VHS Player to iMac

I am interested in learning how to hookup a VHS player to my iMac to upload movies to iMovie and edit them. I read where you need a "bridge" or analog to digital converter. Any idea of a specific make, model that works well?

Thanks

Hi,

I've been looking at this myself.

My chosen method (though I've not done it yet) is to playback the VHS on a VCR (preferably with S.Video output) hooked up to a MiniDV camcorder which in turn is hooked up to your iMac.

Most modern MiniDV camcorders offer a pass-through mode, which converts incoming analog video into digital data, and then transfers the data to your Mac via FireWire. You'll need to adjust the menu settings on the camcorder.

You'll also need to connect audio cables between the outputs on your VCR and the inputs on the MIniDV Camcorder.

Turn both devices on, open a new iMovie project and start importing the film.

Edit: Watch the size of the files though, consider a large external drive for storage

No Camcorder - you may want to consider ElGato's Video Capture device - link.
You can probably find it cheaper at Amazon.

I use this: EchoFX - Video Capture For Mac OS X with a Pinnacle Dazzle which is actually for PC.
The only thing is the hardware doesn't support audio, you have to connect the VCR audio directly to the Mac.
It will convert to several formats including mp4 I think (don't have it hooked up right now).

Thank you to all 3 of you for your suggestions. I will work on this and let you know what works. Given I'm not tech savvy I am hopeful my brain can easily work with these solutions. Many thanks.

Just as a followup. I wanted to let you know that I checked with Sony and my camcorder (which i just spent $1200 on and purchased 3 months ago) doesn't have that capability. Wish it would have.....
The Elgato appears to be the easiest especially after reading the EchoFX and Dazzle qualifiers regarding Mac OS 10.8. In any case thank you to the three of you who helped me out!!!

daviddever said:

Just as a followup. I wanted to let you know that I checked with Sony and my camcorder (which i just spent $1200 on and purchased 3 months ago) doesn't have that capability. Wish it would have.....
The Elgato appears to be the easiest especially after reading the EchoFX and Dazzle qualifiers regarding Mac OS 10.8. In any case thank you to the three of you who helped me out!!!

Click to expand...

Hiya,
Thanks for reporting back. I'm thinking about the Elgato kit myself now I've had a closer look at all these solutions

Great to hear that this forum worked for someone other than just myself. Regards....