What would I need to convert a VHS tape to a file I could use on my PC?

[roccenstein]

I have some old family videos that I'd like to convert over to dvd, as well as maybe posting a few clips online (for out of state family members, etc).  The videos are all on VHS tapes.  What would I need, hardware and software-wise, to upload or save the videos to my PC?

[Geek-9pm]

You want a video capture device. That are sold desperately if you want to save some money. Or just buy a new video card that has video capture built in.
http://reviews.cnet.com/graphics-cards/

Another way is you use a USB device that can capture the output from you VCR and send it to your screen. Like the other devices mentioned it also will let you record to a hard drive.
There are lots of them. Quality and price vary a lot.
Google "USB video capture."

[squall_01]

there are a good number of ways to go about this know.  First you can get a vcr +dvd player/bunner, you just play the tape and it will record to the dvd.  Second you can get a conveter which takes the signal out of the vhs turns it to digital allows for editting and saving it to a format you want an then possibly sending it back out if you wanted.   Havent done this stuff in a while but there.

[roccenstein]

I have a TV tuner with a coax jack, would that work, or does it have to be a video capture card?  I'm reluctant to spend a chunk of money on something that I will no longer need once I'm done transferring the tapes.

Also, I know about the vcr/dvd combo decks, but I want the video on my PC so I can edit it.

[hejlik]

You can get a video capture card for $20 or less. 


I did this to all my old VHS tapes a couple years back.  Hooked a VCR up to the capture card and sat for hours recording all the tapes.  Then I burnt them onto dvd's.

[squall_01]

thats what I'm wanting to do, have yet to do it.  I wonder can you get them in pci?  I was thinking of getting a machine geared for other use but can do this with it as well.  Any way, can't he get like a program then?  Doesnt Movie Maker have a record feature?

[truenorth]

roccenstein, I continue to use this http://www.adstech.com/products/USBAV-709-EF/intro/USBAV-709_intro.asp?pid=USBAV-709-EF with great results. I am also using (on another computer ) a very similar product by a company called "cameramate" using software called "propix'. I have 2 direct to DVD from VHS recorders and i don't experience the same level of video quality as the hardware capture devices i have listed above.truenorth

[roccenstein]

Just thought I'd let you all know, my previously installed TV tuner card worked as a video capture device.  I simply connected the VCR by coax cable to the TV card, opened the program I use to watch TV, pushed play on the VCR, and there it was.  The card I have in case anyone is interested is the Pinnacle PCTV HD PCI card, and I'm using the TV Center Pro software that came with it.

Thanks for all the suggestions!

[squall_01]

I had a feeling that he could glad that it was that easy 

[roccenstein]

^Yeah, and the nice thing about it if you're wanting to transfer video files this way is that if you put out the money to buy this (around $80 when I bought mine), you'll have a TV tuner on your PC afterward, rather than a dedicated video capture device that you might never use again.

[squall_01]

I see an know what you mean, I got an external converter that I havent used in a while.  Plan to use it again soon not sure were but the signal is kind of bad when it shows on the monitor.

[roccenstein]

That's definitely another plus with the TV tuner, the picture from the VCR was just as good as when it's connected to a regular TV.

[squall_01]

I suppose its coax, I have to feed mine threw the yellow-white and red then attach it via usb