How to Convert VCR to AVI

Connecting the VCR to the Computer

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  Make sure your TV tuner is off and plug your TV tuner into your computer. If it is internal, you'll have to open the computer case and plug it into the right port (usually the PCI or PCI express port). If the tuner is external, you'll just plug it into the nearest USB port.
  
  
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  Insert the disc that came with your TV tuner into the computer, and install the driver for the equipment (if it came with no CD you'll have to visit the website of the company that makes the tuner and download the installation software). After the driver is installed, turn off the computer.
  
  
• 3). Plug the VCR into the back of the TV tuner. There are a couple different cords that will work. You can use a coaxial cable, an s-video cable or a composite video cable. When you have the VCR hooked up, turn the computer and the VCR on.
  
  
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Converting the Video to AVI

• 1). Launch your digital recording software, and start a scan for plugged in devices. When it detects the VCR, you can start the video playing and hit the "Record" button on the digital recording software. In the program settings, you can choose to which format the video records and to where it saves the recorded video.
  
  
• 2). Wait for the video to finish playing, and when it does, hit "Stop" in the recording software. Then find the recorded video, and use conversion software to convert the video recorded from the VCR to an AVI file.
  
  
• 3). Try Winff. This video conversion software is open source (meaning that it's free and has no limits). You can use it to import the video recorded from the VCR, and then convert it to an AVI file. It will convert the video in MS-DOS, and then when it is finished, it will display the message "press any key to continue." This software is usually quick with its conversions, but you may sacrifice video quality for speed if you use this software.
  
  
• 4). Give Any Video Convert a whirl. This software is a little slower, but the quality is usually better with its finished video. Instead of converting in MS-DOS like Winff, this program will convert the video within itself, which is why it takes a little longer. A small window will pop up telling you that the video conversion is complete when it finishes. Unlike Winff, this software isn't open source, and there is a paid version, but there is also a free version. The free version is fully functional and has no limits. Both versions will convert recorded video to the AVI format.