I want to connect my DVD/VCR combo to my laptop. I have Windows XP Media Center Center Edition. I connected my VCR to my laptop using a S-Video cable. I opened Windows Movie Maker, then clicked File, Capture Video. It says that a video capture device is not detected.

Can I connect my VCR to my laptop this way? Am I missing something? Nothing pops up when I plug the S-Video Cable to my laptop. Is there supposed to be a new hardware detected screen or something?I think you need a video capture card. That's probably why you're getting that message.The S-video hole in your laptop is most likely an output hole (it sends the video signal, it doesn't receive it), just like the hole in the VCR. Like SUPERDAVE said, you need a capture card.just what i was going to say. The s-video plug on the laptop is for output to televisions and projectersSo, if I buy one of these - USB TV and Video Capture Device - will it work then? I want to make sure before I pay $100-$150 that this will work. It sounds good. Tape VCR & Camcorder stuff to computer. Use computer as DVR. Is this the card? Do I have to buy an card and this?

I googled this device and it looks like it's what you need to capture video. I ALSO found that this device sells from $25 to $34. Just google it to find the best price.You do need a capture device. I've got Medi/stream, ($80.00 Office Max). It converts Vhs (ANALOG ) to digital (DVD). The software is with the capture device.Quote from: maybenever on October 18, 2007, 06:03:44 PM

You do need a capture device. I've got Medi/stream, ($80.00 Office Max). It converts Vhs (analog ) to digital (DVD). The software is with the capture device.