Reviews / previews
The Marvel G400-TV follows on the heel of the successful Marvel G200-TV, sporting a beefier chipset and improvements all around. With competition like ATi's All-In-Wonder and 3Dfx's Voodoo 3500, Matrox is ready for the new wave of video cards with a 2D/3D/TV-tuner card of their own, and it's a good one.
Like the Voodoo 3500, the AGP Marvel uses a separate break-out box for inputs for external devices like a camcorder or a VCR. Unlike the 3500, the monitor cable plugs into the back of the card and all the other wires like the antenna plug-in, video output/inputs, all go into the box - a lot easier to do than reaching to the back of the PC to plug these into the card itself.
Installation of software and hardware was a cinch - load the included TV/VCR and video editing software and you'll be capturing your favorite shows in no time. The game bundle is a bit skimpy with just Wild Metal Country and Tonic Trouble
We were impressed with the performance of the TV tuner, and even more so with the VCR capture capabilities. Screens adjust to increased size with minimal distortion and capture was a breeze. Of course, this came right on the heels of a horrendous experience with the Voodoo 3500 where video and audio didn't sync, we experienced choppy video but that's another story. The Marvel really nailed all the video functions right on the head.
It also features the DualHead display ability, so you can hook up a TV and a monitor at the same time for multiple viewing pleasure (watch a DVD and work in MS Word at the same time!). 3D gaming proved positive, though the numbers were a little behind when compared to excellent cards like the TNT2s, but overall, the package is very nicely put together.
The Marvel really packs a serious punch for anyone looking for an all-in-one card. It's a little pricey but it's a solid card that's implemented very well.-- Danny W. Lam / GamePro
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