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Ready, set, video!
Do you have an inner Spielberg longing to break free? The four digital-video (DV) systems we review here deliver all the essentials you need--except the camera--to convert your video to various digital formats and burn DVDs. What's essential? Most importantly, you need horsepower: a large, 7,200rpm hard drive; lots of memory; and a top-speed CPU lead the list. The ability to capture digital video requires an IEEE 1394 port; capturing analog video off a VHS camcorder or player takes S-Video and composite-video inputs. Systems add these in one of two ways: on graphics cards such as the ATI All-in-Wonder family (found in the ABS All U Can DV and the Compaq Presario 8000T) or in special breakout boxes such as the Dazzle's, which accompanies the Dell Dimension 8200. Also, the latest ATI AIW card lets you use your PC as a personal video recorder so that you can watch and record TV programs.
A DV system should also include novice-level video-editing software, such as MGI VideoWave, Pinnacle Studio, or Ulead Video Studio. Plus, you'll need some way to burn your masterpieces to disc. For that, these desktops come equipped with either a more broadly compatible DVD-R/CD-RW combo drive or a newer, faster DVD+RW. Chances are, if you like to make videos, you like to watch them as well--and to play the occasional game. Some systems, such as the Dimension 8200, come equipped with full 5.1 surround systems and fast graphics cards.
All these capabilities come at a price, though. The systems here start at about $2,800 and run as high as $3,500 for the works. ABS's All U Can DV stands out as the best value among this crop, providing the broadest selection of features and solid performance for a reasonable price. The Dell Dimension 8200 offers the best performance and excellent peripherals, but with the highest price tag in the group, the system may force bargain-hunters to look elsewhere.
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ABS All U Can DV For a great price, this system gives you everything you need to capture video from your TV or to download it from your camcorder, all without forgoing entertainment essentials such as a state-of-the-art sound system and a big, flat-panel display. What it lacks in software and support may dissuade some newbies, however.
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Compaq Presario 8000T MyMovieStudio This bundle adequately covers the basics for video editing--plus daily computing chores--at a relatively low price. But the dated ATI All-in-Wonder Radeon card and the subpar speakers lower this system's entertainment value.
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Dell Dimension 8200 Movie Studio bundle If you're willing to pay the steep price, this configuration in the Dimension 8000 product line delivers all the essentials for video capturing and editing, as well as a kick-ass setup for gaming and DVD playback.
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HP Pavilion 750n The HP Pavilion 750n is up to just about any task you throw at it, which is good since there's little room for expansion in its compact case. The 15-inch LCD screen is sharp and bright, but it's somewhat cramped for video editing.
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Denny Atkin and Bill O'Brien are frequent contributors to CNET Hardware. Lori Grunin is a senior editor for CNET.
