So I want to start downloading and saving HD content from my DVR to my computer so I can save it, burn it, and grab some frames (Much like I’ve seen on this site).

I’ve been using USB Pinnacle to do it in analog but the quality sucks.
Any recommendations as to a good card to get? and software?
I’ve checked out Hauppauge Colossus PCI Express, Avertv HD DVR and Blackmagic but I'm unclear as to the better one or if I'm even in the right ballpark.

My system is:
Operating System: Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E8400 @ 3.00GHz (2 CPUs)
Memory: 4096MB RAM, 3T of storage, USB 3.0.
Display Devices: NVIDIA GeForce GTS 250
I have an open PCI and AGP slot I can use.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Go with Happauage HD-PVR(or Colossus). I have had no problems using it. Blackmagic is very unstable and it requires very specific hardware. Never used Avertv it looks like a HDMI only card.

I would stay away from HDMI capture cards, Since allot of sources use HDCP encryption.

Thanks for the tip Revan654.
Looks like Happauage HD-PVR might be the way to go.
Appreciate the help.

I second that. That is what I use. I bought mine because I was considering a PVR receiver for my satellite system. The Hauppage does a fantastic job. And it is quite a bit cheaper than most satellite specific PVR receivers.

Hauppauge 1212 HD-PVR High Definition Personal Video Recorder is the world's first high-definition video recorder for making real-time H.264 compressed recordings at resolutions up to 1080i. And I am fully satisfied with the service which it provides.

I also use the Hauppauge 1212 and would recommend it to anyone.Paid around $200 for mine and it was well worth it.My only complaint is a lack of a pause feature.

On a related note, is there a way to save a screen capture in HD? I am trying to cap a dvd from the .vob files with VLC and the caps just aren't big nor the same quality that I am seeing on screen.

Not sure we get what you're looking to do here. DVD/Vob files are inherently SD quality so you can't take true HD captures from them, period.

just trying to get a high quality picture from a DVD. make wallpapers and such.

Vlc player, snapshot in png format, seems to give you a fairly high quality screenie.