How do i connect my VCR to my computer?? (cheap= good)?

Question

I am trying to take VHS tapes and put the media onto my computer... cheaply... please help!!

Answer 1

Hey,
You need a tv input in your computer. If you are using a desktop check backside of your computer near to VGA (monitor connection) for AV in or TV in. If you can't find it there you will need to install a new TV Tuner Card. Also you will need any video capture software. You can find it mostly in CDs coming with a new Card (if you buy new) otherwise download it from internet
Remember you will need a fast computer with lot of storage for this process.
If you have slow computer make it bit by bit, each clip max 10-15 mins. Later use CD/DVD writer application to combine the files.
You will need some thing like this: http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1951869&CatId=1427
If you are using a laptop go for a external usb tv tuner.

Answer 2

Hi Matttttt,

I know you said cheap but you need a capture device. They, of course, aren't free.

I bought mine at Sam's for $59.95. I saw them a couple months later for $49.95. It is called DvdExpress. You hook the output of your VCR into it and connect the output of DvdExpress to a USB port. The device came with it's own software and is very easy to use. The resulting copies are very good quality.

Norm

Answer 3

As Norm said, you need a video capture device.
Can be a PCI card or a simple USB-based video recorder.

Check the web sites of Pinnacle and ADS Technologies and you will find one.

Answer 4

Sound car that has RCA jacks....simple as that