Need held on building a computer to transfer VHS to DVD

[Scuda]

I'm planning on building a new computer with the idea of converting the 40+ hours of VHS home movies of the kids growing up onto DVD. I would like to get some recommendations in five areas on what I should purchase. I'm planning on using XP for an OS (good idea?). First, I have read that a slow CPU can cause dropped frames. I assume faster is better but what is the slowest I should go? Second, what's the minimum amount of Ram and what is the best type to go with? Third, what size of second HD should buy? Model #? Fourth, and possibly most important, what capture card should I go with? Stay away from? Last but not least, media. What type is best/cheapest to start with. I have bought a Cendyne CDICD00209 for a DVD writer. Specific recommendations for all five areas would be greatly appreciated. I have read all of the reviews but I want a recommendation based upon my particular needs. Also, my son and daughter will be using the computer for the Internet and gaming.
I have spent many hours reading the different "How to..." guides. The more I've read the more confused I've gotten. There is just so much information on this site. What I would appreciate it if somebody could let me know what steps I have to take, using what software (which should I buy?), to get from plugging my VCR (should I buy a specific type?) into capture card, to writing the DVD. That way I know exactly which "How to... " guides I should be reading. Thanks

[vermilion]

I'm thinking you should get a P4 2.4 with at least 512 PC 2700 RAM (DDR 333) and you'll probably need an 80 gig HD.

[trillium]

I can't make a whole lot of recommendations, but what I can tell you is what I am using for capturing with no dropped frames and have had very good results converting them and burning to DVD

System: You can check my profile, but I'm only running on a 750 (granted it TAKES a long time BUT it's a dedicated machine AND it was made from spare parts prior to knowing if I wanted to dedicate to video->DVD conversion.)

The drives I am using, I have an old 20 GB dedicated to program installation and OS. A Western Digital 80 GB SE (8 MB buffer) acts as my capture drive.

As far as capture card (noticing that you are doing much the same as I tape -> DVD) I will highly recommend the Canopus ADVC-100.
I myself am using the unit with both a Beta VCR and a VHS one in order to capture old movies Mom recorded from TV that aren't either on or not available on DVD. While my process for conversion from tape to DVD is still in the works for a 'test run' it can be done with freeware until you get to the burn stage (I burned using Nero and it worked fine on my standalone).

Hope this helps!!!

[Xtasy2002]

There are so many factors involved in what you are trying to do, you really only have 2 choices. You can either A) Completely research the entire issue yourself, and build a system custom tailored around the huge number of variables involved in doing something like this, including making sure that each piece of hardware will be compatable or B) Just take someone else's existing setup and duplicate it for yourself.

Option B is obviously the easiest way to go, since people who are pro at this and have been doing it for some time have already done the research for you. You will be surprised at the number of things you need to keep in mind with this type of capture which includes macrovision, high encoding times for video, huge file sizes for captured video, capture quality, and much more. It took me a good 2 weeks just to do the research on all variables and come up with a final purchase that I was 100% certain would work properly. With that in mind I will tell you what I have on my system:

Athlon 1700+
Gigabyte GA-7VRX MB
256MB PC2100 Ram
Visiontek Xtasy Everything 5564 Capture System
2 Maxtor 7200RPM HD (60GB & 80GB)
Windows 2000 Pro
Pioneer DVR-A04 DVD Burner

All of the above hardware can still be purchased retail at a low price. If you throw a good TV (27" or higher, HDTV recommended) on to the video board you have monitor/TV video out. And I also recommend a good stereo system thrown on to the line-out of the sound card for great sound.

If you go with the above I suggest you buy it all retail box, not OEM. For the free software that comes bundled will save you a lot of money. Even so, you will need to buy the following software to be complete:
TMPGenc Plus (Purchased) - Encode captured avi to MPGs.
Sonic DVD-It (Purchased) - Encode captured avi to DVD's.
Picvideo MJPeg codec (Purchased) - Capture Cable TV.

and then Download some free stuff:
Huffyuv codec (free) - Capture VHS.
Virtual Dub (free) - Capture video.
Divx 5.0.2 codec (free) - playback d/l video files.

I don't suggest you go any lower than 1.2GHZ CPU or Athlon 1400+. It will take you FOREVER to encode your VHS tapes. If you want the highest possible quality, you must use Huffyuv to capture, and that will take at least 30GB per video tape, often more. You should have at least 100GB free HD space esp. if you have any longer VHS tapes like Dannielle Steele movies or titanic, etc.

As for capture cards, there *are* better cards on the market for higher money if you're just doing 'capture' and nothing else. But if you're doing the 'Home Theatre' setup, which is quite possible with the type of hardware you're going to need, you should stick with the Xtasy card. The reason is the breakaway box moves all the TV related components out of the PC. There is simply no other TV capture board on the market that has a clearer PC -> TV processing system. I can virtually use my 27" TV as a 2nd monitor without any fuzz or distortion at all caused by an in-system video board.

As for the burner you could go DVR-A05 unit, next generation, for a little extra speed. Your choice. A04 works just as good, a bit slower, but a lot cheaper.

512MB ram is a myth and won't do anything to speed up your encoding times. It's all CPU dependant. If you can afford more than 256MB ram, go for it. But don't sweat over it.

[marvel2020]

Have a look at My PC Specs, It hasn't let me down when capturing from VHS.

Check my Computer Details.