VHS tape to my Powerbook

I have a couple VHS tapes that I want to put on my Powerbook, but quite frankly, I have no clue how to do it. What do I need (other than a VCR obviously) and also, what's the best program to rip it onto my Powerbook. I'm a total noob when it comes to this, obviously, so all the info you can give me is greatly appreciated.

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You just need an "Analog to Digital" Converter.

I can't recommend one over the other, but here's a good place to start looking.

:mac:

Do you have a DVmini camcorder? Some of them can be used as bridge between the VCR and the computer. If you are able to do that, then the software you would need is iMovie.

I've mentioned this before, but a really inexpensive solution would be to buy a cheap DVD Recorder (for example, this one for $100 from Wal-Mart), write the tape to DVD, and then rip it to your PowerBook.

Then you'll have it in digital format as well as on DVD.

Thanks for the info guys. I was hoping that it wouldn't be too expensive, but looks like it will be. Oh well. I think I'm going to scrounge around to relatives, friends, family friends, people on the street, etc to ask if I can use their analog to video converters. I know a friend who, I think, has a DVmini camcorder, so I'll ask him if I can borrow that. Do you know how to bridge it?

I have done with my Canon Optura 20. There is a setting, that you set in order to get your camera to used as a pass through bridge. I just forget what it is right now.

You will need a 1/8" to RCA cable. The RCA end is has the yellow plug for video and the red and white cables for audio. The other end (the 1/8") will plug into the camcorder. Then, you need to set the camera up as a bridge, which will depend on what model camera you are using. Check out the manual (It should be online as well) for that information. Once you record it onto a MiniDV tape using the camera, you just import it via Firewire into iMovie. You may even be able to import it directly to iMovie from the VCR using Camera mode in iMovie, but I have never attempted this.

I have been successful in using an Analog source and importing it via a MiniDV camcorder and tape, however.

caribiner23 said:

I've mentioned this before, but a really inexpensive solution would be to buy a cheap DVD Recorder (for example, this one for $100 from Wal-Mart), write the tape to DVD, and then rip it to your PowerBook.

Then you'll have it in digital format as well as on DVD.

Click to expand...

That DVD recorder looks like it has a DV Firewire port, is it possible to capture into final cut right from the dvd?

Jonster said:

I have a couple VHS tapes that I want to put on my Powerbook, but quite frankly, I have no clue how to do it. What do I need (other than a VCR obviously) and also, what's the best program to rip it onto my Powerbook. I'm a total noob when it comes to this, obviously, so all the info you can give me is greatly appreciated.

Click to expand...

If the passthrough technique doesnt work how bout' just recording from your VCR to an D-8mm or Mini DV camcorder. Then shoot the footage from your camcorder to the powerbook via firewire to your editing software of choice?
Hope this helps

PowerBookG4 said:

That DVD recorder looks like it has a DV Firewire port, is it possible to capture into final cut right from the dvd?

Click to expand...

I never tried it, but the manual leads me to believe it's an input-only port.