Capturing VHS tapes

Personally I wouldn't risk the frustration such devices create for unsuspecting users.

The easiest way to get VHS to your Mac would be to buy/borrow a mini DV camera. Most have the ability to PASS THROUGH the VHS and convert it to Digital. The cameras acts as an Analogue to digital converter.

Will work without the user tearing out hair and whacking head on desk until unconscious. 🙂

Al

I have used Canopus' ADVC (Analog to Digital Video Converter) products with good success. They convert the analog video from Composite or S-Video to DV thru a Firewire port, and as such will import right into iMovie, FCP, etc.
They aren't the cheapest things around, but the price on the lower models isn't too bad for a quality product. The 300 series does some video artifact clean-up automatically, but costs more.
http://desktop.thomsongrassvalley.com/products/videoconversion.php

Message was edited by: Dekstar

hey there mike,
i found a working older Sony Digital 8 cam w/ analog pass-through(AV IN>DV OUT) to FireWire for only $120.00 in a local pawn shop, even has S-Video in. you might even find a Mini DV cam as Alchroma suggests, w/ pass through if you look.