video conversion

[lorib01]

Hey everyone,

I searched the forums but have yet to find a good answer to my question, I hope someone can give me some advice.
I'm getting my new Intel Duo mac this week and want to use it to convert some home video that was recorded on an older camcorder. I also need to convert some old lazer disks to DVD and it'd be great if I were able to convert some old audio cassette tapes to DVD. The problem is that I'm pretty broke after buying the new computer. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

 

[LethalWolfe]

Buy an analog to digital converter, or if you already have a MiniDV camera it most likely will be able to act as a converter.

But if there is copy protection on the originals you might run into problems.

Lethal

 

[lorib01]

Thanks, I didn't think a mini DV would do everything I require. I appreciate your input. Now I just need to find one at a resonable plrice.

 

[tveric]

They don't all do what you require. If the MiniDV cam you buy has no analog inputs to allow for pass-thru, you'll be doing nothing with those old VHS tapes and laserdiscs.

The audio cassette tapes are easy to bring into your mac, you just need the right cable. Video is a whole other animal. Find a MiniDV cam like one of these:

http://www.homevideo101.com/articles/dv-cameras-passthrough.php

 

[balamw]

Note that you can often find really cheap broken miniDV cameras that would fine for this application. You really don't care if the lens or tape transport mechanism don't work if you don't intend to use them.

B

 

[lorib01]

Cool, thanks. Some good advice, I appreciate it. I guess the right cable for my tape conversion would just be cables with the correct ends (RCA...).

Thanks