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    Using PCTV USB2 with my HP laptop

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by gregkarr, Jul 9, 2008.

  1. gregkarr

    gregkarr Newbie

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    This is my situation: I have an old Betamax tape that I want to convert to some digital format so that I can burn several copies and hand out to family members. I found it and the old Betamax player (~20 years old) in the attic. I have also borrowed an external tv card - Pinnacle Systems PCTV USB2 - from a friend, but I can not get it to work. I found this thread (which is why I'm posting here):

    http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=102811

    The thread seems to indicate that all I need to do is to use a coax cable to plug the Betamax into the PCTV card and then I should be able to pick up a signal on my laptop. However, I can not get this to work, and when I just plug my tv cable (coax) into the PCTV card I don't get anything either. Another suggestion in the thread is to plug the vcr into a tv first and then use another cable from the tv to the PCTV card, but I don't see how that would make a difference.

    If anyone has any tips on how to get the PCTV card to work with my laptop or happen to know of any relevant differences that apply to a Betamax vs. VHS I'd appreciate it!

    Thanks,
    Greg
     
    gregkarr, Jul 9, 2008
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  2. gregkarr

    gregkarr Newbie

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    Note that when I connect the Betamax to a tv and play the tape I don't have any trouble.
     
    gregkarr, Jul 9, 2008
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  3. gregkarr

    gregkarr Newbie

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    Also: one thing I thought I'd try is to connect the Betamax to another VCR and record the tape over to VHS. A newer VCR will have a SCART connection so I could connect to the PCTV card using a SCART to RCA thing that my friend has. Would that make a difference?
     
    gregkarr, Jul 9, 2008
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  4. mattbieg892

    mattbieg892 Notebook Geek

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    Does yours have what looks like a USB Port on the side of the TV Tuner? I have the PCTV 800e HDTV Tuner and mine has a USB port on the side and comes with a cable that connects to a Normal Video and Audio Cable.

    [​IMG]
    It looks like that and it's called an adapter cable. It's supposed to work like how a TV's Video1 and Video2 work, so you can plug in devices.
     
    mattbieg892, Jul 9, 2008
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  5. gregkarr

    gregkarr Newbie

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    There are pictures of the device I have access to in this article (which is in Norwegian...):
    http://www.dinside.no/php/art.php?id=116749

    If you scroll down a bit you see pictures of all the connections. What I have tried is to get a signal out of the Betamax via a coax cable and connecting the PCTV card via USB to my laptop.

    I do not have a cable like the one in your picture.
     
    gregkarr, Jul 9, 2008
    #5