If you get a non-HD Sniper Pro to do film transfers
For the computer, you'll need :
Windows XP Professional
Version 2002
Service Pack 2
I actually had to purchase an OEM SP2 disk since all of my systems came with SP3 CDs (~$100)
ONLY THESE UPDATES:
Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1
Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Service pack 1
Windows Installer 3.1 (KB8993803)
Windows Service Pack 2
Do not under any circumstances connect this computer to the internet (just in case, right?) because any random changes can throw the whole thing off. We actually had a problem with Nero, also. I would ONLY install Windows, the DV codec, and CineCap. Anything else might become the source of frustration. In other words, dedicate one computer to do captures (and the post processing necessary via CineCap) and don't use it for anything else.
You'll need a minimum 512 megs of RAM, a P4 level Intel processor (or equivalent). We're actually using a 3.2 hyperthreading with 1 GB of RAM. Spend a little more to spare yourself the headache, since if you end up having some sort of deficiency in processing power, you'll have to buy another computer anyway. We bought ours from a Mom & Pop refurb redistributer for around $450. You'll also fire-wire input ($12) for a Canopus ADVC 110 (purchase separately, $220) analog to digital converter. An outside power source ($15) for said converter (to make sure power is regulated properly, also purchase separately). You'll also want to use the 4 pin out from the Canopus to the six pin in on your computer ($5). Using the 6 pin to 6 pin means drawing power from the PCI card in addition to the outlet, which means power fluctuations. Also, reset the Canopus daily by unplugging and plugging back in. You'll need the CineCap Velocity software (PC only, $150), editing software (for post, which is a must), and they recommend the newest DV AVI codec from a specific supplier (another $50).
I recommend getting a UPC with power conditioner to plug everything into, to make sure browning or spiking does not occur (another $200 for a decent quality unit, but I would recommend this for either machine set).
We also capture during the day, digitally process overnight. You'll need to do batch capture/process cycles to make the most of your time.