How to convert VCR tape to digital video file?

VCRs output analog signals. To convert it to digital movie you need something that knows how to capture the analog input and convert it to digital output in whatever format. This converter can be a “TV capture” card that goes into a PCI slot in your computer or there are external capture devices that can connect to your computer through USB (v2.0, USB v1 is too slow for satisfying quality), some devices use Firewire.

These capture devices, whatever external or internal, usually come with software that will let you do simple format conversion, storing in your desired format and maybe some minimal editing capabilities.

Just for example, leadtek produces WinFast TV USB device that has decent reviews (and there are plenty of other companies that manufacture these, of course).

You can find many more alternatives for capture devices on videohelp.

I had this issue last year when i wanted to convert my best friend's step-sister's son's wedding video from video to dvd. Actually, it came from super 8 which we transferred to video. Problem was it also had to be converted from PAL to NTSC too.

Anyway, once in video we up-sampled the VHS with a USB video "dongle". A dongle is like a little computer in the plug. You can buy a dongle on amazon.com.

Connect your VCR to the cable dongle and then plug the dongle into your PCMCIA slot of your computer. If you don't have a PCMCIA slot, then get a dongle-to-PCMCIA cross-over adaptor from buy.com.

 Then push play on your VCR and ctrl-alt-delete on your PC. When the task manager comes up, click shut down. After your PC reboots (this installs the dongle drivers), then just bring up Windows Media Player and hit record.

This will create a file on your desktop that contains your VCR tape!

Viola!

as i know, you have to download its special programme

comment posted by canon