Originally Posted by Jess Wunman  The Dell appears to have 7 pin S-video, as well as Firewire, and e SATA connectors. (I admit to total ignorance about this.) As I said, the VCR has only coaxial and RCA (phono) connector outputs. Is the solution merely a matter of obtaining a cable that has phono (audio/video) on one end, and the other connector type on the other? If so, which input (to the PC) is preferable? (i.e. S-video, e SATA, or Firewire) If the PC has a given connector, should I assume that video capture is available, via that connector? If a given connector is present on the PC, does it mean I already have a "capture card" for that specific connector? |
Yes - you need to find a cable which goes RCA to S-Video. Obviously with the audio you need a separate cable which goes 2 RCA to Mini-Jack so you can plug that into your microphone socket on the desktop. If you have ports on your computer (and the PC shipped with them) then they will work and should have the appropriate drivers, firmwire etc installed.
Originally Posted by Jess Wunman I think I understand. I need to find a cable that will connect video output from the the VCR (phono) to the 7 pin S-video connector on the PC. I also need a cable that will connect audio output from the VCR (phono) to the 1/8" minijack on the PC. Correct? |
Fantastical!!!!
Originally Posted by Jess Wunman Sorry, I don't know from SCART! (sounds French) Please elaborate. |
A SCART socket is a type of connector we have in the UK but I'm not sure if you have it accross the pond. It's basically just standard video / audio connector much like RCA (phono to me) except a lilttle bit more fragile.
Originally Posted by Jess Wunman I have Vista Home Premium, which includes WMM. (I don't know about iMovie.) As I said, I'm ready to move up from WMM, but am uncertain as to my next 'software step'. In my fantasy world, I'm using using Adobe Creative Suite 3 Master Collection, but I can't afford it, nor am I skilled enough to take advantage of it, at present. Can you recommend some "entry level" software that I'd be wise to start with, in order to edit and integrate still photos, audio, and video files... something which may later be upgraded to Adobe CS3 MC?
Gratefully,
Jess |
Well - WMM in Vista is a nice step up from what was being offered in XP (iMovie is on the macs) however it still is quite limited. Unfortunately I went pretty much straight from WMM to Premiere Pro CS3 (Adobe Master Suite) but I did experiment with a few programmes along the way. In my mind you have 3 distinct catergories of Non-Linear Editing software (an NLE). Amateur (WMM, iMovie), Pro-Amateur (Ulead Videostudio, Pinnacle Studio) and Semi-Professional (Premiere Pro, Sony Vegas). Of Course you then go into the "proper" stuff that is used in films but we'll leave that well alone!
I suggest you find yourself a copy of Ulead Videostudio. I *think* the latest version out is 11 Plus but have a look around. It will be easier to use than jumping straight into Premiere Pro or Vegas but still offers a very good amount of tools.
Unfortunately, Premiere Pro & Vegas are completely different pieces of software compared to Ulead and Pinnacle. You won't recognise the work areas and it will all look a bit "old fashioned" as their are very few user presets. But you can find a wealth of information via online blogs, video tutorials and books (probably the best) on how to use the software and become a pro in no time at all!
Originally Posted by Jess Wunman ps: Does "True Bassist" mean... accoustic double-bass, or chest-thumping electronic low frequency output, or something else entirely? (just curious) |
Erm...well no-one has ever asked me that before. I'm a bassist and I'm a Christian so I guess the name True Bassist came from being true to myself at all times combined with one of my favourite past times!!!
Hopes this helps!