[tinkertoyguy]

What does a OLD newbie look for to see if this PC is capable of performing VHS to VCD/DVD? I don't understand where to look or what to look for.

Thanks for putting up with me.

[linskyjack]

You need to convert your VHS (analog) to digital, This will require a device that takes the analog material and formats it to digital while capturing. There are a lots of cards, boxes etc that do this. If you let us know how much you are willing to pay, then we can make recommendations.

[tinkertoyguy]

Thanks for the answering so fast. I don't know, this PC might have all that is needed. I just don't know what to look for or where. As far as cost, low to mid range.

[kiwiguy]

You need a PC of reasonable specifications, at least a 1 GHz CPU, preferable a 2 GHz.

You need a video capture card. Some high end video cards also have Video In but not all do. Do not confuse this with "TV Out", its not the same.

If you need to buy a capture card, consider buying a TV card. Most have video capture and it seems to work better than other options.

Then you connect VHS player AV out into the PC Video In (needs RCA to RCA cable), and Audio AV out to the PC sound card Line input (needs an RCA to 3.5mm cable) play the VHS tape, and record the video and audio on the PC.

[tinkertoyguy]

This is what I think you are talking about;

display adapter
NVIDIA GeForce2 MX/MX 400
processors
Interl(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 1.60GHz
sound,video and game controllers
Audio Codecs
Intel(r) 82801BA/BAM AC'97 Audio Controller
Legacy Audio Drivers
Legacy Video capture Devices
Media Controll Devices
Video Codecs

256 RAM

I take it I have to buy a different piece of hardware.

[kiwiguy]

Yes, that video card will be unlikely to do it.

The other specs are OK, a bit more RAM would help but probably not be essential.

I would suggest a TV card for the computer (they seem to work better than USB external devices) and have a dual use. You don't have to change your video card that way.

Unsure where in the world you are, so suggesting $, where and what is limited. If you were in NZ I could help more, but from the time zone, you are not.

[gotrootdude]

A lot of people wrongly believe you have to spend a lot of money to take VHS to DVD. These are the requirements:

You'll need a DVD writer, and/or a CDRW. (CDRW is for VCD's/SVCD's only, which many DVD players will read)
600mhz or better PC. (1ghz or better recommended)
analog input device (Tv tuner cards are great)

Analog tv tuners come in two main types, hardware encoding and software encoding. Either will work on a 1ghz or better machine, but if your useing a PC under 1ghz you'll want to use a tuner with hardware encoding which are more expensive.

Your PC has plenty of power, so a software tuner would work fine and be cheaper.. Right now the cheapest (and one of the better quality) software tv tuner is available at this site > http://www.softwareandstuff.com/CRD10186.html
for $20 with free shipping. It is so cheap because it doesn't ship with a CD, you'll have to download the drivers and software from here > http://www.hauppage.com/pages/suppor...ci_boards.html
if you decide to get this one.

For help converting and burning the videos, go here >
www.DVDRhelp.com

[tinkertoyguy]

Thank you all for your input and knowledge. I guess I go shopping now.