CompuServe Messages

You're correct…. the HAM-E is RGB, so you'd have to convert to video before recording it. I use the DigiFex encoder, which I think results in a better looking image than the DCTV puts out. But it's not an incredible difference, so I doubt if I'd really notice most of the time. BTW, the DigiFex encoder also puts out a S-VHS signal (as well as composite), so I can use that if I want to. But whatever you are using: DCTV, HAM-E, FireCracker, etc…. you'll want to do your design and construction looking at the video image if that is your ultimate destination. DCTV gives you that right up front…. you can add the same capability to HAM-E/FireCracker/etc for @ $100 with an encoder. If you do your design while looking at the video output (not the RGB output) then you won't get the nasty "Surprise! It looks like crud on video." reaction (speaking from experience :). Re legal colors, the best rule of thumb is to keep all colors below 75% intensity/saturation and you'll usually be ok. And low saturation colors begin to all look the same. Sigh. Good luck. –jp–seattle–