The Elgato Video Capture device is extraordinarily easy to use and install. We were transferring videos from VHS to DVD in no time at all. We especially loved how effortless this VHS to DVD converter was to use with Macs. However, unlike Roxio Easy VHS to DVD and Diamond Video Capture, this video converter is only compatible with a few operating systems. This product earned the TopTenREVIEWS Bronze Award for VHS to DVD Converters.
The Mac and Windows operation of this product were extremely different. We loved using this VHS to DVD converter with our Mac, and we enjoyed it with our Windows machine.
When you plug the device into a Mac computer and insert the driver CD, you will see a prompt appear to register your software. Click “Register” or “Skip Registration” and your device is recognized by your computer. The next screen that appears tells you to name the video. Next, you will be recording all your favorite videos, whether they are copyrighted or not. Use the application to trim up the video, add scene breaks and chapter listings before finishing the final outputs. You can export the file to iTunes, YouTube or send it to iMovie where you will be able to make all the changes you want before burning it to a DVD. The process is uncomplicated, uncluttered and even a novice to computers could easily walk themselves through this process.
When using the software with our Windows 7 machine, it took a little longer to download the drivers and install the software. The application that was included is the Cyberlink PowerDirector 8. The drivers installed easily and the software took only a few minutes.
We were able to use the Elgato Video Capture device with a variety of different software apps. However, none of the applications were as smooth as the operation with our Mac.
The Elgato Video Capture device has both S-video and composite cable input options. There is no automatic screen capture option on the device itself, but the software had screen shot options. Another feature that was available for both Mac and Windows 7 was transferring video directly from your VCR to DVDs. This option saves time and hard drive space, especially when transferring a large amount of video.
This is the largest drawback for this software. While it is an amazing option for Macs, the Elgato Video Converter device is not compatible with anything on Windows except Windows 7.
The VHS to DVD converter was recognized immediately by the PowerDirector software that was included for the Windows machines. We only had to download one driver and it was nearly instant. This video converter device works wonderfully with most video editing software.
You can transfer all types of analog data using the Elgato Video Capture device, including video from your DVR or your gaming systems. To simply watch movies on your computer using the Elgato Video Capture device, we recommend using the VideoLAN Client (VLC). The download is quick and it is free. Keep in mind, when recording video from gaming systems there will be a time delay and your game play will be slowed slightly.
The drivers and software were almost instantly downloaded for both the Mac and the Windows machines. We were able to locate drivers on the Elgato website. We were copying videos from our VCR to DVD in moments using the Elgato Video Capture device.
When using a Mac, the PowerDirector software is unnecessary. The application automatically transfers the VHS data to your computer. Also, when using the Mac application, you can watch the video while it transfers or simply view the movie without recording it. However, when copying the material, there are sometimes stalls in transferring the video.
When using the Windows software, we found the PowerDirector software to be adequate. We converted, edited and added titles for a large variety of videos, including copyrighted films. There were options to cut the films, add titles and even chapter breaks.
Elgato has an assortment of help and support features. Check out the frequently asked questions before calling or leaving a comment for a customer support representative. We found the knowledge base to be useful in answering most of our questions. For the lingering problems, we sent an email that was answered within a couple of days. However, there was no option for live chat support to receive immediate help. Also, in order to use the help options, we had to go through a registration process and verify our email address.
We highly recommend the Elgato Video Capture device, especially for Mac users. Be sure to check the system requirements before purchasing this VHS to DVD Converter.
