AverMedia Aver3D Capture HD: Complete Multimedia Capabilities, Plus 3D!

It wasn’t too long ago when a video in/ out feature came standard on most graphics cards, usually in the form of S-Video connector. We don’t see this very often on more modern cards, but that doesn’t mean we should give up the hope of importing videos from outside sources right to desktop PCs. At least some multimedia product makers continue to innovate and manufacture peripherals intended for this very purpose, including AverMedia who is pushing ever more aggressively into the Indonesian market with their interesting products. One of the most recent additions to their line of multimedia offerings is the Aver3D Capture HD, the world’s first 3D TV tuner that also doubles as a video capture board.

As the name might suggest, the Aver3D Capture HD receives display output signal from a number of different sources, including HDMI which is quickly becoming the standard for today’s AV devices. Additionally, you can also watch 3D TV with it, although that would require some additional devices. We did some tests and actually liked what it has to offer.

AverMedia Aver3D Capture HD connects to your motherboard via a PCI Express x1 connector. The card itself is relatively small. To further reduce its size, you can replace the standard back plate with a smaller one (included in the package) so that it would fit in tiny computer cases.

Hardware Features

You can only find three connectors on CaptureHD’s back plate. Unlike some other video capture boards, AverMedia combined all of the video input ports in a multi-AV cable that connects to one connector on the card, simplifying the connection while maximizing the amount of video input types that can be accommodated. This helps reducing the clutter on the back of the card itself, but cable may look a bit messy because it has so many ends on one side.

 AverMedia Aver3D Capture HD’s multi-AV cable accepts input signals from S-Video, Component and Composite (RCA) sources. The infra red receiver for the remote control is also included in this bundle of cables

A remote control is included for more convenient operation. You can access various functions from this remote, such as switching TV channels, or recording video from external sources. Two AAA batteries used to power the remote can also be found inside the package box.
Other accessories consist of a simple TV/ radio antenna, a quick installation guide, and a driver disc. Inside the disc, you can find the Aver MediaCenter 3D and Snug TV softwares. An anaglyph 3D-glasses also comes bundled so you can begin watching 3D contents immediately.

Conclusions

One of the most prominent features of this product is perhaps its ability to capture video from multiple sources (those with HDMI, S-Video, Component, or Composite output). The AverMedia Aver3D Capture HD allows you to record images or videos from a wide variety of AV players and game consoles. The TV tuner, and the Snug TV software, will allow you to watch live TV practically anywhere. This can get more interesting once TV stations begin airing HDTV and 3DTV broadcasts.
Capture HD’s 3D capability is by no means less interesting. After all, this is the world’s first 3DTV tuner. It worked flawlessly in our test, but you may need to upgrade your PC to meet the 3D Vision requirements for the best-possible 3D experience. The cheaper anaglyph mode does not require you to spend more money since the glasses is also bundled, but it comes at the cost of image quality and eye strain.
The Aver3D Capture HD is best suited for HTPC users who need to import videos from external sources, mainly because of its small size and broad video input options, for a consumer-class video capture board at least. It’s also suitable for just about everyone else. Can’t afford to miss your favorite shows while working at the office? Plug this product into your home computer and enjoy live TV streaming over the internet. That’s just one of the many possibilities offered by the Aver3D Capture HD. This TV tuner/ video capture card makes a nice addition to any multimedia system.
AverMedia Aver3D Capture HD
Indonesian Distributor: CBM Indonesia
Phone: (021) 6124187
Harga: Rp 1.100.000/ around US$ 120 (as of December 13, 2010)
Pros:

• Wide selection of video input options (S-Video, Component, Composite, HDMI)
• 3D Capabilities
• Integrated (3D) TV and FM radio tuner

Kekurangan:

• Requires 3D Vision-certified peripherals in order to maximize its potentials

System Requirements:
For Live TV Viewing
- Intel® Pentium® 4 2.0GHz
For TimeShift and Record in MPEG-2
- Intel® Pentium® 4 3.0GHz with HT (Hyper Threading)
- AMD Athlon™ 64 3200+
For Live 3DTV Viewing and 2D Video (SD) Conversion
- Intel® Core™ 2 Duo or AMD Athlon X2 or above
For HD Video Real-time Capturing (H.264 Format)
- Intel® Core™ i5 750 or AMD equivalent
VGA card with DirectX 9.0c or above*
256MB RAM**
PCI-E Slot
Sound Card
Windows® 7/ Vista™/ XP (32/64-Bit)
*Standalone graphics card is recommended for HD video capturing. NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 240 or above is recommended for live 3DTV viewing.
** 2GB RAM is recommended for HD video capturing; 1GB RAM is recommended for live 3DTV viewing.