Converting an analogue video recording for you tube

[chrisrob]

I have an old video recording on VHS tape of a 7 minute slot on Breakfast time TV my class was involved in 12 years ago that I'd like to post on Friends Reunited (though suspect it'll have to be You Tube withj a link).

Can anyone tell me the easiest way to transfer the video to the correct format? What equipment do I need? What is the cheapest way of doing this?

Thanks

[ChuckFickens]

For a one off your easiest and cheapest option is to find a local company that will do it for you and pay them.

It's gonna be more expensive to purchase the video capture hardware required if you've not already got it.

[Ethel]

If you have a dvd recorder hooked up to your tv it is an easy thing to do (assuming your video player is connected as well).

But don't spend too much time or money on it - you don't own the copyright, and YouTube could very well be forced to remove it.

[pug100]

OK if you have a pc with Win XP or better you have half the kit already. Next you need to get from analogue to digital, this can be done using a digitiser such as this, some tv cards also feature an analogue input so you may aleady have this.

Maplins �20 but can be found cheaper if you look around. Thing to look for is composite video input, this is what your VHS produces.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=2 18064

The above will come with capture software too so that's got the vhs onto your pc. Now you need to clip it up using either win movie maker or a desktop editor of your choice.

Next you want to read through this lot to find out the limits and what file formats Youtube supports. They also do videos of how to do all this if you need extra help.


http://www.google.com/support/youtube/bin/topi c.py?topic=10521

The vid should be no more than 10 mins long or 1Gb in size. It can be in avi mov wmv or mpg.

[chrisrob]

Thanks for your replies. Very helpful. May try the Maplins digitiser.
I'm not sure about the copyright. I believed I was OK with this clip. BBC actually paid me for the interview but told me I was OK to record it: it's not the whole programme, just a 7 minute segment from Feb 1984 (got my dates wrong previously): It's nearly the 25th annversary. (At the time, was told BBC don't keep recordings of Breakfast time progs over a particular age.) This is quite historic - features some innovative computer use.