How can I make a video on my Computer?

How can I use my computer to make my home video tapes into DVD's?

• Is there certain software I'll need or certain connectors? My video camera is really old. Maybe 20 years old. Thanks!

• Answer:

  If the camera is that old it'll be analog - you'll need an analog / digital converter. Some Digital 8 / MiniDV camcorders have a passthrough feature which will do this - you connect the AV sockets on the camcorders and plug the digital camcorder into the PC's firewire port. Failing that, you could try a dedicated converter such as the Kworld DVD Maker, the Pinnacle Dazzle or a generic model you can get it most electronics shops. If you want the best quality, have a look at the Canopus ADVC range. Once you've got the tapes transferred to your PC you can burn them straight to DVD with a freeware app like DVD Flick or, better, you can edit them first and then burn them. You'll probably need to buy an editor that can handle your converted footage - Vegas Movie Studio would be a good choice.