Setting up your computer so that you can capture video from many different sources can be a confusing process. To get started, you will need some basic equipment.

The systems discussed on this page are not intended for video professionals.

• Hardware
• Software

Hardware

	Hard disk storage 1 hour of uncompressed video will use approximately 13-14GB of disk space.
Video Capture Card and Analog Converters
	When choosing a video capture card it is important to know which media sources you will be capturing from. This will dictate the inputs/outputs that are necessary on your card.
	IEEE 1394 (FireWire) card This input is very useful if you are capturing video from a digital source such as a digital video (DV) camera. Many computer configurations come with an IEEE 1394 inputs already installed, so check your computer before investing in the card.
	Analog capture card This card allows you to directly connect with analog video sources such as a VCR or Beta-SP deck. An analog card captures and converts analog video into digital video so that it can then be used on your computer.
	Card with analog and digital inputs It is possible to get a card with both analog and digital inputs. These are generally high in cost, but may be well worth it if you have a need for capturing video from multiple sources.
	Converter box If your computer already has digital inputs in the form of an IEEE 1394 or FireWire card, but you still need to capture from analog sources, consider purchasing a converter box. This box has several different inputs, both analog and digital, and can convert analog video to digital format.

Software

Some capture cards come with software that can be used for capturing and editing video. See the Edit section for more information about software recommendations.