Capture card advice

I can only recommend the Hauppauge PVR (I have the older version, a new one came out last year or something). It's great, coupled with ElGato's EyeTV. Running on a 2011 Mini.

I wanted a Blackmagic but can't recall the issue back then (maybe it was only PCI-e and I needed USB in order to use it on my Mac?).
But I guess if in the end you want thunderbolt I believe Blackmagic has something for that (I think the problem was also price vs Hauppauge products?).

And I wouldn't grab anything too expensive nowadays. 1080p is bound to die and even if we'll get 4k TVs in 3/4 years or so... In my case I see no point on investing in this dying spec (not that people will keep on recording 1080p until 2065 or something, it's just I try to keep up-to-date as much as budget allows me to).

Blackmagic Intensity's have come a long way. The original cards did need PCIe and that option is still available but they have externally enclosed ones that work via thunderbolt or USB and would work just as well. Personally I would suggest those over a Hauppage.

Take a look at their site and decide what will work best for you: http://www.blackmagicdesign.com/ca/products/intensity

mrboscombe said:

Thanks for that ipsychedelic. Very helpful - I'm really struggling to find people who can help out, so much appreciated.

Have you actually run a JVC HM100 through the Hauppauge PVR?

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I've captured a t3i, if that is any good.
Another thing you can do is check YouTube videos that are captures via a given device to compare between models and brands (leaving aside the fact they might be captured in non optimal conditions or edited poorly, etc).