Videotape to mpeg

[Patryck]

Does anyone know how I can transfer a videotape to mpeg on the computer?

[wonderboy2005]

you need a video capture card. ati has a nice series called the all in wonder. it has everything you need and its a gfx card as well. very nice cards IMO. if you already have a gfx card and dont want to replace it, you can pick up a stand alone video capture card. they are usually pretty cheap.... sub $50 if i remember correctly.

stand alone = Prolink Play TV Pro FM RC TV Tuner 64MB Model TV-BT878P+FM/RC Retail
$42 and free shipping on newegg.com

AiW = ATI All-In-Wonder RADEON 9700 128MB DDR 8X AGP non-Pro RETAIL
$309 with free shipping from newegg.com

there are many cheaper all in wonders, but that one will keep you going for a couple years longer than the cheaper ones.

[CompuGeek]

Once you've got the hardware you need to figure out the software. I recommend VirtualDub.

There is a Video Capture FAQ here (http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=32575).

This (http://arstechnica.com/guide/audio-visual/videocapturing/vidcap-1.html) Video Capture Guide is also worth reading.

:sw

[drakelord]

Depending on the quality of the VHS, you may also want to apply some special filters.. I get all my ripping information from 2 sites, http://www.doom9.org , and http://www.divx-digest.com

[MAtT_Zero]

I've got an old Swann Ezycap capture card... I know the card at least used to work as I connected a videocam to it a few years back and captured film to mpeg using WinME on an old PII and the S-Video input on the card.

I've now got a PIII running W2K and have re-installed this card to capture stuff from my VCR. The VCR does not have a yellow video output socket, but I've tried using a SCART to S-Video lead into the capture card, and also just running the RF cable from the RF out on the VCR to the yellow Video input on the card (there are 2 - I tried both).

Neither worked - the drivers are installed and VirtualDub shows the card and gives me a choice of S-video or Video Composite input - but whatever combination i try, I get nothing - no input at all, just a blue background.

Any ideas?