Plextor DIGITAL VIDEO CONVERTER ( PX-M401U/SW )

Rating:
Summary: nice capture but problematic software/drivers
Review: As with a lot of computer peripherals the hardware is fine but the software is not. The drivers installed fine on XP but didn't work properly. I downloaded and updated the drivers (a bit of a tedious process) and it worked better but there are major problems.

The software hangs a lot. It seems to have a hard time communicating with the device. Once I got it to actually record something the quality was good. You CANNOT use this device to backup your videos or DVDs that you OWN, because it shuts off if it detects the Macrovision copy protection signal. This is the biggest minus in my opinion. I'm not trying to pirate movies here, I just want to back them up (as is provisioned by law). Shame on you, Plextor. (You can buy a filter that strips out the Macrovision signal so what is the point of this inconvenience?)

In summary: The hardware is good. The drivers are horrible. It is really only useful for recording your home movies or maybe live broadcast (didn't try that).

Buy or don't buy? Pass on this product unless you don't mind hassle and inconvenience.

Rating:
Summary: nice capture but problematic software/drivers
Review: As with a lot of computer peripherals the hardware is fine but the software is not. The drivers installed fine on XP but didn't work properly. I downloaded and updated the drivers (a bit of a tedious process) and it worked better but there are major problems.

The software hangs a lot. It seems to have a hard time communicating with the device. Once I got it to actually record something the quality was good. You CANNOT use this device to backup your videos or DVDs that you OWN, because it shuts off if it detects the Macrovision copy protection signal. This is the biggest minus in my opinion. I'm not trying to pirate movies here, I just want to back them up (as is provisioned by law). Shame on you, Plextor. (You can buy a filter that strips out the Macrovision signal so what is the point of this inconvenience?)

In summary: The hardware is good. The drivers are horrible. It is really only useful for recording your home movies or maybe live broadcast (didn't try that).

Buy or don't buy? Pass on this product unless you don't mind hassle and inconvenience.

Rating:
Summary: $71.00 @newegg.com
Review: I found this same item at Newegg.com for $71.00.

Rating:
Summary: Plextor DIGITAL VIDEO CONVERTER ( PX-M401U/SW
Review: THIS MACHINE MIGHT WORK OK IF PLEXTOR WOULD GET THE RIGHT SOFTWARE FOR IT BECAUSE IT STINKS. I COULD NEVER GET IT TO WORK RIGHT AND THIS IS AFTER I WAS ON THE PHONE WITH PLEXTOR FOR AROUND 10 TO 15 HOURS FOR THREE DAY PLUS MANY EMAIL BACK AND FORWARD TO THEM. STAY AWAY AND GET A GOOD TV CARD.

Rating:
Summary: Plextor DIGITAL VIDEO CONVERTER ( PX-M401U/SW
Review: THIS MACHINE MIGHT WORK OK IF PLEXTOR WOULD GET THE RIGHT SOFTWARE FOR IT BECAUSE IT STINKS. I COULD NEVER GET IT TO WORK RIGHT AND THIS IS AFTER I WAS ON THE PHONE WITH PLEXTOR FOR AROUND 10 TO 15 HOURS FOR THREE DAY PLUS MANY EMAIL BACK AND FORWARD TO THEM. STAY AWAY AND GET A GOOD TV CARD.

Rating:
Summary: Great hardware, fair software
Review: WinDVD/WinDVD creator is nice, does an excellent job of captures in all the supported formats.