Video Capture

[Guest]

I'm using XP Pro on a fast computer (3.2 GHz, 2 MB RAM). I want to convert
some imporant VHS clips to digital format and save to my hard disk. I also
want to occasionally record some live cable TV shows to my hard disk for
later viewing. I know I have to purchase a Video Capture Card w/ TV tuner to
do this. Before investing $150-200 on such a card, just wanted to get some
feedback from those of you with some experience on this. Is the technology
developed enough to make such recordings practical? I heard it could take
many hours just to convert a few minutes worth of VHS tape or live TV to
digital format. Thanks in advance.

 

[Guest]

That's 2GB RAM not 2MB RAM.

 

[Kenny]

I use a Matrox analogue capture card to capture from a Hi-8 analogue
camcorder. Not tried it with VCR but it should be exactly the same except
the picture quality won't be so good from VHS tape.
Capture is done to MPEG format in real time, the capturing was done with the
supplied PCVCR software but many of the editing programs will let you import
from source as well.
You can play them back directly on PC or import into a video editing app.
You can burn them directly with Nero, don't know about other burning
software.

 

[peterk]

I use Snapstream Software with a Hauppage 250 PCI card with great success.
http://www.snapstream.com/products/bundle-compare.asp

I regularly record Movie Channel late nite movies to the HD for later
burning them to a DVD-RW ...It does take a little while but it works while I
am having my morning coffe and breakfast.The burning process is handled by
Nero Digital.
I have also used the card to record VHS tape to the HD ,edited the result
and then burned to a DVD-RW.If its a 2hr tape it will take 2 hours to record
plus the editing time plus the record to DVD time.The Hauppage does the
analog to digital conversion onboard and records in digital format.

Snapstream has one of the easiest interfaces and very good support.
peterk

 

[Guest]

Thanks a lot, Kenny and Peterk! Your feedback sounds encouraging. I think
I'll go ahead and purchase the card. Thanks again!

 

[skip]

I'm using XP Pro on a fast computer (3.2 GHz, 2 MB RAM). I want to convert
some imporant VHS clips to digital format and save to my hard disk. I also
want to occasionally record some live cable TV shows to my hard disk for
later viewing. I know I have to purchase a Video Capture Card w/ TV tuner to
do this. Before investing $150-200 on such a card, just wanted to get some
feedback from those of you with some experience on this. Is the technology
developed enough to make such recordings practical? I heard it could take
many hours just to convert a few minutes worth of VHS tape or live TV to
digital format. Thanks in advance.

Frank,
I think you would get a better response by visiting some of the NG's
that actually deal with the video capturing,
Here's one that I use a lot, seems to have some good info from other
questions.
microsoft.public.windowsxp.moviemaker

Dan (Still going in circles)