How Can I Connect My VCR to My Computer for Video Conversion?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of connecting a VCR to a computer for the purpose of video conversion. Participants explore various technical issues related to hardware connections, software configurations, and driver compatibility, focusing on the use of specific programs for capturing video from VHS tapes.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their setup with a Sony Viao computer and an older Sharp VCR, noting that the computer does not recognize the VCR for video capture.
  • Another participant suggests that having an external DVD recorder might simplify the process of converting tapes.
  • Questions are raised about the specific connections being used, particularly whether the video input on the computer is indeed an input and if the correct audio and video drivers are selected in the software.
  • Concerns are expressed about the software's ability to detect the capture device, with suggestions to check if the video input is correctly configured and if the necessary drivers are installed.
  • One participant successfully views video from the VCR using "Viao Media" but struggles to capture it with other software, indicating potential issues with driver compatibility.
  • Another participant mentions a specific issue related to Adobe Premiere and the need to switch drivers, although the relevance to the current setup is questioned.
  • There is uncertainty regarding whether certain solutions apply to the participant's operating system (Windows XP) and whether the existing drivers are adequate for capturing video.
  • Discussion includes troubleshooting steps, such as checking the video card and ensuring the capture device is recognized in the device manager.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on the potential causes of the issues faced, with no clear consensus on the solution. Multiple competing views remain regarding the hardware and software configurations necessary for successful video capture.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the specific hardware capabilities of the computer, the compatibility of the software with the capture device, and the need for proper driver installation. Some participants suggest that the video input may actually be an output, which complicates the troubleshooting process.

mmranch
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I have a Sony Viao VGC-RA920G and two different programs for converting VHS video to DVD. My VCR is an older Sharp model. I have connected them with input/output cables for Audio and Video but the computer doesn't recognize that the VCR is connected when I try to "capture" in either program. Any ideas of what the problem might be? linda@mmranch.net
 
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Too bad you don't have an external dvd recorder. Otherwise id have my friend tell you how he's converted tapes into cds, so this can't be much harder.
 
What, precisly is the video connected to? If your sound card has an input, did you select it?
 
I don't have an external dvd recorder, but thanks for the reply.
 
russ_watters said:
What, precisly is the video connected to? If your sound card has an input, did you select it?
The video output on the vcr is connected to the video input on the computer. The audio output to the audio input Not sure what you mean by sound card or "select it".
 
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Are you sure it's a video input on the computer you plugged the VCR into? you need to make sure the video capture software is configured to look for the capture device. The software doesn't know or care about what's connected. All it's doing is looking for a signal on the input device. Usually in the software there's some way of selecting the input device it's looking for.
 
imabug said:
Are you sure it's a video input on the computer you plugged the VCR into? you need to make sure the video capture software is configured to look for the capture device. The software doesn't know or care about what's connected. All it's doing is looking for a signal on the input device. Usually in the software there's some way of selecting the input device it's looking for.
The video input is marked "video" on my computer, There's one in the front panel and one in the back. I've tried them both. The software asks me to choose the video driver but the drop down arrow for selections is empty. the audio driver has them, but not the video. So how would I make sure the software is configured to look for the capture device?
 
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If the software doesn't have an option for selecting an input device, then either there's no capture device installed, or no capture device the software is compatible with.

I'd guess the video interface you're trying to connect to is a video output, unless you're absolutely positive the computer was purchased with video input capabilities. The fact that there are two of them also suggests to me that these are actually video outputs. Where is the interface located? on the graphics card? is it part of a separate video capture board you put into the computer?

If it's on the graphics card then unless it's a model that has video input capabilities it's quite likely a video output interface instead.

Should be pretty simple to test. Just run a video cable from the video interface and plug it into the video in on your TV. If it is an output you'll see the computer screen on your monitor.
 
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Well, that could be the problem! I'll check further. Thank you so much for your help. - Everyone!
 
  • #10
Yes, that's what I was getting that (sorry, I forgot about this thread)...

Also, for sound, for some applications you "select" the input literally by clicking the box labeled "select" in your volume control.

To get to that, double click the speaker icon next to your clock, click options->properties->recording->ok, and the volume control will then show recording levels for different inputs.
 
  • #11
I was able to view the video from the VHS VCR on my computer with a program called "Viao Media" and the sound was there as well! but I still can't get the programs for recording to "capture". I have DVGate Plus and MAGIX movies to DVD. The Magix has a drop down arrow for selecting the device but it's empty. The DVGate Plus just searches and says "not found".
 
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  • #12
You could look in device manger under Sound/Video to check if you have a video input device and if its working.

It's possible that the drivers did not get installed.

Chances are that Russ and imabug are correct though.
 
  • #13
Would I be able to view and hear the video on the Viao Media program if that were the case?
 
  • #14
mmranch said:
I was able to view the video from the VHS VCR on my computer with a program called "Viao Media" and the sound was there as well! but I still can't get the programs for recording to "capture". I have DVGate Plus and MAGIX movies to DVD. The Magix has a drop down arrow for selecting the device but it's empty. The DVGate Plus just searches and says "not found".

Beat me to the last post.
If you can view the VCR with the built in program then the capture device is probably non standard.
Don't know if there is driver software that will allow your other software to see it.
 
  • #15
Thanks NoTime, I see we posted just minutes apart. Oh I hope there is an answer! I have spent way too much TIME and money on this! These software programs should have better support too. Thank you all for your help and advise. I'm not giving up (except maybe for today!)
 
  • #16
This may help.
It could apply to the programs you are trying to use as well.

http://www.adobe.com/support/techdocs/326533.html

2. Error "Unable to connect to capture driver" or "No DV device available" when you try to capture video in Premiere 6.x (Windows 98SE and Me only)

This issue occurs if you use the Sony DV class driver. The built-in DV support in Premiere 6.x requires the Microsoft DV class driver (MSDV), which cannot coexist in Windows with any other DV class drivers.


Solution

Run SonySwitcher 3.0 to switch from the Sony DV class drivers to the Microsoft DV class drivers, which are needed to capture video in Premiere. The SonySwitcher is available for free from the Adobe website at www.adobe.com/support/downloads/product.jsp?product=42&platform=Windows (for instructions, see the documentation included with SonySwitcher 3.0).


For additional information about this issue, see document 321276 , "Error or no video when trying to capture DV in Premiere 6.x for Windows."
 
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  • #17
Should I try that even if I have Windows XP? It says "98SE and Me only"
 
  • #18
mmranch said:
Should I try that even if I have Windows XP? It says "98SE and Me only"
That's a good question.
It may or may not make a difference.
The text refers to Adobe Premiere which is fairly sophisticated compared to most video editors, like the ones you mentioned.
So the Adobe process may be able to access the Sony DV driver under XP and switching is not necessary.

The only way to tell if it will work in your case is try it.
I would recommend you at least look to see which driver is currently loaded for your capture device.

You may also want to create a registry backup before trying it, so you can just do a restore.
Doing a registry backup (or a full system backup) is a good idea before installing any new software.
 
  • #19
Well, nothing has worked. I also have Adobe Premiere and that won't capture the video either.
As far as I can tell, I have "Legacy Video Capture" driver "WDM Video for windows capture driver (win 32)" my computer tells me the capture device is working properly.
I can view the video on "Viao Media" so I know the connections are correct.
I have tried to capture it in "Magix", "DVgate Plus" and "Adobe Premiere, standard"
I'm guessing it must be the driver.
 
  • #20
Do you know what video card you have? Right click your desktop, click "properties", "settings" and see what it says under "display". And under "advanced" there is more info including (if you have an ATI card) a control center with info on hardware settings.

Also, the viao media player should have a settings or properties dialog that tells you about the hardware that is feeding it.
 
  • #21
Under "display" it says "(multiple monitors) on RADEON x300 series" Under "advanced" There are 6 taps with "ATI" but I really don't understand what I'm looking for there, I don't see anything that says "control center" "settings" or "hardware".
I can't find anything in Viao Media re properties or settings, I've tried right clicking, "read me", "help", just don't know where to find it.
 
  • #22

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