VCR to computer transfer

[curtis21]

I want to copy the contents of my many VCRs to the computer. What do I need to do this? I'm on Windows XL with Service pack 2. It will play DVDs.

[vehelpfulguy]

I have never done this but I understand you need a Video Capture Card.

This can either be a card that fits inside your PC case, or an external "box" that plugs into your PC.

You then plug the VCR into this capture card or capture box.

Dazzle are one company that make these, like this

http://www.amazon.com/Dazzle-Multimedia-DM-700 0-Digital-Creator/dp/B00005UK8H

Note that Video copied to PC uses up a LOT of hard disk space so if you plan to start doing video editing you need something like a 250Gb hard disk.

I assume you are going to make DVDs out of these Videos, and if so you also need a DVD writer (you do not make it clear if you have one already)

[vehelpfulguy]

If you simply want to copy your VCRs onto DVD with no video editing then a better solution is as follows.

Buy a device that combines a VHS players AND DVD recorder in the same box, like this (just an example)

http://www.anything-direct.com/rm_direct/image s/sanyo/dvrv100e.jpg

You can then just put a Video in the VHS slot, a blank DVD in the DVD slot.

Press PLAY on the VHS and Record on the DVD.

Simple.

As I said, fine if you do not want to do any editing.

[HWKE]

I agree with vehelpfulguy. I was faced with the same problem and already had a video capture card. It tied up my computer and used a great deal of my hard drive space. I bought a combined VCR and DVD recorder and record onto DVD RW discs. If I want to edit the DVDs afterwards, I do it using my computer.

[curtis21]

My thanks to both of you for your prompt response and helpful comments. I have been considering buying a 250GB for some time and so this will be my opportunity!
I'll now start to search the net for the Video Capture Card.
The closest I can get the VCR to my computer is approx 20 metres - do you think I can buy connecting cable this length? Buying a combined video/DVD player is out of the question as I've just bought a new DVD recorder.

[Ethel]

You have a dvd recorder. You have all the equipment you need to transfer your videos to dvds.

I have connected my video player and my dvd recorder to the tv.

By setting the dvd to record AV2 I can record my videos onto blank dvds easily and quickly. Far far less complicated than doing it via pc.

[curtis21]

Thanks Ethel, it worked - it's sorted.
All I need now is a video capture device for editing.
My next job is to scan the net for a suitable product.
Regards..Curtis

[LeMarchand]

Curtis: try this software, it's free and while I haven't had a chance to thoroughly test it, it did seem to edit the files that my DVD recorder created: http://www.geocities.com/rocketjet4/ . I had difficulty getting it from there (work blocks Rapidshare and the alternate seemed down) but the mirror at VideoHelp was fine: http://www.videohelp.com/tools/Mpg2Cut2 .

I recorded from the VCR to the DVDR and then put the disc in my PC. The program seems to be fine for editing the VOB files that the DVDR created. The resulting mpegs can then be used to author a new DVD.

It's not the glossiest program, but it was the best value one that had the right functionality that I found. I actually have an older version - just updating! My video in card is now almost redundant!

[curtis21]

I must apologies to you LeMarchand for not replying sooner. The fact is that I still haven't found a way to download the programs you mentioned. I get so far and I am asked to UPLOAD something ! I'll continue to try over the next few days.
Regards.
Curtis.

[LeMarchand]

Hi - didn't notice your addition. (The AB system doesn't seem very efficient...). The VideoHelp link seems fine. Try clicking this: http://download.videohelp.com/download/mpg2cut 2_7318_libmmd_mpalib.zip

It should automatically download a zip file. Virus Scan it (you shouldn't need to, but it's always good practise) and extract it. You don't need to install the prog as such, just click on it's executable. If you use it a fair bit it might be worth storing the folder in "Program Files" and setting up a desktop and/or start menu shortcut.

[curtis21]

My sincere apologies LeMarchand for not replying before now. I have tried the links you have suggested but become totally confused. I guess what I am trying to do is beyond the abilities of this silver surfer. Many thanks for trying to help. Best regards, Curtis.