[qbertitis]

I apologize if this is covered elsewhere--I did look around before posting the question. I'm in need of a good analog to firewire converter to convert a bunch of family VHS tapes into a digital file that I can then edit down and splice, etc, before turning into one final DVD. I've done research on the net, but it seems like all the reviews are from like 2002, and I'm sure technology has changed since then. (In fact, some of the products they recommend are no longer available.) I've seen recommendations for straight analog to DVD recorders, but I assume that doesn't allow you to edit the files before burning a DVD. And the last thing I want to do is buy something that has a history of problems with Macs, or iMovie. Right now I'm running iMovie 5.0.2 on my 1 GHZ Power PC 64 laptop, but am conisdering upgradeing my iLife anyway. Any ideas?

[sandbag1]

I've been using ONE OF THESE for 6 years now and it works great. I paid $215 for it back then.

[Tom_Diola]

I don't think you'll gain anything by upgrading in iLife.

Why not get a videocam that has an analog pass through e.g Canon ZR300 that has a firewire port interface.

You take your VHS output and pass it through your videocam and the output of the videocam goes firewire
right into the mac. You can then burn the result in iMovie to DVD's.

[Tom_Diola]

I say get a videocam that has an analog passthru and firewire out. e.g. like my Canon VR300.
That way you have a camera to use after you've translated all the movies into iMovie and burned them to DVD.

[DMurray431]

Having just "digitized" some 28-year old "beta" tapes I can recommend a digitizer called ADS Pyro. I got mine a few years ago and it cost me about $130. It is really easy to hook up. Just plug your VCR (RCA or "S") cables from your VCR into the unit........then a firewire cable into your computer. In iMovie just click on the camera icon and choose the Pyro. Start both the VCR & Computer record and the movies are converted. I have both iLife 6 & 8, but used the older version. The 6 version is a lot easier to work with (in my opinion). As I recall the 5 version is similar to 6. One piece of advise I would give....... when editing, don't get carried away using all the special effects........ nice light background music though is good. And just remember "think digital" no more splicing just "editing".

[qbertitis]

Thanks for all the help. I do have a Canon ZR 850--so that will work? Just plug the VCR into the Canon and the Canon into the computer? It can't possibly be that easy!

[rickcarl]

Your model does not support analog to digital.

http://reviews.cnet....7-32172622.html

qbertitis said:

Thanks for all the help. I do have a Canon ZR 850--so that will work? Just plug the VCR into the Canon and the Canon into the computer? It can't possibly be that easy!

So, you're right, it can't possibly be that easy...with your model. My Canon does and it is that easy.

[qbertitis]

Thanks for the news, even if it's bad. Looks like the ADS Pro is the way to go, as it's the cheapest option I've found yet. So thanks for the tip there. Although on the official ADS site it's discontinued, but I see it for sale in other places... who knew this would be so complicated.

[rickcarl]

If you want to convert to iPod size look at this.

[DMurray431]

The ADS Pyro is definitely a "firewire" & Mac friendly (there is no USB plug on it). You can use inputs of of RCA and/or "S" video. It works great with my Mac Pro and my previous G4 Mac. As a matter of a fact, iPhoto automatically detects the unit when it is turned on. I have used it with Tiger and Leopard with equal ease.

[rickcarl]

DMurray431 said:

The ADS Pyro is definitely a "firewire" & Mac friendly (there is no USB plug on it). You can use inputs of of RCA and/or "S" video. It works great with my Mac Pro and my previous G4 Mac. As a matter of a fact, iPhoto automatically detects the unit when it is turned on. I have used it with Tiger and Leopard with equal ease.

I edited my post to reflect reality. :0

[rab777hp]

Try this from hammacher Schlemmer

http://www.hammacher...blish/74081.asp

a bit pricy at 400 dollars, but it works, is simple, and I dont know your budget.

[rab777hp]

Try this from hammacher Schlemmer

http://www.hammacher...blish/74081.asp

a bit pricy at 400 dollars, but it works, is simple, and I dont know your budget.

After that, you can rip the dvds onto your computer and edit them in iMovie, or whatever software you prefer, then you can burn them with iDVD.

[albloom]

Rab's recommendation is similar to what I used to convert our VHS tapes.
We got a Sharp back in the day, also about $400, but I've seen a Magnavox
in WallyWorld for $100. Disgustingly easy to use once you get past the manual
written by someone whose first language is Klingon.

I'd recommend something similar for you. I sure wouldn't do any heavy lifting
on our 1ghz G4 AlBook, and video is truly heavy lifting. I tote the PB on trips
for Leslye to use as her photo lab, and she gets a tad snarly comparing it to
her G5. And that's just pictures.

I don't recommend the combo unit if you have any commercial VHS movies.
Almost all the recorders "honor" the copy protection. I'd get a standalone DVD
recorder and insert a black box (video stabilizer) between the VCR and the
recorder.