Computer Gurus.....HELP!!!!!!!

[FieroBUZZ]

Hi Guys!  I need advice on exactly what I need to input video to my computer.  It will probably come from a VHS vcr rather than directly from a camcorder. Down the road it may turn out easier to go directly to the computer and edit there, but I guess the input process will be the same for an analog cam.

I'm trying to find an easy way to make small clips to illustrate repair how-to's or to identify with video different parts, sensors, etc.

I believe I need a program to convert to digital and a tv input type video card.  Am I believing this is too easy?   

[dguy]

I believe I need a program to convert to digital and a tv input type video card.  Am I believing this is too easy?   

Nope, you're spot-on.

If you're yakking with sales droids or browsing catalogs, the industry term is "video capture".  As far as can I remember some video cards have it built-in, as well as it being possible to purchase a video capture card separately.  To record from a VHS player, you want one which can accept a composite video input.

Any decent quality card should also come with software which lets you record directly from the video input to your hard drive.

[FieroBUZZ]

Thanks, Don.  Does this look like it will do the trick?

http://www.pccyber.com/scrItem.asp?product_subtypes_id=677&product_types_id=52&product_id=9842


How do I tell if I have usb 2.0?   

[FieroBUZZ]

Okay, I see this version is also there.
http://www.pccyber.com/scrItem.asp?product_subtypes_id=677&product_types_id=52&product_id=9834

I see it's a PCI card, but I'm not sure if I have an available slot.  I will asume the usb version is better (mostly because it's $20 more    )

[JetJumper]

I will kill you garry!!!
lol

PC CYBER?  Shopping at my competitors?


Jeeze..

PCI is better for the reason you will probably have less dropped frames.  Depending on your computer and what not as well, obviously.

Personally any thing with the ATI 550 Chipset or the Hauppauge WinTV-PVR 150 Series should do you fine.

Let me know if you figure out what you want, and I will see what I can get it for you for.

www.shoprbc.com

Hauppauge 150.
http://www.shoprbc.com/ca/shop/product_details.php?pid=14820

[FieroBUZZ]

OOPS!    Was just an example.... I didn't know you were at RBC.

That one I did see, but it says it needs XP media edition to run.

I have a simple HP refurb with a P4 1.6 (I think it's 1.6) 256M RAM and running XP pro.

[JetJumper]

They say MCE, but you just download the drivers off Hauppauges Website.  Works fine:)

[dguy]

Chris, who or what is "shopRBC.com"?  I thought you had northernlightspcs?

[NoFiero]

I would opt for the Hauppage card if you can. I had the ATI card which typically I never have had problems with ATI but the ATI TV Wonder was troublesome and tech support non existant. I replaced that with the hauppage and no problems.

[JetJumper]

northernlightspcs.com was a review site for a while, but things happen that is a great amount of detail, so to see the least, its closed.  lol.. I have been working at RB Computing for a while now, since I got out of College.  And now I manage the website for the owner.