How Can I Connect a VCR to a Computer with USB and Firewire Capability?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Lyuokdea
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Computer
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around connecting a VCR to a computer that has USB and Firewire capabilities, specifically for the purpose of transferring home videos to DVDs. Participants explore various hardware options, including adapters and capture devices, and discuss the compatibility of different ports and connections.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the best way to connect a VCR to a computer with USB and Firewire, mentioning the presence of an S-Video port and a 9-pin port.
  • Another participant suggests using a specific graphics card for recording and provides a link to a hardware solution for connecting the VCR to the computer.
  • There is a question about the 9-pin port, with one participant expressing uncertainty about its standardization and providing a link to a potential solution.
  • A different participant identifies the 9-pin connection as a mini-DIN and offers a link to an RCA to MD9P connector as a possible solution.
  • One participant raises concerns about whether the computer has video-in capabilities and suggests matching the VCR outputs to the computer inputs, recommending S-Video over composite if available.
  • Another participant recommends a USB capture device that allows direct connection of the VCR and mentions the need for software to capture and convert the video.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views on the best method to connect the VCR to the computer, with no consensus reached on a single solution. There is uncertainty regarding the compatibility of the ports and the availability of necessary adapters.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the specific types of ports and connections available on the computer, and there are references to proprietary adapters and varying hardware capabilities that may affect the connection process.

Lyuokdea
Messages
154
Reaction score
0
I am going to be splitting the cost of buying a DVD burner with my Dad, my Dad says that the burner must be able to connect to a VCR so that he can copy our aging Home Videos over to DVD's. What is the best way to connect a VCR over to a computer? The computer I am looking at putting it on has USB and Firewire capability, it has an S-Video port, but it has some 9 pin port that no store in the world carries (trust me, I've looked). Is there a good adapter that to switch the 3 port red white and yellow cables from a VCR over to a USB or some other port, or is there possibly an external DVD player that can be connected directly to a VCR? Thanks for your help in advance.
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
After looking high and low I think i found exactly what your looking for. What you have isn't s-video , it is mini-din 9 pin which usually comes with nvidia cards.

So here is where you can buy the RCA to MD9P connector:

http://www.excaliberpc.com/product_info.php?cPath=156_162&products_id=1055

The good thing is it is only $6.99 plus a little tax.

Hope that helps.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
That dongle is a proprietary adapter which allows you to input s-video or composite. The computer should have come with it. Lyuokdea, are you sure that's video-in?

Anyway, if you can figure out what inputs (if any - not all computers have video in) then you just match it to the output of your vcr or camera. S-video is better than composite, so use that if you can. If one is s-video and the other is composite, get an adapter at Radio Shack.

The red and white are audio and you plug them into your sound card via the appropriate rca-stereo 1/8" adapter.
 
http://www.pinnaclesys.com/ProductPage_n.asp?Product_ID=1426&Langue_ID=7

Get one of these. It plugs into a USB port, and you can plug your vcr/console game/tv output/digital cam/recorder directly into it. Walmart has a cheaper version, I think it is like $59.

After that, you need some kind of stream ripping software to capture the video. You can record it strait to your hd, and then burn them in ISO or get some dvd converter.

Once you get your vcr hooked up to your pc, send me some email I'll be glad to help you with the particulars.
 

Similar threads

Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
23K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
19K
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
7K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K