable. I still find it hard to use and
maintain, though, and it's a matter of principle - Bill and the monkeyman 
have enough money already :-).  Anyhow, similar question - what's good 
for capturing 2 video streams nowadays ?)

-- 
Andrew Daviel, TRIUMF, Canada
Tel. +1 (604) 222-7376  (Pacific Time)
security at triumf.ca