CompuServe Thread

Hello K.S., I wrote a review/"how-to" article in the October issue of Computer Graphics World using the Vidiola Premium/D. The main differences between it and the base version is the addition of the JPEG compression daughter card. This allows for greater capturing with less frame drop and interpolated playback without as much "pixelization". As for comparing it to the Intel Action Media II card, it is definately a toss up. At the time I wrote the article, Orchid still could not produce stable drivers. You were extremely limited as to what resolution you HAD to run in while capturing etc. The Vidiola Premeim has rudamentary overlay capabilities, S-VHS and composite input/output. It uses the feature connector on your video card as well as an external harness. The card is supposed to act transparently when not in use but there was noticeable VGA/SVGA degredation due to the fact that your normal video signal passes through the Vidiola. All in all, I would have to give the card a six (out of ten). Wasn't a bad little card for desktop presentations, etc. Just keep in mind that if you ever want to progess deeper into desktop video, the Vidiola (and other cards in it's class) will quickly show their limits. Hope this helps! Dean Oliver Virtually Real