Can I reuse my Matrox G400-TV Breakout Box

[DarrenD]

I have finally put my Matrox G400-TV Marvel to rest and installed a new video card. All my camcorder captures are now done with my digital camcorder (using the AV->DV converter to capture old Hi-8 tapes). I don't need the Marvel to capture analog anymore.

However, it was nice to have TV on the PC sometimes, especially since it could pick up our main VCR from the other room (long co-axial cable - picture seems OK).

My question is:
Can I use the Marvel breakout box somehow to select a TV channel, pipe that into my camcorder through its AV->DV converter, down 1394 and capture on my PC? I know it is a convoluted route but unless I buy a TV card (are there any decent ones - they all seem to have problems) or reinstall the G400 (involves too much effort taking out the new card, installing correct drivers etc) I can't do it.

Initial problems I thought of are:
Does the BOB output TV on the video, audio left, audio right outputs?
How to control TV channel selection

It would be really nice if I could do it but if it is not possible then I don't mind too much.

Thanks for any help

[Fred H]

I am afraid you can NOT use the BOB for other than the Marvel card.
Some hardware pictures here:

http://www.tomshardware.com/video/19991118/video-in-14.html

http://www.hardware-one.com/reviews.asp?aid=139&page=2

http://www.sportsci.com/topics2/Tutorials/marvel_g200.htm

http://feynman.ee.ualberta.ca/~elliott/ee552/projects/2002_w/hulk_3d_graphics_processor/final_doc_nocode.pdf

Why not use the TV tuner in a VCR.
I tested an old VCR with defective mechanics but functionally ok TV tuner.
Maybe you can buy a cheap or get one free somewhere.

Fred H

[DarrenD]

Thanks for the info

I think I'll just forget recording TV, not that I've done it anyway.