[mythtv-users] VHS import

[Rod Smith]

On Monday 08 October 2007 04:57:24 James Fidell wrote:
> I have a pile of VHS tapes I'd like to import into mythvideo somehow.
> Has anyone found a neat way to do this?
>
> Obviously I can create an input for an analogue card with channel 36
> only to pick up the VCR signal, but can I record stuff for editing and
> transcoding without any programme data existing?  Would I be better off
> using some other video import/editing package (kino/cinelerra etc.)?

As another poster has said, MythTV isn't optimal for this; however, it is 
possible. As you say, you'd create an appropriate input source in 
mythtv-setup. You'd then schedule a manual recording from this source. The 
recording will then show up with your other TV shows, with a title and 
recording time but no description. You can then use MythTV's usual tools to 
edit the recording -- say, to eliminate unnecessary stuff at the start and 
end of the recording.

A tip: Schedule the recording to start BEFORE the current time and to last 
proportionately longer than the material actually lasts. MythTV will then 
start recording as soon as you finalize the recording, so you won't have to 
wait around for it to start before pressing the "play" button on your VCR.

-- 
Rod Smith
http://www.rodsbooks.com