I an trying to copy some VHS tapes to a CD-R via my Sony laptop. I
know I use the IEEE-1394 port on my laptop. But how do I connect that
to my VCR? I know I can get an IEEE-1394 cable, but that won't help me
much.

What I think I need is an adapter, so I can connect the cable from
Video-out jack on a standard VCR, to the cable connected to the
IEEE-1394 port on my laptop. Does such an adaptor exist?

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

You cannot hook up your firewire port directly to your VCR. You need
an analog to digital converter. Many digital cameras have these built
in  so if you own one or have a friend who has a digital camera ask
him/her if their camera has that funcionality. If not, there are a
couple of stand alone converters which I've listed below. These links
go to Bizrate which will get you the best price for them.

Canopus
http://bizrate.com/marketplace/search/search__cat_id--405,prod_id--6681795,de_id--200,keyword--canopus%20ADVC-100,prerd--1,ir--660.html

or

Dazzle Dv Bridge
http://bizrate.com/buy/products__keyword--dazzle%20dv%20bridge,cat_id--460102.html

Good luck! If you need more assistance please use the 'clarify answer'
option before rating this question. Thanks. -shiva777

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Clarification of Answer by shiva777-ga on 19 May 2003 19:04 PDT

ps. by digital camera I meant digital video camera. I know many of the
Canons have this feature.

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Request for Answer Clarification by mah60-ga on 20 May 2003 09:15 PDT

Wouldn't it be simpler to by a Digital VCR and hook that directly to
my laptop? Or won't old VHS tapes play on a Digital VCR?

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Clarification of Answer by shiva777-ga on 20 May 2003 16:45 PDT

I believe that most Digital VCR's do play regular vhs tapes although
that would be a more expensive option. I think that they start at
around $500 and can go much higher which is why I didn't mention it.
But of course if it's something that you would use in other ways it
might be a good choice for you.  -shiva777

Excellent answer!