I have an analogue video cassette from which I want to copy the soundtrack ONLY to digital on PC. I want to burn it onto a CD, purely for the music, and NOT the movie.

I have been looking for software to do this, but all I find is relevant to DVD, and not much to do with VHS.

Margo Kennedy, Samford, QLD

You don't need anything special at all. Not even a video capture card.

The analog audio is available from the audio-out jack (or jacks if the VCR is stereo) on the back of the VCR. All you need is an inexpensive audio lead ($10-15) with two RCA connectors at one end (for the VCR) and a miniature (3.5mm) stereo plug at the other (which connects to the Line-in socket on your PC or sound card).

Then you can use any audio recording software you have lying around. If you don't have any, do a quick search for audio AND recording or similar in HelpStation for suggestions. Your existing CD writing software may include a suitable utility too.

This is the sort of lead you'll need.



RECORDING: On another note, don't forget that your VCR can also be used as a sound recorder. For instance, with a an E300 tape run in LP mode you can get a solid, continuous ten hours of HiFi quality audio recording on the tape. On some VCR's you may need to leave some sort of video signal (output from the TV) connected or it won't record anything.

SOFTWARE: There are all sorts of downloadable products such as Ashampoo Audiocenter.

BUT EVEN BETTER: There's all sorts of useful software on PC User cover CD's. Here's what you get if you search for "audio", for example.

Paul Zucker