Having problems capturing from VCR

[Confused Chimp]

I have to admit I'm feeling somewhat inept, I've managed to capture from my cam corder without a problem. I've now tried to connect up a VCR to my computer and not been able to receive a signal and can't figure out why???
At the computer end I'm using a XFX Nvidia Geforce 7800GT, using the composite in and on the VCR I'm using a SCART out that normally goes to a TV and using a connection box thingy, converting it to red, white (audios) and yellow (video) composite connections which I am them connecting to the computer, but when I play the video nothing comes through to the computer.
Anyone got any suggestions?
Cheers
CC

[kadzbiz]

I don't know the properties of the XFX 7800GT, but I doubt that it is a capture card, which is what you need. You need also a program that captured as well, virtualdub and other software work well. In addition, I personally use the ADVC-100 to capture my VHS stuff. Once I've captured it, I use Womble Video Wizard to edit. I started this thread https://forum.videohelp.com/topic324726.html ages ago that helped me a lot. Hope it helps you. Good luck. You're attempting the first part of a difficult job, the next part is putting the edited movie to dvd. FYI there are plenty of good threads on here that will help you. You probably didn't need to start your own post. Please check next time.

[thecoalman]

Is that a VIVO card?

If not you need a capture card.

If it is use the software tht came with it for capture and make sure you select the correct input( i.e composite/s-video) in the capture software configuration.

[Richard_G]

Is the connection box 'thingy' intended to convert to scart IN or OUT? It may be that while you have a signal coming out of the VCR on the (presumably) scart to scart lead, the converter is connecting the scart IN pins to the phono leads and not the scart OUT pins. Remember too, that even if you think you might have it right, it can be the wrong way round. If, as I suspect, you are using a scart to scart lead, the video/audio OUT pins at the end plugged into the VCR, will be connected to the video/audio IN pins at the TV end. Consequently, if your adapter is switchable, it needs to be switched to the IN position even though you are looking for an OUT signal.

Why does scart cause so many people problems?????

[Confused Chimp]

Is the connection box 'thingy' intended to convert to scart IN or OUT? It may be that while you have a signal coming out of the VCR on the (presumably) scart to scart lead, the converter is connecting the scart IN pins to the phono leads and not the scart OUT pins. Remember too, that even if you think you might have it right, it can be the wrong way round. If, as I suspect, you are using a scart to scart lead, the video/audio OUT pins at the end plugged into the VCR, will be connected to the video/audio IN pins at the TV end. Consequently, if your adapter is switchable, it needs to be switched to the IN position even though you are looking for an OUT signal.

Why does scart cause so many people problems?????

Thanks for the suggestion Richard, I hadn't thought of that. The converter box is one I've taken from my xbox, as it outputs to red, white and yellow phono plugs and uses the adapter to convert to scart to plug into the TV. I haven't thought that the converter may only be a one direction converter. This is probably where my problem lies. Maybe I'll have to buy another converter.
Are the converters usually one way for scart?

In reply to the others. my video card is a VIVO card and I know it works fine as I've used the VIVO input with virtualdub to capture footage from my cam corder and also play my xbox on my pc both through the composite phono input plug. which is why I couldn't figure out why the VCR's picture wasn't working.
Cheers
CC

[Richard_G]

The converter box is one I've taken from my xbox, as it outputs to red, white and yellow phono plugs and uses the adapter to convert to scart to plug into the TV. I haven't thought that the converter may only be a one direction converter. This is probably where my problem lies. Maybe I'll have to buy another converter.
Are the converters usually one way for scart?

They have to be one way, or are switchable like this one http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?TabID=1&ModuleNo=28102&doy=29m5 . You may find it easier to get hold of something like this http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?TabID=1&ModuleNo=13372&doy=29m5 , my local Tesco Extra has them on the shelf (and cheaper than Maplin).