Convert VCR tape to slides

Hello,

I am running Windows XP and a friend of mine would like to make a power point presentation of "remember when" for a party she is having. She has some old VCR tapes that were taken on a camcorder and she only wants to extract some pictures from the tapes to show people that have passed away on a slide presentation.

Is it possible to extract certain shots on the VCR tape and put them on my computer and then make a slide presentation in Power Point?

Do you know what software programs or hardware we would need.

Thank you.

Jean

 

Do a google search for video capture card.

 

Thank you. I will see what I can find out.

Jean

 

On some versions of Power Point prior to v2000 with the method you want, this is cannot be done. I had a reference to this but I cannot find it now.
Here's a link with step by step procedure for version 2003:
http://www.informit.com/guides/content.asp?g=msoffice&seqNum=103

 

Hi,

Thank you for trying to help me and for sending me the following site
http://www.informit.com/guides/cont...fice&seqNum=103. I didn't really understand too much that he was talking about. I'll try reading it again tomorrow to see if it makes more sense.

I just want to take a couple of frames off the VCR tape, not all of the video.

I talked to Gateway about it but they suggested I buy the following:

http://accessories.gateway.com/Acce...iting_316691/2944999_proddetail.htm?ref=merch

I don't want to spend that much money just to get a couple of frames off the VCR tape and onto my computer.

I did search for information on a video capture card but I never did find out if I have one or would have to buy it. Gateway seemed to tell me that my video card was capable of doing it.

Then later someone told me to buy Dazzle software which allows users to capture and edit video. I would buy it but don't know if the video card will work with it.

I'm confused so I may just forget the whole thing.

Thanks for your help.

Jean

 

larsonjean,
I believe if you look back at Newt's Post he mentioned a Video Capture Card will be needed.
I'm making an assumption that you've never done a project like this..correct??

Here's a Beginners Guide site that might help explain equipment and procedures:
http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=813

Hope this helps

 

Thanks for the webste. I will try to understand the information.

You are correct when you guessed that I've never done a project like this.

If I have any questions I'll write back.

Thank you.

Jean

 

I was reading the information and it says "This guide assumes that you have both a VCR and a graphics card that is capable of doing video capture. Most recent mid-to-high-end video cards from Nvidia and ATI have this feature, which is technically referred to as "Video In," or sometimes VIVO if the card supports both video input, and output.. If you are not sure, consult your documentation and the card manufacturer's website. "

I am not sure what I have, I definitely have a VCR but not sure of the manufacturer of my video card. I copied the following from device manager:

Sound, video and game controllers
Audio Codecs
Creative SB Audigy
Legacy Audio Drivers
Legacy Video Capture Devices
Media Control Devices
Unimodem Half-Duplex Audio Device
Video Codecs

It sounds like I have it but is Legacy the manuf.

Thank you

Jean

 

jean,
In device manager look under 'display adapters'. This should tell you the make and model number of your video card. HTH

B

 

Hi Everyone,

The holidays have taken all my time and I haven't had a chance to finish reading what you recommended: Beginners Guide site
http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=813

I will try to get a chance to understand more about it.

I did go to Device Manger and found out that I have NVIDIA GeForce4 Ti 4600.

I still haven't figure out if I have the capability to transfer from VCR but after reading the above article, maybe I'll understand more.

Thanks,

Jean

 

My research shows this card (BTW, which is discontinued) does not have the requirements needed for your project. So you will need to replace this with a decent Video capture Card.

 

Indeed you will need a video capture card. You do not need to replace your video card though, you can get a separate capture card much cheaper.
The VCR plugs into the capture card, and allows you to capture video to your hard drive.
You would capture short videos, containing the still you want, then you can freeze frame the video on the computer, and save the still. This is much easier than trying to freeze frame the vcr to capture a still. Load the stills into powerpoint to make your presentation.
You will need some good software to get the stills out of the video, as win media player won't work. Virtualdub is excellent for this (and free), and will also work well as the video capture software.

 

Thanks irdeed and reboot for your help.

I will look into getting a video capture card for my computer and see if it is worth buying the hardware and software to do the job. My friend only wants a couple of frames so we just might forgeth the whole thing. I'll let you know.

By the way, I forgot my husband has a newer Gateway Computer than I do (Windows Media). I did go to his Device Manger and found out that he has a NVIDIA GeForce4 FX5200 (Gateway). Is it possible that I would be able to use this video card? I don't yet know how to research such a thing.


Thanks,

Jean

 

Nope, the FX5200 won't capture.
Video capture cards range from about $8 to over $1000.
http://www.pricewatch.com/h/prc.aspx?i=214&p=0
Something in the $25 to $50 will do nicely.

 

Thanks for all your help. I'll try to pursue this in the New Year.

Jean

 

The problem is that you have to get the tape digitized. Once it is on disk, you can capture the frames you want very easily.

If you have a friend that has a VCR/DVD recorder, just have them record the tape. I can capture frame shots with Power DVD.