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General discussion

Digital camcorder to convert VHS tape to PC for DVD burn

Jul 10, 2005 12:29PM PDT

I cannot figure out what cord I need to do this. I have a JVC GR-DVL 120 DIGITAL VIDEO CAMCORDER, I want to use my VCR to play tapes and then run the wires from the VHS (STANDARD INPUT/OUTPUT and S-video jacks). THe camcorder has AV and S -Video. I am thinking if I get an S-Video cable, I can run that between the VCR and the Camcorder, then hook the camcorder to my pc. Will this work? I dont want to spend the cash on an S-Video cable unless I think it will work. Any suggestions? Also is there specific S-Video cables, I read somewhere that I need the Sony . . .

I am using Windows Movie Maker to capture the input.

Thank You

Discussion is locked

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You can't with what you've got
Jul 10, 2005 10:55PM PDT

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but in order to play tapes in a vcr and run them through a digital camcorder for output to a computer, the camcorder must have s-video or av inputs. Your camera only has s-video or av outputs, used for sending from the camera to the vcr or tv.

Also, some cameras have the inputs but don't support analog to digital pass-through (which is what you are describing). With these cameras you input from the vcr and record it to the tape in the camera, and then output it to the computer.

Without the inputs, you can't do either one.

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Reply
Jul 11, 2005 3:31PM PDT

Do you know this because of the camera model I have? It mentions in the book that you can transfer to another digital device, but I guess what you are saying, is because my vcr is not digital it will not work? Or do you know it will not work due to my camera make and model?

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No you cannot run video through your camera to PC
Jul 11, 2005 5:12PM PDT

Hello,

After looking over the manual to your JVC GR-DVL120U camcorder, there is no way for your camera to accept an incoming signal from a audio/video source and then send the signal out to another recorder, PC or otherwise. In order for that to work you would need to have a audio/video "in" which does not exist on your model, only a composite video, left/right and S-Video "out".

Your best bet is to purchase a video capture card for $50 and install it into your computer. Or you can purchase $98+ stand alone DVD recorder. Then you simply run a video and left/right audio cable to it and record.

If you need help on selecting/purchasing a video capture card and how to install it, let me know.

Unfortunately, there is not a cheap way to do this. Unless you would like to send the VHS to me and I will be happy to create a DVD for you for $25 plus shipping. I will need about 2 weeks for turn around time.

Hope this helps.

Take Care,

Shawn Mosqueda
WireSmart LLC
www.wiresmart.com
shawn@wiresmart.com

How To Build A Home Theater PC ebook coming soon! Includes 2 years of FREE revised editions that come out every 6 months. visit www.wiresmart.com

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igital camcorder to convert VHS tape to PC for DVD
Jul 11, 2005 2:25AM PDT

Well the mulit-media form would be the place to ask.
Does your camera have the analog to digital pass-through feature??? If it does then use AV cables(or S-VHS) to the camera, from the camera to the PC use firewire ( need a fire wire card in your PC). But your camera MUST have this feature. If it doesn't you will need to get a video capture card for your PC. Here is a link that may help. John


http://www.timwerx.net/odds/pcfile.htm

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Thank You
Jul 11, 2005 3:26PM PDT

That is what I am thinking, an S-video between the vcr and camera, and then firewire between camera and pc.

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Making your connections.
Jul 11, 2005 5:43AM PDT

Hello,

Why don't you skip the camcorder and plug directly into the pc with your VCR? Or don't you have a video capture card and want to use the camcorder as a bridge between the two trying to utilize the USB or Firewire?

Would you mind providing more information about what your PC has available?

Take Care,

Shawn Mosqueda
WireSmart LLC
www.wiresmart.com
shawn@wiresmart.com

How To Build A Home Theater PC ebook coming soon! Includes 2 years of FREE revised editions that come out every 6 months. visit www.wiresmart.com

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reply to Shawn
Jul 11, 2005 3:29PM PDT

Not sure what a video capture card is? What would I look for on my PC? Do they not cost like $100 bucks? I only want to transfer 1 tape, so I hate to spend the money. THe tape is a tape made from the old 8mm cameras. I hoping to find an easy way to preserve it.

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Making connections
Jul 11, 2005 3:29PM PDT

Not sure what a video capture card is? What would I look for on my PC? Do they not cost like $100 bucks? I only want to transfer 1 tape, so I hate to spend the money. THe tape is a tape made from the old 8mm cameras. I hoping to find an easy way to preserve it.

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like $100 bucks
Jul 13, 2005 2:04AM PDT

No $30 will do the job. john