Analog to Digital

[Redux]

Does anybody have any reccomendations concerning the transfer of Analog video to a Digital format? I have a boatload of old analog tapes that I want to get on my laptop. I had an old setup years ago that allowed me to plug my vcr into the desktop via usb adapter but the video was really choppy. Any suggestions would be great.

[AR Husker Fan]

If they are really important (weddings, births, etc.), I'd suggest taking them a company that specializes in that. Pro tools will maximize the quality. Can get pricey, but, again, if they are important it's well worth it.

[Redux]

Mostly just shenanigans from my youth and other random events but there is alot of it. I can do the procedure myself and would prefer to, Id just like some direction on what equipment or software to use or look into.

[AR Husker Fan]

I'm assuming that the original media are VHS tapes, and you want them on DVD. If so, a relatively easy solution is something like THIS.

[True2tRA]

If you are talking simply transferring VHS to computer hard drive, making the video available for DVD burning or just long term storage, I bought a Diamond Multimedia VC500 One Touch Video Capture Device. It just plugs into your VCR through the analog jacks, then to a USB port on your computer. Then you just select the drive to save to, hit play on the VCR, and hit record on the little device. The software cd comes in the box and it's really simple and basic. I also have a seagate external hard drive that is 1.5 TB. I use that external hard drive due to the fact that the digital video output file is larger after being converted. Some of my Husker tapes I've converted have been up to 8 GB after transfer. So make sure you have plenty of space.

 

I got the VC500 device and software for 30 bucks on Amazon. The hard drive is a very good one and very expensive but I got lucky as hell and stumbled upon mine in EBay and stole it for 60 bucks. It's a small investment, but it's a one time deal and if these vids are important you should do it. I notice my older VHS tapes really starting to deteriorate and it's difficult to get a smooth playback out of some of them.

[tschu]

Just came to post pretty much what TTTR posted. Just get any capure card, hook it up to VCR (assuming you still own a VCR, they're getting pretty rare) and do it that way.

[Redux]

Most of my tapes are 8MM or DIGI8 Ccamcorder tapes. Last time I did the caprture card method I used ADSTech and it worked easily but the video came out choppy but this was on XP and a desktop, my laptop with 7 ought to be able to handle it better.

 

Yeah the tapes have started their deterioration and this will definitely need to be done asap. Thanks everyone for the suggestions, Ill definitely be looking into the Diamond device.

[Redux]

If you are talking simply transferring VHS to computer hard drive, making the video available for DVD burning or just long term storage, I bought a Diamond Multimedia VC500 One Touch Video Capture Device. It just plugs into your VCR through the analog jacks, then to a USB port on your computer. Then you just select the drive to save to, hit play on the VCR, and hit record on the little device. The software cd comes in the box and it's really simple and basic. I also have a seagate external hard drive that is 1.5 TB. I use that external hard drive due to the fact that the digital video output file is larger after being converted. Some of my Husker tapes I've converted have been up to 8 GB after transfer. So make sure you have plenty of space.

 

I got the VC500 device and software for 30 bucks on Amazon. The hard drive is a very good one and very expensive but I got lucky as hell and stumbled upon mine in EBay and stole it for 60 bucks. It's a small investment, but it's a one time deal and if these vids are important you should do it. I notice my older VHS tapes really starting to deteriorate and it's difficult to get a smooth playback out of some of them.

 

Got the device you recommended, working like a friggin charm! Thanks again man.