I have a VGA source that I would like to save in digital format (preferably as an .avi file) How can I get this signal into my computer with the fewest number of lossy steps? Currently I’m using a scan-converter to turn the VGA signal into NTSC composite, then feeting the composite signal into a USB-connected input adapter, but its only producing a fairly low-quality mpeg file, which is getting even more scrambled when I edit it with Premiere. What can I do to improve the fidelity of the digitized version of the source signal?
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Bump.
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By VGA I am referring not necessarily to the resolution (although I think it IS 640 x 480) but to the output port, an HD-DB-15.
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Hi Opal!
A little more info please.
What is your video source? ie. What is the obstacle to capturing the video on the source?
Am I understanding correctly that you need a VGA connector that is an input instead of an output?
The source is an oscilloscope; it has a VGA output for use with an external monitor but cannot itself record video.
That is correct.
A little quick poking around on google located this capture card for DVI/VGA. The second one in the list.
No idea what kind of price tag it carries though.
Does the scope have any other output options? Being able to ditch the VGA-NTSC adapter would do you a world of good.
Its part of a system that retails for $40,000. I called.
There is no other output from the scope, alas. I could handle the VGA-NTSC conversion better if only I could bring the NTSC signal into the computer at a resolution greater than the current 320 x 240. Maybe I could get a better video input adapter? My scan converter has an S-video out as well as the composite, but since its a monochrome signal to begin with, I’m not sure that the Y/C separation helps at all.
I also have a scan converter that converts the 15 pin VGA output into separate R/G/B/H/V signals with no loss of resolution. A way to get THAT signal into the computer would be acceptable too.
Another option you may consider that I think will give better quality than your current setup would be to rig up some kind of a light-blocking hood and use a digital video camera to record the oscilloscope.
From there you have lots of options to get the video into your computer.
There are less expensive VGA capture cards out there: like this one for $349 or this USB one for $299. Lots of NTSC capture cards will do 720x480, just check their specs (Like this one ).
This looks like it might work for you then. It should be a simple cable to go from VGA to DVI and then into this one.
I read the title as “How can I get VAG into a computer?” There’s websites that can solve that problem… but… yeah.