Look up the word "prolific" in the dictionary and you'll find ADS Tech with an asterisk (too numerous to list everything).

ADS manufactures and packages hardware and software that allows us to convert analog video and audio to digital for playback on our PCs or Macs. Among the items gracing my shelves are Instant TV for Notebooks ($109.99), PYRO Studio ($649.99), InstantVideo MPX ($69.99), Instant TV Deluxe USB ($159.99), Instant DVD+MP3 ($229.00), and DVD Express ($99.99). And this, folks, is only the tip of the iceberg.

All of these products have one thing in common --- even I can get them up and running with minimum of effort. They come with everything you need to watch, listen to or record video and audio using your PC including top-of-the-line software packages.

For those that are sitting on the edges of their seats needing to know, here are a few highlights of each product.

Instant TV for Notebooks

• It "takes TV mobile" by sliding into the Cardbus slot on your notebook.
• Record or watch TV shows with "scheduled recording."
• Make CDs or DVDs of your favorite programs.
• It includes InstaMedia software from Ulead and the Titan TV electronic programming guide.
• You can use the included remote control to change channels.
• It can be used as a mobile DVR, allowing you to pause, rewind or fast forward live TV.

PYRO Studio

• Allows you to capture, edit and export analog and digital video in real time.
• Includes a PCI card and cable and the PYRO AV Link, which connects to your PC via firewire.
• Composite, S-video and component connectors allow you to capture video from any source.
• Extensive software package includes Sony's Vegas+DVD Production Suite, which consists of Vegas 6 digital video and audio production software, DVD Architect 3 layout and authoring tools to develop menu-based DVDs, and Sony Pictures Digital AC-3 Encoding software to encode either stereo or multichannel AC-3 files for use in surround sound productions.

Instant Video MPX

• Interface attaches to the USB 2.0 slot on your computer.
• Compresses files to MPEG-1, DivX, or Windows Media 9 video for playback on your Pocket PC, Palm, portable media player or digital media receiver.
• Can pack more than two hours of video on one CD.
• Includes Ulead's VideoStudio 8 SE, which allows you to capture and edit video and record directly to VCDs, DivX or Windows Media 9.
• You can trim out portions of the video you don't want using VideoStudio's Multi-Trim feature.
• A Movie Wizard can create the video for you. Just select the video, music and background and the software does the rest.

Instant TV Deluxe USB

• Connects to you PC via the USB 2.0 port.
• The included "IR Blaster" lets you control your satellite or cable box.
• Record, rewind or pause live TV.
• Record your favorite shows on CD or DVD.
• Access your media from anywhere using your cell phone, PDA or notebook.
• Remotely program it to record your favorite shows.
• Remotely access all your photos, videos and music.
• Includes ORB Networks, which gives you secure remote access to your home PC; Arcsoft Showbiz, which allows you to capture, edit and burn in one simple step; and the Beyond TV program guide.

Instant DVD+MP3

• Convert old cassette and vinyl recordings to MP3 or WAV files.
• Capture and convert video from VHS and other video formats to DVDs.
• Movie-making capabilities include 16:9 aspect ratio and hardware-encoded two-channel AC-3 audio.
• You can export edited video to VHS tape.
• Preview your edited videos on your TV.
• Capture and burn video and audio directly to disk.
• Includes Ulead VideoStudio 9 SE DVD and Nero's SoundTrax and Wave Editor software.

DVD Xpress

• Converts your video collection to DVD or CD.
• Connects to the USB port on your computer.
• Captures straight to disk.
• Control brightness, contrast, saturation and hue.
• AudioLock ensures perfect synchronization between audio and video.
• Includes Ulead's DVD MovieFactory 3 and CapWiz 3.5 software.
• DVDs can be played back using any home DVD player.

For more information check out the company's web site at www.adstech.com.

---

 

To comment on this article, contact me here.