Video Capture Device
A video capture device is a allows you to connect video playing equipment like VHS-players to your personal computer. It allows you to record VHS tapes to your PC, digitize them and convert them to DVD format. Video capture is also known as video encoding and video capture devices may also be called encoders.
USB Video Capture Devices
These devices allow you to connect video players to the USB port of your computer. You can capture analog video from camcorders, VCR/VHS-players and DV-tapes and save it in digital format.
Most USB video capture devices come with bundled software which allows you to edit captures videos and burn them into CDs and DVDs.
Most USB video capture devices come with the following features:
- Support for analog devices like camcorders, VHS, etc.
- Automatic configuration to NTSC or PAL formats.
- Support for still images in BMP or JPEG formats.
- Support for different video resolutions.
- Support for burning to CDs and DVDs.
USB devices are very efficient as the data transfer rate at USB 2.0 port is very high. In fact USB video capture devices are the standard in the market these days.
How does a video capture device work?
Video in VHS-format or video captured using a camcorder is in analog format. Analog format means that data is stored continuously on the tape. Analog video is comparatively of lower quality as there is loss of data during transmission.
On the other hand, a computer is a digital system i.e. data is stored in the form of 0’s and 1’s. Digital video formats like DVD have higher clarity because there is less data loss during transmission.
A video capture device converts analog format and transmits it to the computer to through the USB port. Basically, it is a data converter which converts analog to digital format. The computer needs special drivers and software to work properly with the video capture device.
Video Capture Device Drivers
In order to use your video capture device drivers, you have to install drivers specific to your operating system. These drivers enable your operating system to communicate with the device.
Device drivers usually come along with the video capture device in an installation CD. The CD may also contain other software utilities. It is usually very easy to install the drivers. All you have to do is to insert the CD in the drive and click on the installation button. The auto installer should take care of everything from there.
Video capture device drivers can also be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website. The manual or help file accompanying the device usually will contain links to the manufacturer’s website. You can also use a search engine like Google or Yahoo to locate drivers for yourself.
If have any trouble installing drivers or the device itself, contact someone who knows about computer hardware. You can also try to get help online by searching for related website or forums.
How/Where to Buy a Video Capture Device ?
The best place to buy a video capture device is online. Websites like TigerDirect.com sell video capture devices at very good prices. However, research well and read user reviews before shelling your money at any online computer hardware store.
You can also buy a video capture device at your local computer store. However, we recommend buying it online. Online shopping has many advantages like:
- Cheaper rates
- Wide variety of products
- Fast and convenient
Most online stores ship products using insured mail, so that the products may not get damaged while they are being shipped to you. They also offer a warranty period and money back/refund policy. Some stores may also offer technical assistance if needed.