I know it’s one thing to say all these USB capture cards are the same, but it’s another thing to have two different named devices that are literally the same thing.
Both the ezcap 172 and ezcap 1568 use a small form factor presenting a stylish capture device to transfer VHS to DVD.
When these two ezcap capture cards arrived on my desk to do reviews, I honestly thought the same device arrived through some mistake.
Nope. Not a mistake.
Then I thought I can’t do two separate reviews of these when they are exactly the same!
So screw it, I’ll lump them together and for one review. No idea how that will pan out in the search results.
So what we have are the ezcap 172 (black on the left) and the ezcap 1568 (white on the right).
Both of these were purchased through eBay here for the ezcap 172 and here for the ezcap 1568.
So there has to be some differences right?
Well there is fortunately.
The Ezcap 172 only works up to Windows 8, while the Ezcap 1568 will cater up to Windows 10.
So why not just re market the same device and call it new and improved? Who knows?
Ezcap 172/1568 – What’s In The Boxes?
The same packaging is used for both devices with no labeling to show which is which. I had to go through my orders to find out that information.
As you can see both devices come with the same instructions, and same Arcsoft Showbiz 3.5 software.
They do come with different drivers on each CD.
Ezcap 172 – A Closer Inspection
So gripes aside let’s take a look at the ezcap 172. The device is built well enough with the casing not inclined to break.
I know this will sound weird but I haven’t seen another capture device built with the same plastic as the ezcap 172.
It feels really smooth.
That being said, nobody is going to buy a VHS converter based on the texture of its surface.
The composite input connections consist of Yellow for Video and Red/White for stereo sound. There is an S-Video input connection if you have such cable.
USB 2.0 is the connection for your PC.
Length of the cable is approximately 30 cm.
Ezcap 1568 – A Closer Inspection
The gloss version is well built but does appear to show larger gaps with outer shell. The white just makes it more visually apparent.
There’s nothing that screams spectacular design with small capture devices like this but for a little over twenty dollars, you get what you pay for.
Input connections are via the Yellow for video, Red/White for the stereo audio.
Connection to your PC will be via USB 2.0 with the cable extending the same length as the ezcap 172.
Ezcap 172/1568 – Connections and Software
With the ezcap 172 matte finish and the ezcap 1568 gloss finish appearing as the only differences you will have to decide really based on your PC operating system.
Something I don’t get, it could be just me, but the clicker buttons really serve no purpose.
You might think they are for starting a recording session from the software but that doesn’t make sense as the software itself has a big record button for you to click to start recording.
When connected to the test VCR the ezcap 1568 worked straight away.
The ezcap 172 did give me issues even after the driver was installed for Windows 8.1.
Whether this is because it’s older, I don’t know?
Connecting the composite cables is a breeze on either device. You won’t have issues.
When connected to the PC either device will light up signalling it is on.
Connection with either PC was not a problem. I did install the drivers first though, so make sure you do that before simply plugging in the USB.
Again both devices come with ArcSoft ShowBiz 3.5 which you can read about in this post so there won’t be any need to go through it here.
It’s a good software and considering the price of these devices, it does add value compared to Honestech variants.
Ezcap 172/1568 – Testing Various Software
That being said, even after I had installed the drivers for ezcap 172 on Windows 8.1, it wouldn’t be recognized with the ArcSoft ShowBiz (sheesh what’s with the capital letters in every word?).
Was it the driver?
No, because I got OBS Studio to see the VHS signal – eventually.
At first I got the green video banding issue along the bottom. So I thought OK this device could just be crap.
Then I decided to try from PowerDirector’s capture mode and sure enough the picture and sound were fine.
Decided once again to try OBS Studio and the video signal worked this time with no green banding.
Was it the driver? The connections?
I wish I had an answer.
Maybe it was the PC, but that wouldn’t explain why it worked on other software.
The ezcap 1568 on the other hand worked on the Windows 10 test PC without a single issue.
OBS Studio was able to see the device without having to change any settings which was a little surprising.
Conclusion
Between the two devices the ezcap 1568 is definitely the better of the two capture cards. Considering they both come with the exact same ArcSoft ShowBiz software, you are not getting any advantage in that department.
The ezcap 170 is a third option as it is roughly the same price and has the same software.
One other thing to consider is that neither the ezcap 172 or ezcap 1568 would let me transfer from a Mini DV camera. The signal would not connect.
If those are the type of videos you are trying to transfer then these capture cards are not for you.
If you are capturing from old VHS tapes or Video 8 cassettes then go with the ezcap 1568.
