First time out doing vhs capture

[gargoyle_xlvii]

First time out doing vhs capture. So please bear with me and I will try and provide as much information as I can.

Capture card/device: Hauppauge Model 61111
Computer: homebuilt Thunder 1.0GHz, 256 Mb, WinXp Sp2
Software: WinTv2000, WinTv32 (both downloaded from Hauppauge)

The card is old but still useful to me. I have installed the card and run all of the driver and program installation programs. I have downloaded both the Quick set manual and the users manual for the card. However it does not give very much information on how to use the card.

I have even been able to capture some of an old vhs tape I have. So I know the equipment seems to work. The card only captures in avi.

My questions has to do with some of the Options available in both programs.
Example:
If I select WinTv Capture Configuration there are a number of items on the page.
Set Audio
Set Video

If I can only capture in avi what are these other items for??
I have more questions but will ask after I get some answers on this first.

[Krispy Kritter]

I'm not familiar with that software, but most software allows you to modify the recording settings. For video you can usually modify the resolution and bit rate among other things. This will have an affect on the quality of the captures. If you click on those tabs, you will see what can be changed.

Also, those pc specs are very low range, especially for video capture.

[Bjs]

Here you are :

http://www.hauppauge.com/html/avi_cap.htm

Those pc specs should be ok , just dont do anything while its capturing , and close any non-essential running task's ... as these are detrimental to the capture and cause issue's , such as audio sync , dropped frames .

Defrag the system will help .

Your other issue comes down too how much hard drive space you have ... you need room for

1: Captured file's
2: Encoded file's (to mpeg1/2 , mpeg4 , mov , mp4)
3: System reserved (recycle bin , system swap file space)