If you have a DV camcorder, you could try to use it as your A->D converter. Granted, the Canopus would arguably give you slightly better captures. But, you're going to be capturing in the DV (lossy) format either way. I would definitely see if you could borrow a Canopus from someone a compare it to a DV camcorder's results. My point being, if you're not capturing with a dedicated card (like in a PowerMac or some windows box) that can capture with an uncompressed lossless codec (not DV), it might not make sense to buy something like the Canopus. Might save you some money...

Also, there's no macro protection on laserdiscs, AFAIK.