Canopus ADVC-110 Video Capture

Pros: Reliable, easy setup, straightforward.
Cons: Perhaps a little expensive.

After a series of expensive disappointments with Pinnacle products, I broke down and bought a Canopus ADVC-110 video capture box. This time I lucked out. I have an extensive collection of VHS tapes which I am converting to digital files. After connecting the Canopus box, I found that it does the job with excellence. No dropped frames, using firewire, 1.5 GB of RAM, and a 3200+ Athlon processor. Of course the process takes time, but you can "set it and forget it" and do something else. I have had no experience with Canopus support, since I didn't need any. There is a minor problem when all the required cables are attached, including firewire: The box is rather lightweight compared with the Pinnacle box, and it tends to flip over easily or get dragged away by the cables (I use Belkin heavy duty cables).
This is a solid buy. I had to pay about $230, but you are getting a reliable product that performs exactly as claimed, perhaps a little better. It is unfortunate that Pinnacle through splashy marketing hype has lured so many folks away from this quality product. Highly recommended.