I do use the PC for some operations, but capture to the standalone's hard drive, editing there and sending output directly to DVD has proved practical and efficient. Note that when correction is needed I use analogue processors between the source and the recorder. While that is somewhat less flexible than the same operations in the computer, it takes effect in real time where processing in the computer takes far longer after the capture is effected.
With Adobe Premiere Pro, and Adobe After Effects Professional, and with the proper video card, your effects will be in real time, no rendering time required.