Video card processing for Videos

[softblushcom]

OK, real quick and simple, since you guys know your stuff.
I've been working on figuring out the upgrade I'm making to my system:

Dell Inspiron 530a (1.66GHz CPU/300w PSU/ATIx1650PRO/32bitXP)

One of the things I want to use the system for is to make some DVDs.
Want to import the raw video from my Sony Handycam (stream the video in from the camera via a USB connection).

So, the question is....does the video card I have in the system matter vis-a-vis getting better quality video? The goal is to import the raw footage, process it through Sony Vegas 9, and then burn a DVD master for duplication.

(Same question, I guess, goes for the CPU.)

Thanks Guys!

 

[TheCrimsonStar]

It won't really matter in the quality of the video...actually if your handycam records in HD you might not even be able to play it back with that graphics card. The real bottleneck here is your cpu. if it's HD video, it's gonna take a LOOOOONG time to process it through Vegas.

 

[softblushcom]

Not HD (Thank G*D)

My HandyCam isn't that modern.
It's a Hi-8/Dig8 cam that records to tape.

The video quality is generally pretty good, but definitely NOT HD.

I've done some test runs, and it comes through fairly well, but it just doesn't look as crisp and clear as it does if I play it directly into my set-top DVD burner (a Samsung) and make a burn that way.

Just wondering if the process (as-is into the computer) is losing frames, or image clarity due to either the video card or the processor. Depending on the answer, I may change my upgrade plan.

Appreciate your thoughts Crimson, but to be clear: does the video card help/process/handle the incoming raw video as it travels in through the USB and is captured into a file?

 

[TheCrimsonStar]

Appreciate your thoughts Crimson, but to be clear: does the video card help/process/handle the incoming raw video as it travels in through the USB and is captured into a file?

I may be wrong, and maybe Rob could clarify this, but I'm pretty sure that is all handled by the processor. I think only if you were to edit the video that you would need a semi-decent graphics card, and the one you have right now should be able to handle the video on that tape just fine. your problem is most likely your processor, but like I said, I wouldn't take my word for it 100%. This is one thing I'm not sure about myself, so we'll both get some understanding once Rob chimes in

 

[DarkStarr]

Well did you test the copy made from the pc on the dvd player? Your monitor on your pc likely has a bit higher resolution so playing it on the TV (if its CRT) will look a lot better, maybe I am not understanding what your saying but that is what it seems like to me.