USB or PCI or PCMCIA Video Capture?
 

I'm looking to build a small (Mini-ITX size) computer that's going to be used to capture video from 4-6 inputs. The end use is going to be mounting it in a vehicle - so I'm just looking at Mini-ITX systems that run off of 12VDC. I'm probably going to be capturing video from cheap-ish "surveillance" type cameras that just have an RCA composite output.

Due to the size of these systems, I *might* have one PCI 2.2 slot, but more likely will be limited to PCMCIA or USB2.0. I figure that USB2 has the best likelihood of working for my application.

So.... does anyone have recommendations for a moderately priced unit for video capture (just simple Composite/"RCA" input) for:

Either:
1) A USB device so I could use 4-6 of them with a 2.0 hub
2) A PCMCIA capture card that can capture 4-6 channels of video
3) A (moderately priced) PCI 2.2 card that can capture 4-6 channels.

If anyone can recommend a manufacturer, model, etc. that's known to work with (or even better, supported for) Linux, that would be great.

I've looked around on Google a lot, but I can't seem to find much that only captures simple composite video and works with Linux.

Thanks,
Jason

PS - I only need 640x480 resolution or so.

Hello there, while I have no suggestions to assist you, I am also interested in the same set-up you describe.
I too have a Mini ITX MII 1200 that I use in my 4x4 for track logging from GPS when driving, as well as mobile internet etc.
I have two RCA type cameras, one forward and one reversing, that I am looking to record from to get some action shots when driving.
Have you had any luck on this?

Hauppauge ImpactVCB

If you add a powered PCI riser card that provides two PCI slots, you can squeeze in two cards.

Thanks for the reply on my part, but in my instance there is no possibility of installing anything internal to the case I have used.
I used a Travla C150 case, even though it wasn't designed for the MII motherboard, I got it all to fit nicely.
http://www.mini-itx.com/2004/01/31/t...-mini-itx-case

Would a bunch of webcams work ? It seems your box is just laking the space for anything more. I mean webcams all they need is a USB port ... and you can have a hub. Many Logitech webcams work, at least they work for me. Look em up before you buy.

Yes I have thought of web cams, but the resolution displayed from them is not the best sometimes, and they are not waterproof enough either.
I wonder if there is a composite video to usb converter anywhere, I will have to do some googling me thinks.