7Pinnacle Systems TARGA 3000
About Video Sources
The best quality video source will yield the best recorded image. You will have to assess
your intended audience and quality needs before deciding what device to record videos
from. The TARGA 3000 card with the TARGA Pro Analog Breakout Box accepts analog
input in the form of S-Video (Y/C), Composite Video, and Component (YUV) video. The
TARGA 3000 with the TARGA Pro Digital Breakout Box only accepts serial digital input.
The serial digital input is SMPTE 259-M compliant. Most consumer cameras and VCRs
output composite video. Higher-end video products provide a DV or S-Video signal.
Professional level video products often provide Component or Serial Digital.
Serial digital is preferred over all analog formats; while Component is preferred over DV;
DV is preferred over S-Video; and S-Video is preferred over composite. Cost increases as
you move up the scale, but the benefits are better color rendition, resolution, and signal to
noise ratio.
Every translation between analog media lowers the signal quality, so recording directly
from a video camera is ideal. Recording from tape involves a second step, which
introduces signal loss. A second-generation tape (a copy of a tape) brings another degree
of loss. A tape that has been used many times (i.e., worn tape) will also contribute to
signal loss. Digital media does not suffer from generational loss in this way.
Note: Use only shielded video cable. Unshielded cable can pick up electronic noise from other hardware,
like the computer and monitor, and degrade the signal. For composite video, be sure to use 75-Ohm video
cable, not audio cable.
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