How Can I Transfer VCR Tapes to My Computer?

[ssbm_pro]

I have been looking around the internet trying to find out how I can take VCR tapes and put them onto my computer. Like I guess plug up my VCR to my computer but I don't know how. I have a G4 Macintosh with Tiger 10.4.9 on it. I have recorded myself playing Super Smash Bros. Melee (a video game) and need to put it on a website. If you have any other ways of getting that on to the computer I would be really appreciate any tips or suggestions.

Thanks,

Paul

 

[jtbell]

You need an analog-to-digital video converter, a box that goes between your VCR and your Mac. The VCR's audio (red/white) and video (yellow or S-video) outputs connect to corresponding inputs on the converter box. Depending on which box and which software on the Mac you use, you connect the box and the Mac via either Firewire or USB2.

I use a Canopus ADVC-100 which is about four years old so there's probably a newer model. It uses a Firewire connection that iMovie recognizes. When I play a tape on the VCR, it shows up in the iMovie window, I click a button, and iMovie captures it in DV format. After I've captured the whole tape, I edit the video right there in iMovie, and finally import it to iDVD to make a DVD out of it.

I don't know whether current versions of iMovie still require a Firewire connection, or can also use USB2.

I've read that if you have a digital camcorder with a Firewire output, you can use it in "pass-through" mode as a converter box. But I've never done this myself.

 

[ravenprp]

Hi Paul,

To transfer VCR tapes onto your computer, you will need a VCR-to-computer converter. This device will allow you to connect your VCR to your computer via a USB or Firewire connection. Once connected, you can use video capture software (such as iMovie or Windows Movie Maker) to transfer the video from the VCR to your computer.

Alternatively, you can also purchase a DVD recorder and transfer the VCR tapes onto DVDs, which can then be played on your computer.

If you have recorded yourself playing a video game, you may also be able to use a screen recording software to capture the footage directly from your television or console.

I hope this helps and good luck with your project! Let me know if you have any other questions.