Inexpensive transfer of video and audio to your computer

Roxio, a long time participant in the realm of audio and video software has a new device called the Roxio Video Capture USB. This $49.99 connector looks like a USB or Flash Drive with pigtails. Using this inexpensive interface and the Roxio programs, you can convert from VHS, Hi8 and V8 and transfer them to DVD. It will also work with audio devices so you can transfer from LPs and tapes. Video is captured in full DVD quality (720x480). The minimum system requirements are:

• Microsoft® Windows Vista™ Home Basic, Windows® XP SP2 (32- or 64-bit), 1 GHz processor and 512 MB RAM
• 1024x768 DirectX 9 compatible graphics card with at least 16-bit color setting, sound card, DVD-ROM drive
• Available USB 2.0 port

You may have to check your system configuration to determine whether the Video Capture USB would work. You would also have to purchase Roxio Creator 2009 a $79.99 program.

I have successfully transferred almost every format imagined to my computers, but I have found that the equipment to do so can be very confusing. I was able to buy all the right connectors are Radio Shack, but every time I go back to record a cassette tape or whatever, I have to remake the whole system and try to remember what each cable plugs into. This USB device looks like a much simpler solution.