I want to convert my VHS tapes to VCD. I have a CD-RW drive. Is it possible (or easy enough) to somehow connect my VCR to the computer without resorting to buying the USB Instant DVD which I cannot afford. I have USB Ports and serial ports.

I am very new to this so forgive my naivety. If it is possible, what cables/leads do I need and where do i plug them in ??

Thanks

-- naddine (naddie8@hotmail.com), May 12, 2002

Answers

You need a video card (with the red, yellow, and white plugs)

-- James Lake (JamesLake05@yahoo.com), May 14, 2002.

You'll need to buy a TV card for your PC which will capture the output from your VCR. ATI make several different ones for a reasonable price (I have the ATI Wonder VE which cost about $45). This comes with all the software you'll need to capture the audio/video in the format of your choice (i.e. MPEG1 and MPEG2).

The trouble is the cost can then escalate because to make a good job of it you'll want to edit the video (i.e. cut out the bad bits, put up banners, mix in some music etc. etc.). I use MGI Videwave 5 and it does a good job for me (costs about $65 with a $35 cashback).

Finally, you'll need CD burning software which I assume you've already got (e.g. Nero). This allows you to make a menu for the start of the VCD so that you can list all the scenes. Believe me the final result is well worth it but it is time consuming.

-- David Fullbrook (dfullbrook@iname.com), May 14, 2002.

Go to

http://www.belkin.com/

and search for

f5u208

~m

-- ~m (mtekayo@yahoo.com), May 23, 2002.

I have just gotten into changing home videos of the kids into vcd format i use dazzle video capture card , but all i can say is good luck . you need plenty of hard drive space. and be very careful where your video defaults to , because i had lost 18 gigs in my main harddrive the first time i did it so to avoid that problem i went out and installed a second hard drive of 40 gigs so i wouldn't have the same problem. it is all worth it when you are done.

-- cb (sparky92@ptd.net), August 15, 2002.

from daniel Like David F. said above, buy the ATI tv wonder VE $49 it goes inside your PC, and it has the composite imputs so you can hook up your VCR. after you record into mpeg or avi use TMPge (free) to cut the mpeg file if you like. then use nero. Dont use external devices because they might not be good enough. Thats how i do my work without spending too much money.

-- daniel b (NONE@NONE.COM), August 28, 2002.

FOR ABOUT 69.00 DOLLARS YOU CAN GO TO TIGERDIRECT,COM AND GET THE ADS INSTANT VIDEO CD IT HAS THE ADAPTOR AND THE SOFTWARE IT IS THE EASIEST WAY OR THE APDECTIC VIDEO CD CREATOR HAS DEVICE FOR USB AND SOFTWARE FOR SAME PRICE TAKE YOUR OICK WITH A LITTLE PRACTICE AND EDITING IT MAKES ALL YOUR MOVIES ON VCR BETTER

-- Randall P. Krause (rpkenterprises@tri-lakes.net), November 05, 2002.

AND ALL THE TIME YOUR LIKE THIS c===(''')=8 WAEHAE. HAHAHAHAHA

-- dfsbgdfghdfmn (fcghjh@SFRTGHTHGKJFG.com), January 03, 2004.