All (near) broadcast quality Firewire input products do compression or bring in already-compressed content. Either DV, MPEG-Something (2 usually) or some (semi-)custom solution.

There are PC-Card video adapters available.

http://www.bizrate.com/buy/products__att247--34512-,cat_id--405.html

Your laptop's PCCard slot/software must support ZV (ZoomedVideo)

Just do a Google search for "zv card"

BTW, have you tried MPlayer on your aging Mac?

Bruno
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Bruno
Twisted Melon : Fine Mac OS Software