Capturing direct video from camcorder?

Question

Hi, I have a camcorder with an AV out (yellow and white leads) and I woild like to capture what is output by the camera without having to record it to tape. I hope I can explain it properly, I do not wish to record to tape but directly send the video to my pc. Is this possible to do and what do I need ? I'm doing this because I believe (perhaps wrongly) that the picture will be better than if I recorder the video to tape then replayed that. Any help much appreciated

Answer 1

I'm not exactly a pro when it comes to video, but I know computers.

  As I understand it (I have a digicam that I can connect direct to my PC), the reason for the video tape is to record/store if you aren't near your PC.

  If you can connect your video camera directly to your PC with cable, you should be able to record direct.

   I can't tell you what software to use. I've never done it. But a friend has told me you can capture video and edit video (what you're describing) using Nero 7 and above.

  What you might want to do is to find software online FIRST. See what the req's of the software ar. Also read the docs that came with your camcorder. If that isn't posible, you should be able to find just about any docs you need for the camcorder. Be sure you have the right connectors/fittings on yoru computer. You may have to add a specialized "video capture card", though with most modern motherboards, the "video capture" is built in.

   Plug in the camera, boot the software, and follow the prompts to cature.

  And-- if I understand correctly-- you're right. The more steps you take from the camera to the capture, the more it degrades. Certainly a 5 Gb SD memory card would be FAR superior to a video tape.

   Good luck!

   You might also be nice enough to get in touch with me when you're successful. I'm very anxious to make several movies, I just don't know the process.

   John   [e-mail]