Depends on the monitor you have. If you have an HD monitor with HDMI in, then the Decklink Intensity will work. If you have analog inputs, then the Intensity Pro is the option (www.decklink.com)
Then the Decklink Extreme and Matrox MXO are tied...but the MXO doesn't CAPTURE video...it is output only. However, the MXO works on your desktop computer, or your laptop, and will connect to an Apple 23" Cinema Display and get you broadcast quality color correction. As good as a Decklink or Kona and a real HD LCD or CRT? No...but then it also connects to the real HD LCDs or CRTs...and again, works with a laptop.
If inexpensive is what you want, then there are your options. I have the Kona LH and Kona 3 and love them. Yes, they cost more than the competition, but that cost gets you world class technical support, and in the case of the Kona 3, the ability to do what no other capture card can (cross convert 720 to 1080 and vise versa, and upconvert SD to 720p OR 1080i...Decklink only goes to 1080i, and does not cross convert).
Point being there are many cards to fit pretty much any situation. Get the one that best suits your workflow and price point.
Shane
GETTING ORGANIZED WITH FINAL CUT PRO DVD...don't miss it.
Read my blog, Little Frog in High Def
