I have a Panasonic VHS-C camcorder. If I use this (http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/...pture.html#3000) can I get my video onto my computer for editing?

And if you can point me towards better hardware/programs to convert VHS-C to Computer please post

Thanks

It might digitize your video but it sounds like it does deinterlacing and a bunch of other stuff that you probably don't need. It's cheap enough but I'm not sure it's the best solution to what you want to do.

One thing that is is the Canopus ADVC 110. It isn't cheap but it will do exactly what you want to do, namely, convert your analog video to digital in DV format without any further processing. This is the best quality format and the one you want if you are going to do any further processing.

There are other manufacturers that make similar conversion boxes. Just make sure you don't get one that encodes your video to MPEG-2 on the fly.

Good luck.

Dennis

PS: It connects to your computer via Firewire so make sure you have Firewire before you order an ADVC.

what about this?

http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/Video-Xpress.html

Yeah, I guess it would work. ADS is one of the other brands I'm aware of.

But are you sure you have USB 2.0? Specifically, you need what's called High Speed USB which runs at 480 Mpbs. The Full Speed (12 Mbps) won't cut it for video. I'm surprised the requirements don't mention that.

Oh, something to consider. The box you linked to only goes one way, VCR to computer. Do you think you'll ever want to put edited video back to VHS? If so, look for a different box. The ADVC 110 does both A-to-D as well as D-to-A.

Good luck.

Dennis

Dennis is telling you like it is! Do yourself an enormous favor and don't play around with ANYTHING that is PCI or USB based. ESPECIALLY USB.


I've been in this situation and I've gone through a half dozen of these garbage converters. The ADS Pyro is the least expensive option that will work, just as Dennis points out. Datavideo makes one slightly less expensive than the Canopus 110 (by about 30 bucks maybe) But these are the devices you want.

Explore Ebay for a used Canopus. You will never know how lucky you were if you don't use these junkers, but just believe me they will redefine frustration if you do.

Keep in mind you will need a firewire connection on your PC to use these devices of choice. Now there is a valiant use of a PCI slot The firewire card can be had (if needed) on Newegg.com for under 20 bucks.

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So much information... the more I learn, the more questions develop. If I keep learning at this pace, soon I'll be too dumb to continue!

What's the difference between this (http://www.canopus.com/products/ADVC55/index.php) and the 110?

The 55 is analog to digital. The 110 is analog to digital and digital to analog (which you may not need):
http://www.canopus.com/products/videoconversion.php

But if you shop around, you may find the 110 cheaper than the 55, or very close:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...rch&Q=&ci=10899
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...ENE&N=0&Ntk=all




Rich

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I've decided it's not worth it when I can get a new MiniDV camera for 250$

thanks for the help though guys

OK, but unless that new cam has passthrough capability, how's that going to help you convert your VHS tapes? That's what you want to do, right? Can you get passthrough on a $250 cam? I always thought that feature was only available on more expensive cams.

Good luck.

Dennis

The only reason I wanted to get a VHS-C converter was to convert future video taken on the VHS-C cam.

Now seeing the price for a good converter, I can just get a miniDV cam that has the ability to put video onto the computer without conversion boxes and whatnot.

Yes, I understand what you want to do. My question is are you sure you can get a camcorder that has the necessary feature for putting VHS video onto your computer--called passthrough--for the $250 price you quoted? I'm trying to prevent you from buying a new cam and finding out you still cannot do what you want to do with your VHS video. I don't want you to spend $250 for a cam then turn around and spend another $200 (pr more) for the converter you thought you were getting as part of the cam.

Good luck.

Dennis

Listen I'm not trying to get mean but you still don't get what I'm saying. I wanted the converter for future recordings. I don't care about my old tapes. So instead of paying 230 for a converter to put future tapes on my computer, I can get a MiniDV for 20 dollars more that has firewire to put vids on my computer.

Do you understand now?

I'm just going to get a whole new cam.

No one wants to get mean. But I might be confused because a few posts back you said:That's why I warned you about making sure any miniDV cam you purchase has passthrough.

Now you say:See why I'm confused?

Finally, this confuses me further:If the "future tapes" you refer to are miniDV the need for a converter doesn't even enter the picture as an alternative to a miniDV cam. Also, it isn't clear whether the "vids" you mention here are VHS or miniDV.

But if you know what you're doing just forget it. I was only trying to help and if you've figured out what you need, then there's no need to explain it to me.

Good luck.

Dennis