how do i transfer movies on vhs to divx

[xeretni]

because of skool, im going to be without a tv for awhile, so in order to get my movie fix during the semester :P , i was wondering if there is any way that i can transfer movies i have on vhs to divx. these are movies that i have bought (i understand this might be a problem) as well as movies that i recorded from tv.

im thinking the best way to go would be to use my video card and just capturing the video as it plays. just wondering if this is a recommended way to go, and if so (or not) what do you suggest and what software should i use

system specs:
intel 750 hz
256 k ram
asus cusl2-c moboard
ati radeon 64ddr vivo video card (has video input and output??)
dual boot xp and 98se

also, not sure if this is ok to ask, but is it possibel to transfer dvd to divx using something like an on-the-fly recording method

[KingJohn]

Well I guess you know how to use the card, so why not use it and try a few captures, if you have problems let us know. If you only want to store them on your PC yes you can capture direct to a DivX codec, just select one on the compression list. Try it, then try another, depending on what the source is, you may find some are better than others.

When you happy with the quality, the compression can be changed to produce a smaller file, but at the same time, the quality will also be lowered, experiment to see which is best. If your card is good at capturing mpeg1 then you could use that, if your not happy with the size of the mpeg, you could always convert it later.

To copy DVD's you need to use a DVD ripper program like smartripper, it will copy to the hard drive (and bypass the protection) then you need to work on the files to convert them to .mpg or AVI

Better still get a part time job for the holidays, and stop wasting time watching movies

[CryptKeeper]

if you're going to copy vhs
one thing I suggest is looking into getting a video stabilizer
as ati video cards come with macrovision on the input and output

without that stabilizer
your video capture will either change colors
or keep producing the same frame for a while and then continue from there

tho do try the capture first to see if it does that