How to Set Up a VCR Camera to a PC

A VCR camera, also known as a camcorder, can record live events to videotape or play back cassettes for viewing on a connected television. Setting up a VCR camera to a personal computer (PC) requires a standard set of audio-video cables and a converter box for transforming analog video into a digital signal that can be stored on the PC. Video capture cards are available for installation on a PC, but for a fast, simpler connection, external converter boxes require no special technical skills and can be hooked up in minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Composite AV cables
• Analog-to-digital converter box with recording software
• USB cable

Instructions

1. Remove the cover from the AV output jacks on the VCR camera, typically by lifting the cover's edge with a thumbnail and rotating it out of the way.

2. Connect the three plugs on one end of the composite cables to the matching color jacks on the camera. If the VCR camera only records in mono, not stereo, connect the white plug to the white audio jack and leave the red plug dangling.

3. Insert the plugs on the other end into the three colored jacks on the converter box.

4. Connect the USB cable from the port on the converter box to any available USB port on the PC.

5. Plug in the camcorder and converter box DC power adapters into an electrical outlet (also known as a wall socket).

6. Install the operating software for the converter box by placing the CD in the computer's media tray. Close the tray and wait for the disc to start automatically. Follow the on-screen prompts by clicking on each button to advance the installation, then, if prompted, reboot the computer when complete.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the DC power cable with the camera when viewing tapes or transferring to the PC so the camera battery doesn't die in the middle of a session.

References

• RAM Electronics: How to Connect Your Computer (PC/Mac) to Your VCR