Can I use Media Center to records dvds from my VCR?

Question

I have never hooked up my Media Center I was wondering if I could use it to record old VHS family videos on my computer or even to DVD. I know you can use it like tivo, but this I haven't heard one way or another. If not what is the best way to do so?

Answer 1

Yes, of course you can.

Virtually all PCs that come with XP Media Center have a capture card installed & configured for use.

Even without third party software all you need to do is connect the "video out" from the VCR to the "video in" on the capture card's coax connector behind your PC. Then just open Media Center, click "record" & press "play" on the VCR.

I've been using Media Center for over a year now & just love it !
It works flawlessly with my cable box which makes pre-programmed TV recording a breeze. I use VideoReDo to edit the DVR-MS files & optionally save them as mpegs which I then either burn onto DVD or convert to DivX with TMPGEnc.

Email me for detailed procedures.

regards,
Philip T

Answer 2

If yourcomputer has a tuner card, then you can use it to transfer VCR tapes to DVD. If you don't, you can add one. You can then record and watch TV on your computer in addition to the VCR-DVD task.
To use the tuner for the transfer, the easiest way is to do it outside Media center using whatever video software that came with your computer. If none came, you may want to install Nero 8.

Answer 3

you need a converter... VHS tapes are analogue and the comp only reads digital so you need to purchase an analogue to digital converter.. not sure how much they are.. but once u have one u can convert any thing.. eg records to cd ect ect... i work in multimedia and thats what we use... im in australia thought so im not sure of the systems o/s