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What cables to connect an analogue camcorder to a new laptop?

I have an old analogue camcorder that connects with av plugs and a new laptop with an s video input can I connect the two? Any links to sites selling such a thing would be great. Plus any recomendations for editing software would be great (I have window media xp) Thannnnnkkss!!!xx

Public Comments

  1. I've got the same problem actually, and for all I know you need an additional external device called an acquisition board - try Pinnacle Movie Box Plus - more info on www.pinnaclesys.com . This also comes with additional software - check the website. You need this because analogue camcorders don't know how to send data to your laptop, so you need a device to convert that data into digital data. As for software, you can also use Ulead VideoStudio. Hope this helps.
  2. There are RCA to S-Video adapters that you can use. I'd recommend getting a USB converter though (costs a little more for much better quality) As for a starter program that you could use, Window Movie Maker is free from the Microsoft website and is very easy to learn on. Pinnacle Studio Pro is a more in-depth program (for about $100) but is very self-explanatory. For a top of the line professional program , you could go with Adobe Premiere Pro which is about $1000. I'd start off with Windows MM, go to Pinnacle once you learn that, and if you still want to do more, go to Premiere. I wouldn't recommend buying the adapter off the internet. Go to a local electronics shop to purchase it. The folks there should be very helpful and tell you exactly what you need. Even if you have to pay a little more, the service is worth it.
  3. The first step is find out if the S Video is output only, or input and output. If it's output only (highly likely), it's main purpose is to use the laptop as a video source for a TV or LCD projector. If the laptop accepts input on the S Video port, you can purchase cables that will take RCA to S Video. You'll have no control of the camcorder from your laptop unlike a DV/Firewire setup. As for editing software, I'd opt for Pinnacle Studio at less than $100. It's as capable as the Adobe product at $1000 and a cut above Windows Movie Maker. Note that analogue video (S Video) is about 240 lines per inch while digital video is about 540 lines per inch. Expect your analogue video to be of poor quality compared to DV.
  4. my recommendation is u should devolop the photos and scan them up
  5. An analogue capture card that will canvert audio video to a USB Movie plus is a great entry level editing software both from www.serif.com for about £70.00
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