How can I record this year's Super Bowl from TV to a DVD to send my husband in Afghanistan?

Question

My husband just left for Afghanistan last week, and he is a huge football fan. Since he won't be able to watch the Super Bowl this year, I want to surprise him and record it on DVD to send to him. We do not have DVR, or a DVD cam corder. I do have a hi-8 Sony HandyCam and a DVD burner on my computer, though. I've heard about software called Dazzle, that you can use to put videos from your cam corder directly on your computer. But, I would like something better than sitting my Sony Handycam in front of the TV for the whole Bowl. I'm willing to spend a little money for this gift. I know it would mean a lot to him and his friends over there, so any suggestions would be great!

Answer 1

If you're willing to spend about $40, you can get a decent TV tuner card for your computer and capture TV directly to your hard drive. Then just burn it off to a DVD when you're done. CompUSA sells one (link below) -- I have it and it works fine.

You could also use PKZIP (or something similar) to compress and split into multiple files and e-mail the files, if you don't want to spend the money for postage.

Or, ask around at the local CBS station (SB is on CBS this year) and tell them where the DVD will go -- I bet they burn you a bunch to send to all of the troops. If they don't, tell the other network stations and embarrass them into it! :^)

Answer 2

This is a very nice gesture, but there are lots of obstacles

First you need to capture the video. Unless you have a VCR or your camcorder has a video input, the next best thing is to have the camera in front of the TV, not the best TV you can see.

After you have a tape, you will need to bring it to your computer. That means a video capture card, or a USB-based video recorder, plus some software (Windows Movie maker will probably do).

I suggest you ask your friends and family with a VCR to tape the game for you; however, I do hope the US army gets the game live via satellite. Besides, If he knows the final score, watching the game is not as much fun.

Good luck.

Answer 3

No, I dont think either team will be in the super bowl..NFC has too many good teams and im not too sold on the Eagles. Plus, the Patriots are probably in for a letdown if their defense doesnt get any better Super Bowl:49ers vs Broncos best record will probably be the 49ers, they got better in the offseason and maybe Smith will be better now that he has some people to throw to Bears will have a better record, but the Lions will be close worst record will be the Colts, Irsay gutted the team and they will probably trade Freeney at some point in the season

Answer 4

since you say you're willing to spend a little money replace your videotape recorder with a dvd recorder. they're coming down in price daily and you can record home made video tape,tv shows and most any noncommercial tape. you can't go to blockbuster and begin recording commercial videotape(aside from the fact you could just buy the movie and getter a higher quality pic than copying a videotape). that would be by far the easiest solution...

additionally,you'll be able to record movies of the kids and such to send him to keep him in touch with what's going on at home...

i hope this helps and i hope he'll return home safe soon...