Video capture/DVD burning questions

[Klesk]

I have a bunch of VHS-C tapes that I want to convert to DVD, but I'm not sure of the best/cheapest/most efficient way to do it.

I have a new computer on the way, it is a 2.2 GHz Athlon with 80GB hard drive and 256MB RAM (I know it's not state of the art, but it is free). I already have a TDK DVD burner, I'm sure there is some rudimentary authoring software in the box, I just never had any reason to check it out.

What else do I need to get? I've seen some external adapters to get the video to the computer, are those any good? I was actually thinking of buying a video card to interface with the computer, since the computer has the video on the motherboard. Any suggestions on a video card, or would it just be easier to go with the external device?

Finally, are there any stumbling blocks that I should know about? Many TIA.

 

[Roadrunner]

This little guy looks like what you need to me. Your computer doesn't have enough RAM to be an efficient video encoding machine, and you'll need a new video card to capture the video from your tapes. Between those two upgrades you're looking at $300 minimum, which is why I think a stand-alone solution like the Sony is a better choice.

 

[Point44]

You could use the Dazzle Fusion

I think it is designed to transfer VHS stuff onto the computer. I think it costs like $80-100 so it's not that expensive.