The Hauppauge VHS to DVD converter worked well with Vista and was compatible with all of the software with which we tested it. However, installing the software for the VHS to DVD converter that came with the product was confusing and we had to call the support line where we spoke with some rude representatives.
Installing the drivers was effortless. The process was simple and quick and we were quickly able to use the device to transfer VHS to our PC. However, we were using other software, not the applications that were included with Hauppauge video converter.
The Hauppauge Video Capture device comes with two different apps: One for video capture and another for video editing and DVD burning. The video capture software, WinTV, was extraordinarily difficult to install. After we installed it, we had problems helping the computer to recognize the device. We were able to use the VHS to DVD converter on other software, such as Windows Movie Maker.
After we uninstalled and reinstalled the entire program on both our XP and Vista machines, we were able to use the software without any problems. The recording was simple. We especially liked the screen capture option that the WinTV program has. We were not able to record directly from a VCR to DVD with the Hauppauge Video Capture device.
The Hauppauge Video Capture device worked great with the XP, Vista and Windows 7 programs. We were able to use the Hauppauge video capture device with all our favorite software programs. The Hauppauge Video Capture device also will record copyrighted material.
The Hauppauge Video Capture device comes with the Ulead DVD MovieFactory, but don’t be fooled, because this software is not intended to capture video with the Video Capture device. Even though there is an option in the software application to capture video, it does not work. Instead, use the WinTV software, which is also included with the product, or try any other video capture software. The inclusion of dual programs is confusing and we wasted about an hour trying to make the Ulead software capture our video before we called support line only to find that it won’t work.
After you make it through the long installation process and possibly uninstall and reinstall the programs, you will be able to fly through transferring your VHS tapes to your PC.
There is a selection of drivers available on the manufacturer’s website. Along with the drivers are some detailed, and complicated instructions. However, there are no FAQs, user forums or online chat. When we had no place left to turn for advice, we called the support phone lines. The call was answered quickly but the customer service representative was argumentative, sighed frequently and challenged us on the quality of the cables we had been using. When we hung up, rather disgusted, we called back only to speak with another rude, impatient customer support representative. By the end of the phone call, we were able to get the software working by uninstalling and reinstalling the program.
On the whole, we had a very unpleasant experience with the customer support from Hauppauge.
The Hauppauge VHS to DVD converter is a fantastic product with outstanding versatility. It’s the software that came with the product we were unhappy with. Try using this product with Windows Movie Maker for better results.
