Analog And Digital In One

In the last test , we took a close look at the Canopus DVRaptor-RT. Now we've moved on to its big brother, the DVStorm SE. The fundamental distinguishing features of the DVStorm are, in addition to its digital 1394/Firewire port (i.LINK), its analog inputs and outputs for video and audio. For those of us with only an analog camera, or even for anyone who just wants to have a digital version of analog VHS cassettes, this is a valuable add-on.

The first release of the DVStorm got off to a rocky start. The card didn't always work stably with Adobe Premiere 5.1, which was included with it. In response, Canopus wiped the slate clean for its Second Edition (SE), dumping Adobe Premiere 5.1 and developing its own editing software, Stormedit . It might not have been as comprehensive as Adobe, but it still offered almost exactly the same realtime effects. Just recently, though, the plot took yet another twist - the DVStorm SE Plus costs an extra $200 and is being bundled with Adobe Premiere 6.0. Now that the drivers and the Premiere plug-ins have matured some more, you can expect the system to operate more stably. Listen closely, and you'll hears users heave a collective sigh of relief.

The StormSE Up Close & Personal

A glimpse of the slot bracket reveals which devices can be connected to the DVStorm SE.

digital:

• 1 x IEEE1394/Firewire (i.Link)

analog:

• 1 x composite video-in (RCA) with adapter
• 1 x composite video-out (RCA) with adapter
• 1 x S-video in (mini DIN 4pin)
• 1 x S-video out (mini DIN 4pin)
• 1 x stereo audio-in (mini jack)
• 1 x stereo audio-out (mini jack)