Playback standalone VHS videotape player through PC

[kasfig]

Dear all
I would like to playback the vhs player not though the telly but through the computer or laptop. Please does anyone know if I can do this through the firewire port (perhaps there is a cable or adaptor that facilitates this ?) or alternatively through USB.
Any other suggestions would be gratefully received as well as advice on the above.
Yours with kind regards
Ian

[thecoalman]

You need a capture device either external or internal. If you're just looking to view TV and recording isn't priority a Leadtek 2000 is more than sufficient, it's pci card and cost about $50. It will capture video but there are better devices for capturing.

There are also external devices but those generally cost more, either firewire or USB.

Check under capture cards to the left.

[Video Head]

If you have a Digital Video Camera you can connect the VCR to the camera's input and connect the camera's output to your computer's FireWire port. The camera becomes a pass-through device.

VH

[Abond]

In general you need a device that would convert the analog signal from VHS to digital for computer.

[kasfig]

Dear All
Thank you for these suggestions I shall take em onboard and investigate further
Ian

[oldandinthe way]

Video to USB devices can be had for under $30 in the US. With a Pinnacle device often trading on Ebay for under $20. They include software to view or capture.

[kasfig]

Thanks for the latter advice also.
One thing I have tried is to connect a videotape vhs player to a portable dvd player and watch the tape on the dvd players screen.
(I connected the vhs player to it via the dvd players video-in socket.)
What I would like to know is if I do this again then connect the dvd player to the pc via the latters video-out port, would I be able to playback the videotape and watch it on the tv screen.
Any advice would be appreciated
Ian