video to PC.

[dibble1]

I am a technophobe but manage to get by, so go easy with the techno jargon please? How would I go about putting vhs video onto my computer for "you-tube", editing home clips etc?
Thank you so much.

[ChuckFickens]

Well the first thing you'd need is a video capture card, then video capture software (most cards would coome with some, if not usable stuff can be had for free) and then simply plug the VCR into the video input on the capture card and start the tape playing and the computer recording.

You can get USB capture cards, but for better results you'd be better off using either a PCI card (desktop) or a express card or PCMCI card for laptops.

[Buenchico]

You'll need some extra hardware (which will come supplied with the necessary software). The cheapest option might be a PCI card but that means opening up your computer to install it. (That's probably not the best route for a 'technophobe'!).

A USB device is far easier to use. I can personally recommend this:
http://www.maplin.co....-audio-grabber-340918
(I've got one of those plugged into the PC which I'm using to type this reply on)

Then you need to be able to play your tapes. If you've not still got a VHS recorder, the British Heart Foundation is the best source of (tested and warrantied) secondhand ones. Search for 'Furniture & Electrical Stores' here:
http://www.bhf.org.uk...-are/the-bhf-map.aspx

The only other thing which you'll need is a Scart-to-phono lead, to connect the output from your VHS recorder to the USB device. Some places charge ridiculous amounts of money for them. (e.g. the cheapest one I could find in Curry's was £19.99). However 'pound shops' and 'discount stores' can often sell you one far cheaper. This is the type of lead you require:
http://direct.tesco.c...&utm_content=208-6604

Chris

[ladybirder]

Simples innit? Bet you wished you'd never asked.

[VHG]

A better way to do it is to use a TV based DVD recorder to copy your VHS tapes on to DVD. That is very easy to do.

Then put the DVD in your computer and copy the contents onto your hard disk.

Then you can use DVD editing software to edit the software.

This process does not require any changes to your computer, though you may need to buy a DVD recorder to connect to your VHS player if you dont have one.

[AlBags]

and easiest of all is to connect a DV Camcorder (the vediting type .. like a Sony TRV20/30)
It will convert VHS or any analogue input 'on the fly' to digital output to PC.
Preferably, you would use a 1394 (Firewire) to capture into Nero or W Movie Maker or similar video editing software.

[AlBags]

^ *editing

[dibble1]

thanks all