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zbox

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How can I use my Nvideo Graphics card to video capture what my cam is seeing Live?

Hello,

I have a desktop using an Nvidia GeForce 7900 GT graphics card and I own a  Panasonic Palmcorder SDR-H18 Camcorder.  The cam corder has A/V output to s-video or composite.  The 7900GT card has dual dvi ports for monitors and an s-video connection for, i would assume, things like my cam corder.

I want to hook this cam corder up to the 7900 GT graphics card via s-video and then turn the camara on and record.  What I am recording, I want to have Live on my computer screen.  Just like if I was using a webcam to do video chats).  

I have two different software programs installed that are just waiting to take advantage of this idea.  One is called "Ulead Video Studio 11" and the other is called Oovoo (which is a video chat program).  

I do not own a webcam.  I want to use my Panasonic SDR-H18 Camcorder in the likeness of a webcam though.

What I know:

I know about devices like the "Dazzle" which is a video capture device. http://www.pinnaclesys.com/PublicSite/us/Products/Consumer+Products/Dazzle/Dazzle+Video+Archiving/Dazzle+DVD+Recorder.htm

But I'm trying to save money.  My overall question is shouldn't I be able to capture video with my Nvidia 7900 GT graphics card with its s-video input port using my cam corder?!  If so, how?

What I have tried:

I have tried already to find a video capture driver for this 7900GT card.  I thought of looking for such a driver because when I use Ulead capture feature, it gives me error "Either no video capture driver is installed on your system, or your device is not properly connected."  This is with the cam corder is plugged into video card using s-video, powered on, and ready to record.  



Thanks for any input.

zbox
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Frosty555
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zbox

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aw man.  well that explains a lot about what i was not getting anywhere with this 7900 GT card.  Thanks for clarifying that!

I'm going to be looking into these capture cards you have found at that link.  This answers my question about using my graphics card for video capturing!  Thanks Frosty.

zbox
Back before I knew more about it, I also pursued the holy grail of video capture via the mysterious RCA jack on the back of my video card ;). I wish I could have had someone tell me it wasn't possible.

I do believe there are some video cards that do actually have input video ports. However, given the enormous requirements being put on video cards these days, I wouldn't suggest you go that route. You'll get sub-par quality on both ends. A dedicated video capture card is the best way to do it.