Recording Audio From VHS Tapes to your computer's hard drive:

Before we get started, there are a few things worth taking note of.
Initial setup may require some sighted assistance for the following reasons:
1. Most VCR's have a tracking control, which makes sure that the tape is tracking across the heads for the best picture and sound.
In most cases, this doesn't need adjusting unless the tape being viewed is old and somewhat worn.
Sometimes, if the tape is not tracking properly, the audio can be affected as well as the video,
so it may be necessary to adjust this if the audio seems distorted.
You might need sighted assistance to accomplish this.
2. The audio output jacks on the VCR, are color-coded to match the color coding on the audio cables being used,
this is necessary to assure that the right and left audio channels are matched between devices.
3. Unless you already know the specific location of the jacks on your computer soundcard, you will need assistance in locating the line-in jack.

What you will need:

1. VCR.

2. Stereo Y-Adapter cable ( or adapter and seperate cable),
The Y cable will have 1 stereo pin-plug at one, end, and 2 RCA plugs at the other.
Similarly, the Y adapter will have the same connections as the cable, but may not be long enough to span the distance between the computer and VCR,
requiring the purchase of additional cable.
This cable is used if your soundcard has a standard stereo input jack.

or 2 audio cables with an RCA-type plug at both ends.
These cables are necessary only if your soundcard has 2 RCA-type jacks.
These cables and/or adapters can be purchased for around $10 or less at
Wal-Mart, Radio Shack, or most any consumer electronic stores.

3. soundcard with a stereo line-in jack, or 2 RCA type input jacks.
Most computers come with a stereo line-in jack on the soundcard or chip, as standard equipment.

4. Recording software.
This could be one of many available frre, or low cost applications which are screen-reader friendly.
Among these would be:
GoldWave, for about $40.
http://www.goldwave.com

 or RecAllPro for about $30.
http://www.sagebrush.com

Some free applications can be found at:
http://www.blind-computing.com/audio/audio.php
or:
http://www.jaws-users.com/JAWS/programs/

Setup:

1. If necessary, install and configure your recording software.
Depending on the software you are useing, it may be necessary to configure it after the connections are made, and all devices are powered on.

2. Make sure your computer, and VCR are turned off.
Making connections with the devices turned on, can result in damage to the VCR, soundcard, or computer.

3. Connect the audio cables to your VCR's audio output jacks, being sure to match the color-codeing.

3. Connect the other end of the audio cable, or cables, to the input jack, or jackson your soundcard.

4. After making all connections,turn on the VCR, and computer.
If you want, you can put the tape you want to record into the VCR, while the computer is booting.

5. Start your tape playing, and pay attention to the sound.
You should hear the sound on your computer speakers.
If you don't, then you will need to re-check the settings in your recording software, and/or sounds and audio devices in the control panel.
Adjust tracking if necessary.
Once you are satisfied with the quality of the sound, stop the tape and rewind it.

6. Open your recording application, and prepare it to record according to the documentation for the software.
The format you save your recording in, will be your choice, and only restricted to the capabilities of the software you are useing, and where you intend on playing the files.
Example, if you save the file as a.wav, you can take sound bites from it to use as event sounds in Windows, since Windows will not accept .mp3 files for this purpose, however, .wav files are about 10mb per minute in size, with CD quality characteristics.
On the other hand, if you save the file as a.mp3, you can play it in any mp3 player, as well as most new DVD players when burned to CD.
mp3 files are about 1mb per minute in size, depending on the sound characteristics of the file.

Making a test recording:

7. Start the recording, and then start the tape playing.
Let the tape play for a few minutes, and then stop it, and then stop the recording.

8. Rewind the recording, and then play it.
If everything is satisfactory to you, then you are ready to make the real thing.
Simply repeat the steps above for the test recording to continue.

9. It may be necessary to trim the beginning and the end of the file once the recording is finished.
How you do this, will depend on the software you have.

10. When you have finished,you should be able to leave everything connected for the next time, unless it interferes with normal use of the VCR,
or you wish to record from a different external sound source.

I hope this has been of some help.
Richard Q. Justice
August 26, 2008