Diamond One-Touch Video Capture Device – VHS to DVD Converter

The Diamond VC500 One Touch Video Capture Device is a quick and easy way to capture video and audio from your VCR, DVD player, and any other video output device that uses S-Video or a composite RCA connection. It is extremely convenient to use, as you can capture video and sound at the touch of a button. It comes bundled with the Arcsoft Show Biz software, which is used in conjunction with the device for video capture, editing, and DVD burning. It supports both NTSC and PAL formats, capturing NTSC at 720 x 480 at 30FPS, and PAL at 720 x 576 at 25FPS. It captures your video in MPEG 4/2/1 formats, which are the standard formats for any PC. Diamond VC500 is compatible with Windows Vista, XP, 7, and Microsoft MCE. It also comes bundled with an RCA audio/video cable so you don't need to find or purchase one.
 
This plug and play device is great for hobbyists who want to store their media onto a disk format, although the features may be a little too limited for a full-fledged professional. You simply hook up the device, play the VCR/DVD/media, and press the button each time you want to start or pause the recording. There are multiple resolutions supported, based on your preferences, time, and processing power. The manufacturer also has numerous tutorials online that you can watch to use the device correctly and take advantage of the various features. It's recommended that you use the bundled in software with the device, as third-party software such as Windows Media Maker may experience compatability problems. One thing to note is that the device may introduce a scratchy sound when converting VHS tapes. This is caused by the USB connector, and you may have to replace it (they are sold for less than 5 dollars). For extended captures, the video and audio may also get a little out of sync, and the device works best with captures of less than five minutes. Overall, this is a great basic video converter that would be adequate for capturing any media that the home user wants to back up.