Is there a way to hook up a vcr or cassette player to my computer?

Question

If not, are there any ideas of how to get content off of these formats and transferred to my computer?

Answer 1

" I have some old cassette tapes I would like to put on CD using my computer's CD burner. How do I hook the cassette player to the CD burner to get the best audio quality? "

My Response:

Audio quality with respect to a cassette tape recorded to a CD will only be as good as the source (tape) and the equipment used to read the tape and input it to the computer ... and of course, the ability to modify the digital recording in order to improve sound.

Two great reasons for recording your analog tapes to digital might include: a) wear and tear: digital media doesn't lose its crispness and quality over time. Shelf life is about 100 years for a recordable disc; and b) digital goodness: as I mentioned above, the ability to modify a digital recording in order to amplify sound, reduce background noise, and other neat tricks can really rejuvenate lost sound quality... and it's ridiculously simple!

OK -- so how does it all hook up?

Most computers today have sound cards built into them which have a MIC (Microphone) port ... heck, you can even use a Voice Modem with a MIC port to encode digital audio!

Most MIC ports are located at the back of the computer, unless you've got a Compaq / Gateway / Dell -- they're usually at the front. MIC ports look identical to an "earphone jack" port, are typically red (or pink), and may be labeled "MIC" or have a little picture of a microphone above the port.

If your sound card has a "line" input port rather than a MIC port, use that. Some Gazette Readers have told me that there is less distortion on the "line" port than using the MIC. And of course, make sure that you have the port enabled on your sound card (Control Panel -> Sound, probably in an advanced setting).

If you're recording from a tape player, you most likely have RCA (left and right) audio plugs in the back of the unit, so you'll need a "Y" cable that goes from RCA (left and right) to the Sound Card's "earphone jack" port. You can pick those up at Radio Shack: just ask someone to help you if you can't find it.

Internet How-to Audio Guides?

I did a quick search on Google for a guide on how to record audio from a tape cassette player to the computer (or similar), but didn't turn up too many decent results.

Answer 2

there is an add on made where you can add a cassette it requires a free 5.25 drive bay and and available power source from inside your computer I've seen one that was available through a parts supplier I use but you have to be a retail merchant to buy from them. as for being able to add a vcr you can use a video card with a composite in it looks just like an rca jack on your card. hope this is of help to you.the deck I spoke of is a plusdeck2c cassette to mp3 unit I can order it for about $130

Answer 3

There are a number of people selling a hardware product that plugs into your USB or Firewire port and has all sorts of connectors for VCR, tape players, etc. That will convert your analog signal (cassettes or VHS tapes) to digital for your computer.

Answer 4

Having the comparable subject. Have a 20 3 hundred and sixty 5 days previous Magnavox VHS Camcorder. have been given a Kworld NB-television one hundred Card-bus for my Gateway laptop with USBs and one hearth twine port. can now no longer get to artwork utilising the YEL & WHT RCA jacks, yet have been given it to artwork utilising the coax from the charger to television cable enter on the cardboard. Can play and grab the video and audio, notwithstanding the darn element has noise strains on the main suitable fringe of the image on an identical time as there is audio or some one is shifting indoors the image. now no longer so on an identical time as tape is considered on a television. i think of of the Kworld card has a topic yet you may now no longer seem to the touch them to confirm if that's fastened. BTY, distinctive my previous VHS tapes that I actual have not finished for years are sticking and furnish up indoors the sport enthusiasts.

Answer 5

You will need a 3rd Party device. Perhaps a 'Dazzle' analog to digital video bridge.

http://www.creativemac.com/2001/04_apr/reviews/dazzledvbridge/dazzledvbridge-page1.htm