Overview
We have two workflows on our website that cover digitizing or ripping DVDs. It is recommended that you try our other workflow "Digitizing DVDs using Handbrake" prior to this one. The Handbrake workflow is faster and outputs a higher quality file. If copyright protection prevent you from using Handbrake, then we recommend using this workflow with Elgato Video Capture.
Equipment
You will need to check out the following items from the DPL Annex (Ansin 810):
- Any station in DPL, VEL, PCL, or a suite
- DVD Player
- Video Capture Device_01
- RCA cables
We advise reserving all the equipment you will need in order to guarantee that it is available upon arrival.
Set Up
Plug the RCA cables (yellow, white, and red) into the corresponding 'Video Out' outputs on the back of the DVD Player.
Plug the other ends into the corresponding colored inputs on the Video Capture Device. Ignore the 4th input on the Capture Device.
Plug in the power cable for the DVD Player. Outlets are available behind the monitor in the labs.
Plug the USB end of the Video Capture Device into an open USB port.
Elgato Video Capture
On your computer, open the Elgato Video Capture application.
Get Started
Name your recording - this will become the name of your final file.
Estimate the length of your disc. We suggest over-estimating if you are unsure.
Click Continue.
Connect Video
Turn on the DVD player. Insert your disc. Control the playback using the buttons on the device.
Select the video input: Composite ("RCA")
Select your Aspect Ratio - you can toggle between the two options and see which looks right on the preview.
You should see your tape playing the in preview. If not, double check that all cables are securely connected and plugged into the correct inputs/outputs.
Click Continue.
Connect Audio
Check that the software is registering Audio Levels - displayed as green bars below. The computer will also play your tape's audio if you have headphones.
If you see levels, click Continue.
Record
Decide whether or not the software should stop recording automatically after the estimated length you set in the beginning. This is checked on by default.
Make sure "Mute sound" is unchecked
We are now ready to start recording! Bring your DVD back to the beginning.
When you are ready, hit "Start Recording" in the Elgato Video Capture Software then press play on the DVD player.
The duration of your recording will appear on screen.
When you are finished, hit "Stop Recording"
Trim
The trim step is optional.
Here we have the ability to watch our digital file. We can also trim off the beginning or end of our recording if there is some extra content we don't want included in the file.
Trimming (optional) is done by dragging the blue handles below the silver "timeline"
Click Continue
Finish Up
Almost done!
Your file was already saved to the location shown in this window - most likely your "Movies" folder.
Click on the file name in the Elgato window to open the file location in a Finder window.
In Finder - Copy your file to an external hard drive, online storage (Box or Google Drive), or the server for safe keeping! The lab computers are wiped every night.
'Quit' if you are finished or select 'Again' if you have more tapes to digitize!
Don't forget to take your disc out of the DVD Player!