Get a Mac
But n the meantime, get a Canopus ADVC analog-to-digital converter and simply plug this into your computer's Firewire port and simply use an editing program that recognizes Firewire. My sister-in-law and father-in-law both used Pinnacle on their PCs and had the same quirky problems. My sister-in-law finally went over to the :darkside" and bought a Mac, and she's never been happier in her life when it comes to movie editing. My fahter-in-law still uses a PC and ended up going with an editing program made by Roxio and seems to be happy with it.
This makes a great project and keeps memories accessable for nostalgic moments and future generations. Except for the Pinnacle part. Pinnacle is a versitile video editor but very quirky. When it works it's great, but when it doesn't it's hell.
Pinnacle Studio is complex and doesn't work well with many video card/computer configurations. And to make things worse Pinnacle's tech support is practically nil.
If you're thinking of getting Pinnacle, do yourself a favor and google onto some of the Pinnacle complaint sites (there were about a half dozen the last time I looked) and see for yourself.
Then, if you still want Pinnacle, at least you have been warned.
Good luck
Chowhound
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GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic