Hi guys,

 

I'm looking for a tool that will allow me to copy my old VHS home movies onto my PC (without noticeably losing quality) so that I can edit them and ultimately produce some DVDs.  I have several editing programs which should do the editing side of things, but I need the necessary hardware to let me connect a VCR to my computer.  While I've seen a few cheapish USB things online I hear mixed reviews about the quality of the video they produce.

 

I've just taken a look at Dazzle Video Creator Platinum and, from the description on the site, it looks like it might be just what I need.  Could somebody please confirm what is actually in the box?  i.e. If I order this, will I receive all the necessary cables/adapters to connect my VCR up to my computer, or will I still need to buy some/all of the hardware separately?

 

Also: Does this software work with Windows 7 64-bit?

 

Any help you can offer is appreciated.

Moving to Make Move from the PVT section.

Do you have a digital video camera that will connect to your computer through fire wire, and supports video pass through? If so, this will work just fine. If the camera doesn't support pass through but will record from an external audio and video source, you could record to the camera and then bring that video into studio. If you have a digital camera, what is the make and model? Perhaps we can determine the pass through mode.

Don

 

Depending on the amount of Video you're looking to digitize. Your choices the following using a  VHS to DVD recorder, or having this done professionally is also another option. If you have a mini-DV camera You can use it as a pass through (like Don has mentioned). And of course you can get a USB capture device, however a word of advice about using USB capture devices is to read ahead and do your homework. Some users (those that are quietly enjoying them) are happy and satisfied with the results, however some others have difficulty getting them to work and/or displeased with the output quality.

Another options is to purchase a vcr/video to dvd player recorder. These are available at the video stores, I think Panosonic makes a reasonable one. My son transferred all of his video tapes to dvd using this device. I then ripped the dvd's into studio and did some editing. Of course, the ripped file from the dvd is mpg2, but considering the quality of the beginning video, I don't think the loss is detectable. If you just wish to transfer without editing, this is the simplest way.

Don

Thanks for sharing your experience with that option, Don. I've always wondered how the quality of those turn out.