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Ion Audio VCR 2 PC simplifies videotape capture

25 July 2008 15:28 by Rich "vurbal" Fiscus | 11 comments

A new product from Ion Audio gives new meaning to hardware-based video capture. The VCR 2 PC is combines videotape playback and capture in a single unit, allowing you to either play your VHS cassettes or capture and transfer them to your computer via a built-in USB connection. It also features the standard analog video and audio inputs found on other VCRs, allowing you to capture from sources like analog camcorders.

The VCR 2 PC comes in two different versions. One is an NTSC model featuring RCA inputs and outputs. A PAL version replaces the RCA connections with SCART. Unfortunately both versions are limited to mono sound.

At $250 the price is fairly steep, especially considering a decent VCR and capture card would cost less separately. However, if your primary goal is simplicity this may be the perfect capture device for you.

Permalink to this article | Topic: Gadgets

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spydah (Junior Member) 25 July 2008 15:38
This looks like it is about 6 or so years to late. I wouldn't pay $250 for that. You can use PCI capture cards and your hard drive for space and cut out the middleman being this unit for less money. Plus most people are into HD and this looks like it's standard def. [ + quote]
dsgtrain (Member) 25 July 2008 20:48
*Originally posted by spydah:* Plus most people are into HD and this looks like it's standard def. Of course it's SD, it's a VHS tape not a Blu-Ray disc! In fact, video tapes are not even SD, they are 250 lines horizontal as opposed to 520 lines horizontal on a DVD. Your dead right though, it's well overdue and probably won't take off. Most people prefer to buy a DVD Recorder/VCR combo and transfer directly to a DVD anyway (unless they want to edit). [ + quote]
pcaddict (Inactive) 26 July 2008 5:24
How many heads does it have? Not really worth it as it limits to mono audio. JVC offer VHS systems with HDMI. [ + quote]
c.trigger (Newbie) 26 July 2008 6:09
meh i use to use a VTR that had mini dv and (s)-vhs that had a firewire out that was years ago [ + quote]
SProdigy (Member) 26 July 2008 11:43
Way too costly, and to what format does the software capture to? If you still have to author a DVD after a realtime capture, it's completely worthless. I prefer using a DVD Recorder. I can then rip the DVD to my PC and edit that way if I want. I even convert most of my stuff to Xvid since the quality isn't that great in the first place. [ + quote]
DXR88 (Senior Member) 26 July 2008 15:29
its an interesting concept sure its VCR. it's interesting because what if you replaced the VCR with a blue-ray burner, and swapped the RCA for DVI. it can be done they just proved it. [ + quote]
maitland (Newbie) 28 July 2008 21:59
hahaha, I hope this thing doesn't have macrovision! [ + quote]
ande5 (Newbie) 29 July 2008 5:56
I better wait to see it in the next flea market near to your home. Where this guys have their brain with this. And for that price i'll buy a Blu Ray. [ + quote] This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 29 July 2008 5:58
sinistrad (Newbie) 29 July 2008 8:27
Maybe now I can FINALLY see what Super Hornio Bros 1 & 2 had to make them the greatest comedic pr0n films of all time... Ron Jeremy as Mario? and yet there is not a single store able to find a copy to sell? C'mon, capitalist society, you're failing me when I need you most! [ + quote]
dvd_guy (Inactive) 29 July 2008 12:52
What a pile of crap. Mono audio??? Yuck! A good hi-fi stereo VHS machine and something like a Canopus capture box is the way to go. It should be illegal to pollute the planet with junk like this. Laughing my ass off about all the HD/SD comments on this article. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. [ + quote]
rlessmue (Junior Member) 14 August 2008 16:37
*Originally posted by dvd_guy:* What a pile of crap. Mono audio??? Yuck! A good hi-fi stereo VHS machine and something like a Canopus capture box is the way to go. It should be illegal to pollute the planet with junk like this. Laughing my ass off about all the HD/SD comments on this article. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. ...DVRaptor IEEE 1394 Capture Card ($649) (Canopus capture box) or ...VCR 2 PC ($250) There has to be a better solution! [ + quote]