Transfering VHS tapes to Computer Video Files

[richk]

Is there a card or some other type of device that I can install into my
computer that will hoookup into a VCR so I can take a video that I made
and turn it into a computer video file (AVI MPEG etc etc.

I thought maybe a video card but I'm not sure if they're were other
options.

RIch

 

[S Kalynuik]

Is there a card or some other type of device that I can install into my
computer that will hoookup into a VCR so I can take a video that I made
and turn it into a computer video file (AVI MPEG etc etc.

I thought maybe a video card but I'm not sure if they're were other
options.

RIch

There are many TV In cards out there to do this, your local Best Buy or
Futreshop or other computer store will have selections by hauppauge www
hauppauge.com , ati www.ati.com and others, some models are agp, pci, and
use or firewire.

Various programs freeware and opensource are avaliable to take that TV In
signal and make either a avi or mpg file, mpg files are easier to convert
to dvd format, ie VHS collection to DVD collection via computer.

Some programs as follows:

GB-PVR - http://www.gbpvr.com/
ATV2000 - http://mikecrash.wz.cz/atv2000/atv2000.htm
MediaPortal - http://www.team-mediaportal.com/
MsDVR 2005 - http://www.maksil.com/
MythTV - http://www.mythtv.org/
MyTV - http://www.mytv.free.fr/
SCeneo Vrecord -
http://www.sceneo.com/modules.php?name=Content_pro&pa=showpage&pid=24
Stoik Capturer - http://www.stoik.com/products/Capturer/
Virtual DVR - http://www.virtualdvr.org/html/english.html
WinAVI Video Capture - http://www.winavi.com/en/download/download.htm

Some to most of above support scheduling recording, ie record a favorite tv
show from cable or other source.
Some allow QTR - quick time recording, allows recording from when you press
record to a disirered time.

Even some programs like VirtualDub allow capturing from devices.

Its best to look at the various programs, look at their forums, find which
TV In cards work with which programs and find out what others think.

Also remember any card you buy is likely to have its own software to allow
this transfer.

I hope something here helps.

 

[Kittie Spit]

I'd highly recommend checking out www.videohelp.com

Lots of reviews, active users who have posted useful comments, good
place to get advice too.

Here's just one section on video capture cards:
http://www.videohelp.com/capturecards

 

[km]

Is there a card or some other type of device that I can install into my
computer that will hoookup into a VCR so I can take a video that I made
and turn it into a computer video file (AVI MPEG etc etc.

I thought maybe a video card but I'm not sure if they're were other
options.

RIch

A VIVO (VideoInVideoOut) graphics card is suitable as well as TV
cards. TV cards tend to create just AVI files.

Now that USB2 is common the more convenient option is to use an
attachment that works through this . Some are more substantial than
others and have a greater range of connections but the likes of KWORLD
DVD Maker USB2 is very cheap. It comes with editing software and also
encodes to mpeg in real time. Creates NTSC and PAL. Has S-Video and
Composite connections. Sound goes in via Soundcard and back out to
connection on USB device.

I just bought one of these to install for a friend so I still have to
see whether it delivers with no frame dropping or out-of-sync sound,
but I am hopeful it will be OK as it is going into his new, quite
powerful, PC.

KM