Analog/VHS/TV -----> Computer

[hecklernumber1]

Alright, before ya read any further understand im a newbie, don't know all the termanology, and not all that computer savvy..... sorry if this is wordy and rambling


Ok, in a nutshell I want to be able to transfer my VHS tapes to my computer so I can then burn them to DVD. I've already read the guides to change from analog but I'm still clueless. I don't have the funds to do/buy anything too expensive for my computer. I was browsing the internet figuring there was a simple solution. I found on Walmart's website things like Pinnacle PCTV Pro (which also looked good because it says it can record TV shows) and USB Instant Video CD but I have no clue if my computer is equipped with the requirements or even if they are worth buying.

To sum it up: I'm not sure what exactly a capture card is or if i have/need one. The same goes for a VGA card or sound card. Hell, there's prolly allot of other things to go along with these but I'll leave it at that.

If you have any guide of how to connect and record to my computer, opinions, explanation of what some of these things are, anyway to check if my comp has them, or even suggestion of what to buy (around $100), please feel free.......



What I have to work with that I know of:
-VCR (no S-Video)
-Somewhat new Dell (several USB ports, plenty of memory)
-VirtualDubMod
-Sonic 4.5 DVD software

[Tommyknocker]

Since you only have a VCR and a TV, I suggest you go with a WinTV Go card. About $50.00. It will capture your VHS and TV output to your computer. The rest of the money I would suggest buying a license for TMPGEnc Plus.

Virtual Dub is a great powerful little program to cut your teeth on. I still remember one of my first captures was when I had my camcorder pointed out my window at the the outside courtyard, and a dove flew by the window, and I captured it on my VDub. Too cool! Oh wait, yeah capturing. Anyway, your next investment should probably be a good burning program. I like Nero here.

In the meantime, read this guide, to teach you how to burn without buying a burner program until you can afford one. The three programs you will use in it are freeware.

Until then, keep us posted where you are in your experiences, the gurus here are friendly and knowledgeble, but do not like it when you have a problem and have not tried to fix it yourself first. So get your hands dirty (so to speak), if you have a problem, post everything you yourself tried to do to resolve it before asking for help. Title the post as descriptive as necessary (they hate just the title being "Help!").

That's all for now, have fun!

P.S. Keep away from Tgpo. I don't trust that kid!

[hecklernumber1]

ok. i have a few more questions, and some worse termanology.


1- The WinTV GO card, is it a chip that i have to install or is it a box-like device. I'm asking becuz I went to the Hauppauge website and found the WinTV PVR USB www.hauppauge.com/html/wintvpvrusb_datasheet.htm which will lead me to my next question......

2- On the Hauppauge products list, what is the main difference between the PVR's (WinTV PVR USB) and the section right below it Analog WinTV receivers & Video Capture (WinTV GO)?

3- What's the difference between USB and PCI?

4- You suggested for me to get TMPGEnc Plus, why?

5- I would prefer to keep my comp closed, not wanting to install a chip myself nor paying someone else to do it. Are there an soley external device I could hook up to do the job? Reading its description, the WinTV PVR USB seems like this. Any other external products like this that you may suggest? What do you think?

6- The requirement for the WinTV products include a sound card and a VGA card (PCI or AGP)? How can I check if I have these?


ahhhh, i guess thats all for now. hah, thanks for helping. appreciate it

[Tommyknocker]

ok. i have a few more questions, and some worse termanology.


1- The WinTV GO card, is it a chip that i have to install or is it a box-like device. I'm asking becuz I went to the Hauppauge website and found the WinTV PVR USB www.hauppauge.com/html/wintvpvrusb_datasheet.htm which will lead me to my next question......

It is a card, so to install it, you have to open your computer.

2- On the Hauppauge products list, what is the main difference between the PVR's (WinTV PVR USB) and the section right below it Analog WinTV receivers & Video Capture (WinTV GO)?

3- What's the difference between USB and PCI?[/quote]

USBs are usually box-like gadgets that you plug into a PC, PCI are card-like gadgets that you have to install on your system by opening it up.

4- You suggested for me to get TMPGEnc Plus, why?

It is easy to learn, and very hard to outgrow, as it does so much. I still believe it is a bargain.

5- I would prefer to keep my comp closed, not wanting to install a chip myself nor paying someone else to do it. Are there an soley external device I could hook up to do the job? Reading its description, the WinTV PVR USB seems like this. Any other external products like this that you may suggest? What do you think?

Yes, the PVR is an external device, and if you can get one for $100.00, would say go for it. I do not think you will be able to, and I did not suggest it because you did want to spend that much for it.[/quote]

6- The requirement for the WinTV products include a sound card and a VGA card (PCI or AGP)? How can I check if I have these?

You computer has to be able to provide this kind of sound. Most can.

ahhhh, i guess thats all for now. hah, thanks for helping. appreciate it.

No problem.

[hecklernumber1]

im back. last question for now, promise.

just to clear up. what is a VGA card (PCI or AGP)? is that a type of sound card, too?