How do I burn VHS to a disk?

Watching VHS tapes on Mac iBook

• Summary: Is there any way I can use my iBook as a monitor for my VCR? I'd like to watch -- not capture, just watch -- VHS tapes with my iBook (running OSX 10.2.6; 256MB memory, 700 MHz PowerPC G3 processor). Details: I've got a VCR and lots of tapes; I've got a clunky, old and big TV; and I've got a nice, shiny, and most of all *small* iBook. I only ever use the TV as a monitor for the VCR, and it's a hassle to lug it in & out of storage every time I get a hankering to watch a tape. If I could hook the VCR up to the iBook & watch my tapes through iMovie (or something else), then I could get rid of the TV (thereby reclaiming the precious space it takes up in my tiny apartment) and I'd be a much happier camper. If the only way to do that is to burn the tapes to CDs, I can do that (I've only got a CD burner, though -- no DVD burner), but I suppose I'd rather avoid that, at least for now. (If that turns out to be the answer, I'll need instructions on how to do that too.) Plenty of websites will tell me how to capture video & transfer it to disk; plenty more will tell me how to funnel my computer screen's image to an external monitor; but what about going in the opposite direction? Surely I'm not the only person who wants to consolidate her screens?

• Answer:

  Hello there chrysippus-ga! It sounds like you need a video capture device that is iBook-compatible! I did a Froogle search for you and found you a range of ideal products to choose from. Have a look : Search strategy : Froogle search on 'ibook video capture', narrowed to under $130 : http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=ibook+video+capture&price1=0&price2=130&price=between&btnP=Go All you do is hook the video capture module up to your iBook using USB (the installation should be a cakewalk), hook up the VCR into the module, and voila! You are in business! Please don't hesitate to post a Request For Clarification if you need further information. Enjoy your increased living space and entertainment at your fingertips...! Regards, kyrie26-ga