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General discussion

Video In

Feb 22, 2004 7:07AM PST

I have just purchased a new computer (a Dell 8300) and I wanted to know if there's either a card or a program available that will allow me to run video/audio in from my VCR & Laserdisc players in order to create digital movie files. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

Discussion is locked

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Re:Video In
Feb 22, 2004 7:14AM PST

I always thought Dell lets you configure your new computer according to your personal wishes. They certainly could have sold you (and installed and tested) the hardware you need, and the software also. Why didn't you buy a video capture card immediately?

Kees

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Re:Video In
Feb 22, 2004 9:43AM PST

Because it takes a long time to convert tapes to dvd on the computer it's just worth it. I suggest that you shop for a standalone dvd-dvr burner which convert tape to dvd (in real time from what I hear). They are going for about $400.

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Re:Video In
Feb 22, 2004 10:21AM PST
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Video in
Aug 19, 2005 12:51PM PDT

Milton -
I recently purchased Lifeview Fly Video 2000. It is a plugin card that captures both analog sound and video from your VCR or Digital Camera. Can't remember the price but it was not too expensive. It came with software and user friendly hook up instructions.
www.lifeview.com
BuddyG

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analog digital capture
Aug 19, 2005 3:33PM PDT

You'll need a capture card and a good video editing program. First the card. Most consumer models give a below-average resolution when capturing image from a VCR so you'll probably won't be happy with the results if you expect DVD quality. The laserdisc machine will output a digital signal but you need a capture card if the machine does not have a Firewire or RS232. Second, the software. Some capture cards come with software but usually of very low quality and difficult to use. You may want to consider Sony Vegas Moviemaker since it is one of the best in the consumer category (not Vegas 6) for less than $100. Also like others have said here, remember that capture can only be done in real time, so allow for that issue if you have a lot of tapes and/or laserdiscs. One final word, after creating a digital file you may need other programs that can be gotten free to transcode to MPEG or AVI or whatever format you want/need.

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Video IN
Aug 19, 2005 5:28PM PDT