[dfr200764]

Hi

We have a lot of old videos which would like to preserve by digitising them and storing to the hard drive on my computer (initially). As we so rarely use the VCR these days and because of its age I would like to try and save some of the stuff we have. How can I do it ? Do I have to first transfer form Videotape to DVD using a DVD/VCR recorder (which I dont have but I know somebody who does !) or can you get a lead that takes audio/video-S or SCART input from a VCR and gives output via a USB 2.0 port to the computer ?? OS by the way is vista.

Thanks



Dean

[zerocool]

I have done something like this myself, I used a analogue tv tuner card and plugged the vcr into it, found a problem tho, if your trying to copy a pre-recorded video it comes out in black and white because of the copyright on the video. I was never able to get round this but I never really spent anytime trying to get round it. Remember tho you can only keep the films on your hard drive as long as you have the original video, if you get rid of the original you will have to get rid of the copy on your hard drive or it will be considered piracy and not a backup.

[Daveskater]

Zerocool has made the same suggestion that I was going to - get a TV tuner and plug the VCR into it with an RF lead.

On the bottom of VHS tapes, there's a little tab that prevents it from being overwritten, and may help with the black and write thing. If the tab is missing, put some tape on to cover the hole and you'll be sorted

[AL P]

get a TV tuner and plug the VCR into it with an RF lead.

what is a "TV tunner" and a "RF" lead??..
and how/where does this connect to a computor? (what port ect?)
I have a couple oldf amily gatherings videos, I`ve been wanting to somehow load on my comp..then to CD, but have had no clue how this could be done?
I had a guy at a local electronics store, mention some unit for around $70, that would allow me to transfer my video tapes to my comp..but I`ve never followed upon that info??

Not sure how important..but I`m working with a old comp, but have windows EX pro OS on it....

thanks..
AL

[Daveskater]

A TV tuner for your POC comes as a PCI card, so basically just about any computer ever made in the last 10 or so years can have one put in.

Here's a picture of one:


the big silver things that stick out of the back are the same as the aerial connection on the back of your TV, and a cable that fits these connections is called an RF lead.



They're really cheap - the one in that picture is 73p.

What you will have to do, if you use these parts, is get the VCR and connect and RF lead from the aerial out to the aerial in on the PCI card. You will then have to play something in the VCR and tune the PCI card into it.

[AL P]

THANKS!!...I understand completly!!

Now, if I may ask one more question..well..maybe two..
Is there a chance..that I could find a unit that would work with a older computor with a 350 MHz processor?? (AMD -K6(tm) 3D processor.) how pathetic..LOL

Anyway, I also have a 500mhz processor on hand I could throw in right quick..so what about a 500??
would it be posible?

or are these so close in size, it really would`nt matter/help much throwing the 500mhz processor in?

Thanks again for the info!!!

AL

[zerocool]

You can get a card that will work with your current spec, I found one at www.ebuyer.com (http://www.ebuyer.com/product/54154/...ctype=extended) this cards minimum requirements is a 300mhz processor, 64 Meg ram and windows 98 second edition, you will need plenty of hard drive space tho as video files tend to be quite large

[Daveskater]

No problem, mate, it's what I'm here for

I'm not quite sure how the AMD K6 compares to a P2, but they're probably the same level if you know what I mean.

You could put the 500mhz CPU in if you wanted, so long as it's the same socket as the current CPU. So if it's another AMD K6, you'll be ok

[AL P]

Yes its another AMD...

thanks again guys for all the info..as soon as I get a little extra money to pick up the parts I need, I`ll give it a shot and let ya know how it went..

AL