Well this isnt a bad idea but it takes alot longer to capture compared to ripping and you lose quality while you capture. but then you have to either re-author or convert to XviD which also takes time. So this method is mostly used for VHS since dvd drives are becoming a standard in most computers and programs like AnyDVD keep up well with all the new copy protection schemes.
oh i see your point with the damaged discs, and will have to try it when i come across one, as i have a hauppauge 150 mce and never thought about using it for that.
As for Blu ray and HD-DVD, regualar hauppauge card cant capture HD so i dont see how you would do this (unless you got a HDTV capture card) but then you would be downconverting to regular dvd formats, when all along you could have gotten a regualar dvd, i do see this being useful if they for example stopped making movies and such on regular DVD's.
Does the method work with the card out of the box and included software?
Is extra hardware required between the card and the dvd player?
I've copied VHS to dvd recorder and the results are variable (being charitable here).
All you need is a s-video (or composite but s-video give a bit better quality) cable and you can use the software that comes with the card, though ive found better on the internet for free, but i use XP Media Center Edition for now and you capture.
Then you will need extra software to convert to dvd and cut out any extra captured material if there is any, but there are free programs to do this or you can use something like Nero vision, cyperlink powerdvd, intervideo windvd, pinnacle, even adobe. Many out there so look around and
GooD Luck
