Which Capture Device To Do The Job ?

[Jane4666]

I purchased and installed software from Golden Video, in order to start transferring my old VHS tapes to DVD. Their website listed 14 different capture device products they recommend, ranging in price from $40. up. I have no idea which one to choose. Do you have any recommendations ? The software was almost $40. I don't want to put an awful lot more money into this project, since I'll only use it a half dozen times or less.

[Brad]

You made a poor decision by buying software before hardware. Many, if not all, of the capture devices on their list actually come with their own software to capture the VHS to your computer. Is there any way you can get a refund?

I like the Diamond VC500. It's available on Amazon for 8 bucks less than that site.

[Bjs]

For the price of the software you could have bought a capture device which comes with its own software and saved a few dollars.

Internal pci would be avermedia dvd ezmaker pci gold, product still available but newer version is usb.

I only know the pci version has no issues with macrovision

Usb version on amazon

[Jane4666]

Agreed, I made a poor decision. I didn't know a thing about the subject, and made the best move I could at the time. I discovered, AFTERWORD, that other companies offered the software free with the hardware. I doubt very much the company will give me a refund -- on a downloadable product. But I sure would like to get a refund. What do you think my chances are, and how would I go about it ?

[DB83]

Tell 'em it does not work with your capture device (the non-existant one)

[jman98]

Tell 'em it does not work with your capture device (the non-existant one)

If the company is too big to be bothered with one person complaining, that will work. If they're small and need every sale they can get, that won't work. The OP can then expect to be asked "What capture device do you have?" followed by attempts to help the OP get it working. I wouldn't expect the OP to be able to realistically lie her way out of that one.

[DB83]

I know. But over here we have 'distant selling' laws which compell a seller to refund if a product is not up to scratch. Should not matter if its a download or a disc version.

[Jane4666]

Hmmm, yeah. I'm not a very good liar. Guess I'll just have to write it off. I wish I hadn't forgotten that I joined this forum last year. Otherwise, while trying to figure it out, I sure would have asked about something I knew nothing about -- here. Oh well, moving on, I will check out the product suggestions made here. Thanks, guys.

[jman98]

I know. But over here we have 'distant selling' laws which compell a seller to refund if a product is not up to scratch. Should not matter if its a download or a disc version.

I get that, but let's be honest. "I shouldn't have bought this" is not the same thing as "Your crappy software doesn't work". It's up to UK attorneys to decide if the law is vague enough to cover "Oh crap. It was a mistake to buy this." or not. In the USA I feel pretty confident that this approach would not work. Or to restate it, I doubt you can hide behind "Your software is broken so refund my money" when there is no evidence at all that it is actually broken and the real problem is buyer's remorse.

[DB83]

Ok. Maybe we should be constructive to the OP. We do not know what this software is so can hardly recommend a capture device for it.

There is always a chance that the version offered 'free' with a device is a cut-down/limited usage version.

[Jane4666]

Ok, I've been reading and watching You Tube. The Diamond vc 500 has an editor. And it has its own software. The AverMedia co38 EZ Maker >>> I need one with software. I'm not going to try to match hardware to the Golden Video software I foolishly bought. That could be an exercise in futility. But there are 2 required criteria my research has not turned up. >>> 1. It must support 64 bit. 2. I REALLY would like it if it also captures AUDIO. (Golden Video does not.) vaporeon800 : Does your Diamond capture audio ?

[DB83]

I'll ask again. What EXACTLY have you bought ?. You talked about 'software' and now you mention capturing with no audio. This really does confuse matters.

[Jane4666]

DB83 >>> An Australian company, NCH has the product Golden Video - VHS to DVD Converter, v. 3.00 (referenced above) . That is the software I bought. I have read, in a review, that this software does NOT capture audio. Video only. I am now looking for a hardware product that includes software to run it.

It must support 64 bit, and it must capture audio, as well as video. I have been unable to find this information elsewhere.

I look forward to hearing back from vaporeon800, in regard to his/her personal experience with Diamond vc 500. Does it support 64 bit, and does it capture audio ?

[smrpix]

I have read, in a review, that this software does NOT capture audio.

According to their website it does. (Screenshot 2) Though if that's true, it would seem to be a perfectly good reason to ask for a refund.

http://www.nchsoftware.com/goldenvideos/screenshots.html

[DB83]

smrpix appears to have beatem me to this but it is worth repeating:

From the website :-

Software Refund Policy

Refund Policy Statement

NCH Software offers a no-nonsense 30-day money back policy. If you are unhappy with your software for any reason within 30 days from purchase, please contact us at www.nch.com.au/support for a full money back refund.

[Jane4666]

smrpix >>> thanks for the link. I do see the capture sound button there, so it must have audio. Looks like I read a faulty review. Can't seem to trust reviews like I used to.

[Jane4666]

DB83 >>> Would you believe THIS day is the 30th day since I bought it ? Before I started talking to you guys, I was trying to register for the NCH Golden Video forum, so I could get guidance there. After 12 tries at the anti-spam code entry, I gave up. Maybe I can get to someone in technical support for guidance on which hardware to choose. You mentioned that the free - software - included products may be "cut-down, limited usage". Maybe so. At any rate, this will all come out in the wash, eventually.