Definition of a Video Capture Card

A video capture card is a kind of expansion card

Many electronic devices offer video applications. Computers provide many such applications, and can communicate with other video devices via a number of interface technologies. A video capture card is one type of interface device computers use.

Definition

A video capture card, sometimes referred to as a video capture board, is an expansion card that provides input and output connections for analog and digital video. An expansion card is an interface card or adapter that plugs into the motherboard and enables peripherals, or hardware devices such as video cards and graphics cards, to be attached for added computer enhancement.

Function

Video capture cards are used to capture screen shots and video files on a computer via an external video source. The video source depends on the input types specified by the video card. Most cards will allow capture from any source with standard video and audio-out cable connections, such as VCRs, DVD players, camcorders and other common electronic video devices.

Applications

Applications for video capture cards include source conversion into analog or digital media, such as converting a VHS tape into a DVD. Video capture cards can also be used for video editing, television tuning, or capturing video and audio for live Internet video streaming.

References

• PCmag.com: Definition of: video capture
• "How Video Works, Second Edition: From Analog to High Definition"; Marcus Weise; Focal Press; 2007

Resources

• "Principles of Computer Hardware"; Alan Clements; Oxford University Press; 2006