Converting a VHS Tape to a DVD or movie on computer?

[Carolyn]

I have a 3-5 minute video (VHS) taken of my first
skydive. They told me to copy it and also save it to my
computer so I would never lose it and always have it for
rememberence. How can I do this? I am clueless! Please
reply to (e-mail address removed)

Thanks for ANY advice!

 

[George B]

You need either one of the following two:

1. A computer graphics card that has a VIVO (video in-
video out) port so that you connect your VCR directly to
your computer via a breakout cable. Check see what
graphics card you have now on your machine - if you don't,
one that will allow you to do this will cost you anywhere
between $80 and $300, depending on what card it is (how
fast, how much RAM it has etc)

2. An analog-to-digital converter that you use to connect
your VCR to your computer via a USB port. I got one of
these a couple of months and it cost me about $70.

Both of these should come with video capture and editing
software, and, if you live in the US, you can get them at
Best Buy, or, otherwise, on the internet.

Good luck!

GB