How to Copy VCR tapes to a PC

This is a relatively simple process that will require you to purchase a Digital Video Converter. These run somewhere between $200 and $300.Before you get started, verify that your VCR has the red/white/yellow video/audio out ports. These will be on the back of the unit, marked 'Video Out" (for yellow) and "Audio Out" (red/white). You can also use an S-Video out in place of the yellow video out for slightly better picture. Simply substitute an S-Video wire wherever this article says to use the yellow video wire.Also verify that your computer has a firewire, or 1394 port available. If not, you will need to purchase a firewire card.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Digital Video Converter
• Set of yellow/red/white video/audio cables, also called RCA cables
• 6x4 Firewire cable (one large end, one small end).
• Firewire card, if your computer does not have a firewire port on it
• Computer that has Windows XP Service Pack 2 or higher, or Windows Vista

Set Up

1. Install the firewire card into your computer based on the manufacturer's specifications.

2. Attach the RCA (yellow/red/white) cables to the appropriate ports on the back of the VCR. These will be the Video Out ports; and match them up according to color code. Plug the other ends of the wire into the Canopus box, into the Video In ports.

3. Then, plug the firewire into your computer, using whichever end (the large or the small) fits the card. Plug the other end of the wire into either of the DV I/O ports of the Canopus box. Then plug the power cord into your Canopus box (if necessary; some don't have them).

Record

1. Set the Canopus box to Analog In.

2. Open up Windows Movie Maker. This is a program that comes standard with PCs that have Windows XP Service Pack 2 or higher. It can be found either in the base All Programs menu, or in the accessories menu.

3. On the left side, under 1. Capture Video, click on Capture from Video Device, and follow the program's instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• If you'd like to edit your videos, you should read the "Movie Making Tips" section of Windows Movie Maker. This will teach you how to cut edit and finish your videos.

• The Canopus box really is the best choice; most other Digital Video Converters I've had experience with tend to be a bit unstable. It's worth a bit of extra money.