How do I turn my VHS collection into VCDs

[Base10]

I wanna convert my VHS collection of Jap Anim into VCDs:
1) What kinda of video card/video input do I
need?

 

[Erasmus-X]

A video capture card will be needed. Most VCRs will use composite RCA (as only SVHS VCRs will use s-video). The ATI TV Wonder is a decent card to do this with at an affordable price. For capturing the audio part, you'd usually use the line-in on your sound card.

In order to do quality capturing, it is very important to use good, shielded interconnect cables. I would recommend using Monster Video2 series for the video signal and a Monster mini Y adapter to go from the audio out on the VCR to the mini-plug line-in on most sound cards.

 

[pdo]

Probably any decent cable will do since VCD resolution aren't that good anyway. Try this site here although it seems to be down at the moment.

http://www.vcdhelper.com/

 

[Mday]

make sure you encode them in vcd compliant MPEG form. it'll tell you (unless the software package sucks).

here is hoping you have a burner.

remember that you can only fit about an hour or something worth of good quality video onto a CD. and VCD MPEG format has lower quality video (lower bit rate) than the higher MPEG compressions.

from the best quality mpeg compression, the files are larger, but are worth it. but is not VCD compliant.

 

[Mday]

forget about the monster cables, they are overpriced pieces of cable (would call them crap, but they do work).

you can use any kind of shielded cable you find in any store...

make sure you do use the video cable, and not the F type. s video for the better video signal if you have it.

 

[konichiwa]

Don't convert them to VCD, the quality sucks. It's MPEG-1 if I'm not mistaken. Convert them to DivX ... it's basically a hacked version of MPEG-4. There's a big underground DivX movie scene. http://fm4.org

 

[pdo]

I'm with you on this one Konichiwa. DIVX can only be play in Windows, but the quality is unbelievable.

 

[Erasmus-X]

Don't get me started. Monster cables are expensive (but I wouldn't necessarily say overpriced), but they are very good cables. Not only are they shielded, but they're balanced, meaning that the positive and negative signals are independently shielded for better signal quality and EMI/RFI rejection. Most cheaper "shielded" cables use a single braided copper strand with a foil shielding.

I guess I'm just spoiled because I work at a Best Buy and get these things for like 1/2 of what they sell retail. But believe me, there is a difference. Don't knock it until you've tried it.

 

[konichiwa]

Yeah, I agree. I use Monster for everything, home stereo, DSS, VHS, DVD, TV, everything. They're the best, no comparison.

Hey, Erasmus, you get that much of a discount for working at BBuy? I might have to fill out an application.

 

[Erasmus-X]

Well, let's see......

Our discount is cost + 5%. On audio and video stuff, the discounts are pretty good because the markup is substantial. Computer stuff on the other hand is not marked up much at all. In general, accessories like cables, cases, etc. are marked up like mad (in some cases like 500%).

If you get hired as a part time employee, your discount doesn't take effect until you've worked there for the company for over 90 days. If you are hired during seasonal (Thanksgiving/Christmas) your discount starts taking effect after Thanksgiving Day.

There's a big trade-off for these cool discounts though. The pay isn't great. You start at like $6.50/hour and you don't work on commission. I can be making more as a PC tech, but the advantage with Best Buy is that it's close to where I live (less driving).

 

[Oric]

I use the Snazzi Dazzle board for Video Capture + Conversion, it also comes with good software to do basic clipping.