live tv capture

[padasalgi]

I would like to know is it possible to copy/record/capture the live tv progrms to pc without the help/use of tv tunercard. If yes pl advise me the name of the card/software to be used for this purpose.I wish to record direct from tv

[SaSi]

If your TV has a Video Out port (either composite or S-Video or Scart), you can take video from the currently tuned channel.

If you have a video capture device (either a VGA with Video in, or an external USB capture device), connect the TV to that with the appropriate cable.

All VGA / external USB devices come with some sort of s/w to do capture. This would be your starting point.

With external USB devices, there are very few options in terms of s/w. With Video-In cards (either VGA or dedicated), any recording or capture program that supports Windows WDM drivers is suitable, so options are broader.

This is the general idea on capturing.

[thecoalman]

Why rule out a a capture card with a TV tuner? You can pick up a Leadtek 2000xp deluxe for $45.00 http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-122-132&depa=0 There's other products even cheaper but I have had good success with this one.

The capture quality isn't the absolute best but is acceptable. It comes with everthing you need to get started. You'll need something similar to this anyway. You can do it with it any capture card without a tuner by using your VCR as a tuner but at some point the signal needs to be converted to digital.

Note: I see you have Win 98se, I'm assumming your system isn't that fast. Capturing video of any sort requires quite a bit of computing horsepower. It can be done at a lesser quality with slower machines but expect to run into trouble.

[SaSi]

Actually, although I didn't mention it before, I also recommend against using a VGA card with Video In.

Not that the card will perform poorly. Some cards (ATI are famous for this), offer excellent capturing performance.

However, if you buy a new VGA with Video-In you will want it to be a good and modern design. For this you will pay a premium price. And will become obsolete in 6 months.

I have two such ASUS cards, my most recent one is a GeForce 4 MX440. Paid half the price of a PC when I bought it and by today's standards it is worth nothing.

So, separate the video capture functionality from the VGA. This is more cost efficient.

[jimmalenko]

While being slightly left field to what you are looking at, I can suggest getting either a ADVC-50, ADVC-55 or ADVC-100. I got one specifically for the purpose of transferring VHS but lately have been using it to capture live TV as I have the aerial plugged into my VCR. It costs a fair bit more but offers you the possibility to capture VHS and TV directly into DV format video.