A video capture card allows a computer to record from a VCR.
Video from tape recorders and camcorders transfers to a computer hard drive through a video capture card. The card connects to a PCI slot or USB or Firewire port in your computer and records analog audio and video. The analog signal converts to digital information when it passes through the capture card, and video- and file-editing software can then enhance the video quality and compress it to fit on a DVD or website. For the best results transferring video tape to a hard drive, the digital media website Digital FAQ recommends using a VCR with 19-micron tape heads, a digital noise reduction time base corrector (DNR/TBC), gold audio and video cables and a high quality capture card.
Instructions
1. Turn off your computer and unplug it from the wall outlet. Lift it onto a desk and remove the side panel. Touch a metal piece of the computer to discharge any static electricity. Stand in one place while working inside your computer to prevent building up more static.
2. Press your video capture card into an open PCI slot and secure it to the computer case with a small Phillips screw. Replace the side panel of your computer case, plug your computer in and turn it on.
3. Eject the tray of your CD drive and put the capture card's install disk in the drive. Wait for the setup program to run or double-click the CD drive icon in your desktop folder to start the setup. Follow the onscreen instructions to install the software.
4. Connect the video output of your VCR to the input of your capture card with S-Video cable. Connect the audio of your VCR to the capture card with composite cable. Plug in the VCR and turn it on.
5. Run the capturing software from the Start menu or by double-clicking the icon on the desktop. Click "record" in the software control panel when the program opens. Press "play" on the VCR to begin recording the video tape.
6. Monitor the video you are recording on the computer screen while the capture card records it. Make sure you're happy with the results before disconnecting your VCR. Save your video file with a descriptive name you will easily remember later.
7. Run your video-editing software from the Start menu or desktop icon. Import or open your uncompressed video file from the File menu and drag it onto the editing timeline. Save the file again in this program and compress the file size under "Other settings" or "File size," depending on the editing software you have.
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