VGA Card Buyer's Guide 07/2003

Leadtek WinFast A300 TD MyVIVO, Continued

MyVIVO functionality:

Leadtek bundles the WinFast PVR software for use with the Video-in functionality. In addition to displaying incoming video signals, the tool also supports recording directly to hard disk as well as pre-programmed (timer) recording. This last feature only makes sense in combination with an additional TV tuner card, though. The timeshifting feature makes it possible to watch the program being recorded (from the beginning) during recording. A picture-in-picture option lets users check on several sources simultaneously. The combination of TV-in plus an actively recording Video-in, in addition to S-VHS at the same time did not work, though. Videos can be edited using the (slightly dated) Ulead Video Studio 6 SE DVD. Lastly, the software bundle also includes the 3D rendering software Cool 3D SE, which can be used to create 3D animations with text and simple 3D objects.

Conclusion: Leadtek has chosen a very different route by housing practically the entire card in an aluminum case. As a result, reactions may be mixed - either you like it or you don't. Despite the extravagant cooling solution, the card produces a lot of heat. Aside from that, the Leadtek WinFast A300 TD MyVIVO is an easy card to recommend. We especially liked the good software bundle and the VIVO features.

Paradoxically, it seems that the unpleasant noises the fans produced were caused by their low speeds.

+ Extraordinary cooling solution (card is entirely encased)
+ TV-in & TV-out (with special Leadtek WinFast PVR recording software)
+ Video editing software
+ Leadtek Tool-Suite WinFox 2.0 (overclocking, etc.)
+ Software DVD player
+ Color calibration utilities
+ Good games bundle
+ Video cables included
+ 3D rendering software

- Loud fans with and unpleasant undertone
- Runs very hot
- Heavy card
- Video cables too short