Philips DVDR 3390 - Can I capture to a PC with this recorder?

[muzicman82]

I have a Philips DVDR 3390. I'd like to, if possible, use it to capture DVDs to a PC using Firewire (i.Link). Does anyone know if this works? Can it be hacked to do such a thing?

If not, any cheap solutions around that can convert analog to DV without buying an expensive deck or camera?

Thanks!

[JohnnyMalaria]

Consumer level DVD recorders with FireWire are strictly for input only. i.e., you can take DV from a camcorder and record it to DVD. You can't play a DVD and get DV out of it.

As you suggest, you really need a DV camcorder with analog pass-through. You can find some bargains on eBay. Since you aren't interested in the camera function, any cheap one will do (though do verify it can do pass-through). I picked up a decent camcorder for $200. I just needed the LCD panel to repair a more expensive one. But now I have a fully functional analog-to-DV converter, too.

Alternatively, you can get converter boxes that do nothing but convert analog to DV and vice versa. Cost varies.

[muzicman82]

Can you suggest a converter box for under $200? I'd like it to have component and s-video. and of course, audio.

[JohnnyMalaria]

Datavideo DAC-200 for about $190.

http://www.dvwarehouse.com/Datavideo-DAC-200-Bi-Directional-Digital-to-Analog-Converto...V-p-32197.html

[Sean Nelson]

I'd like to, if possible, use it to capture DVDs to a PC using Firewire (i.Link).

Out of curiosity, is there some reason why you don't want to simply put the disc into the computer's DVD drive and read it directly?