Dear mrsneaky-ga,
To achieve this, you require a video capture device and software to
drive it; several are available. The capture software itself is
normally shipped along with the device.
One integrated solution, a kit containing the
required hardware and software, is available from Dazzle:
"The Dazzle Digital Video Creator 80 is the ultimate video connector
for camcorders featuring built-in audio/video ports and easy to use
video editing software. Capture video from a camcorder, TV or VCR.
Dazzle MovieStar 5 lets you capture and edit your video, cutting out
unwanted scenes, adding 3D transitions, titles, background audio,
voice over narrations and Hollywood-style special effects. MovieStar 5
also lets you share your video on Video CD, S-VCD, DVD, video email or
by Webcasting it across the Internet. Dazzle DVD Complete software
allows you to take your edited videos and add interactive menus, burn
directly to a DVD disc and even design your own DVD disc labels and
jewel case inserts. Dazzle OnDVD gives users the ability to create a
photo slideshows that can be burned to CD for playback on a DVD
Player."
- Dazzle Digital Video Creator 80
http://www.dazzle.com/products/dvc80.html
It will let you import video from your VHS tapes to AVI format, and
the included software supports converting this to MPEG, DVD or Video
CD formats if desired.
This particular solution is priced at $69.99, direct from the
manufacturer.
Another solution is available from Pinnacle Systems. Their recommended
home product is the LINX Video Input Cable (USB Plus):
"Easy Video Capture…No Hardware to Install
Don't worry about having to install a video capture card inside your
PC! Just plug the Pinnacle LINX video input cable into an open USB
port, and you're ready to capture video from your digital or analog
camcorder, VCR, Webcam or other input source."
- http://www.pinnaclesys.com/ProductPage.asp?Product_ID=521&Langue_ID=2
This solution also comes with video editing software, and will produce
AVI output which can then be converted to your desired format. It is
also priced at $69.99, again direct from the manufacturer.
While these hardware/software solutions should be all you need to
import your video into your PC, I should mention that video capture
tends to be hungry for memory, and especially for disk space - if your
PC doesn't meet or only barely meets the requirements listed for these
products, you're unlikely to get good results, so there may be some
additional costs involved with upgrading to that point.
Also, you may need to obtain an additional cable to connect the video
capture device to your VCR. Without knowing which device you'll select
and the details of your VCR's connectors I can't really specify that
at this time, but if needed, that should be easily and cheaply
available from your local electronics or hardware store.
If this answer isn't quite what you're looking for, please feel free
to request a clarification,
cerebrate-ga |
