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How to Capture Analog Video to PCs Using a Capture Card

Digitize and save those old home movies

By Sal Prince Sal Prince Writer University of Massachusetts Connecticut School of Broadcasting Sal Prince is a former Lifewire writer and a video production professional and tech enthusiast who has written extensively about electronics and DVRs lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on February 12, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Accessories & Hardware Cards The Quick Guide to Webcams Keyboards & Mice Monitors HDD & SSD Printers & Scanners Raspberry Pi

What to Know

Plug the video capture hardware into a USB port on the PC and power it on, then turn on the PC.Connect the capture device's RCA cables into the source device, then connect the capture device to the computer using the USB cable.Launch the capture software and follow the prompts. When finished, import the video into editing software or record it to CD or DVD. This article explains how to capture analog video using an external capture card or converter so you can convert VHS tapes into a digital format.

How to Capture Analog Video to a Computer

Follow these steps to convert your analog video into a digital format: Set up the video capture hardware by plugging it into a USB port on the PC. Power it on by plugging it into an electrical outlet, if necessary. Turn on the computer. It should recognize the device. If the capture device came with software, now is a good time to install it. Connect the capture device's RCA cables into the source device (such as a VCR). If the source device has S-Video output, use that instead of composite (RCA) video output. S-Video delivers a higher picture quality than composite video. Connect the capture device to the computer using the USB cable. Open the capture software. It should walk you through the process of beginning a recording. You can create a name for the file you're creating and change a few settings like the aspect ratio and file format. Before recording, pack the videotape by fast-forwarding to the end of the tape, then rewinding to the beginning before playing. This allows for smooth playback while capturing the video. Video capture happens in real-time, so an hour-long video takes an hour to capture. Plan accordingly. After the video is captured to the computer's hard drive, it can be imported into a video editing software application for editing or recorded to CD or DVD using CD/DVD recording software and a CD/DVD writer. The video you capture is only as good as the source from which it came. If the tapes are worn, the captured footage reflects that. Store old tapes in a cool, dry place.

What You Need to Capture Analog Video

You need the following equipment to capture analog video on a computer: A computer. A VHS to digital converter or capture card with RCA/S-Video inputs (such as this one available on Amazon). Video capture software (it should come with the capture card). A VCR or other device to play the analog video with RCA/S-Video outputs. Video editing software such as Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere Pro to edit the video. DVD recording software and a DVD burner to record the video to DVD. If you want to capture lots of videos to burn to DVD, make sure you have a large hard drive, or use a separate hard drive to store the videos. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire What to Know Before Buying a Video Capture Device Can You Still Use an Analog TV? How to Upload Videos From an Old Camcorder to a PC How to Transfer 8mm and Hi8 Video Tapes to DVD or VHS How to Screen Record with Audio in Windows 11 How to Record Cable TV With a VCR How to Use the Video Editor in Windows 11 How to Record and Produce Gameplay Videos Is There a VHS Adapter for 8mm Tapes? The Complete Guide to Home Audio Systems for Beginners How to Clean Your VCR Heads How to Make Screencasts With Windows 10 Xbox Game DVR How to Import Video to iMovie The 7 Best Screen Capture Software of 2022 How to Connect the Nintendo Switch to Your Laptop How to Record on the Nintendo Switch Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies