Multimedia forum: How do I download vhs videotapes from my VCR to my PC ?

You asked for the BEST solution. I can't tell you that but will share I use an under 49 buck ATI or Hauppaugge PCI TV and capture card. The supplied software lets me capture and then I'm off to other software to edit, create the DVD.

Best of luck in your search for the BEST.

Bob

Hi,

In answer to your message, I've decided to do this by a rather expensive route - instead of using a video capture card or video capture device, after doing MUCH reseach on the net, I'm going to buy a special video converter called the Canopus ADVC-300. Not only does it convert vhs to digial, but it also enhances/cleans up the image; removes noise and stabilizes the image. The cost is goes from $450 - $550, depending on where you buy it from (search the net). This is the highest end "Pro-consumer" converter one can buy, and also the absolute best. I'm going with it because I require a very sharp image in my PC, because I want to add some CGI to the footage I have. Plus, I will be manipulating the footage also, probably with an effects software like Commotion.

Hope this helps. If not, I recommend going to a site called AfterDawn.com and reading the many messages in their Video Capture Forum. Lord, they have Tons of real experts chiming in, constantly.

Larry

Hi, I have used ADS DVD Xpress and also Pinnacle Studio MovieBox 9 USB 2.0 to transfer VHS tapes to my computer.There is a small box that is hooked up to your VHS tape recorder and then run a USB cable to your computer from the box. The box is a device to change analog video to digital video.Open the program, insert the VHS tape into your VCR, and play the tape. The tape gets copied onto your hard drive. When burning the video from your hard drive to a DVD make certain you have 2 hours or less video to copy because the DVD disk will only hold 2 hours of video. If your VHS tapes hold 2 hours or less of video, the ADS DVD Xpress can put the video directly onto a DVD.Hope this helps.