Have you ever wanted to capture and record old VHS tapes, DVDs, retro game footage, or even camera output directly to your PC screen?
In this article, we’ll introduce an easy-to-use and cost-effective USB video capture device that’s perfect for beginners.
Recommended For
You’re interested in video capturing or recording but don’t know how to set it up
You want to convert old VHS tapes into DVD format
You’d like to preserve family video memories by importing them to your PC
You want to record retro game footage directly to your computer
You’re looking for an adapter to convert retro game video output for PC capture
What Is a Video Capture Device?
A video capture device allows you to import video and audio signals from older media devices—such as VHS players, DVD players, and retro game consoles—into your computer.
It converts analog signals into digital so you can view, record, or edit them on your PC.
Recommended Product: Easy-to-Use USB Video Capture
This USB video capture device is an essential tool for recording footage from old VHS tapes or retro game consoles.
It’s beginner-friendly, budget-friendly, and requires no complicated setup—making it a great choice for anyone looking to digitize analog content easily.
Source: Amazon
What Are RCA Cables (Red, White, and Yellow)?
The familiar red, white, and yellow cables often used with older AV devices and gaming consoles are officially called RCA cables. These cables are used to transmit both video and audio signals, with each color serving a specific function:
- Yellow: Composite video signal
- Red: Right audio channel
- White: Left audio channel (stereo)
These cables are commonly found on DVD players, video cameras, game consoles, and many older AV devices.
What Is an S-Video Cable?
An S-video cable offers higher video quality than composite (RCA) cables.
It is typically used with older video cameras, DVD players, and PCs. S-video transmits video by separating brightness and color information (Y/C signal), resulting in sharper and more vivid images compared to composite video.
What You Need for Video Capture
1. A Device You Can Connect to a Video Capture Unit
Video capture devices can connect to a variety of AV equipment and gaming consoles. Here are some common examples:
- VHS video decks
- Video cameras
- Retro game consoles
Game Consoles That Use RCA Cables
Here’s a list of gaming consoles compatible with RCA connections:
- Super Famicom / Super NES (SNES)
- Nintendo 64
- Nintendo GameCube
- Nintendo Wii
- PC Engine / TurboGrafx-16
- NEOGEO / NEOGEO CD
- Atari Jaguar
- 3DO
- Pippin@
- Playdia
- Mega Drive / Genesis
- Sega Saturn
- Dreamcast
- PlayStation / PlayStation 2 / PlayStation 3
- Xbox / Xbox 360
By connecting these consoles to a video capture device using RCA cables, you can digitize and record classic gameplay footage.
2. A Compatible Computer
To use a video capture device, you’ll need a suitable computer. Both desktops and laptops are fine, but make sure your system meets the following minimum specs:
Recommended Specs – Windows:
- OS: Windows 2000 / XP / Vista / 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10 or newer
- CPU: Pentium 4 or higher (Core i3 or better recommended)
- RAM: 1GB minimum (2GB or more recommended)
- USB Port: A USB port to connect the capture device (USB 2.0 or higher is ideal)
- Storage: At least 10GB of free space for recording files
- Graphics: Integrated graphics are usually sufficient; dedicated GPU helps with video editing
Recommended Specs – macOS:
- OS: macOS 10.6 (Snow Leopard) or newer
- CPU: Pentium III 800MHz or higher (Intel Core 2 Duo or better recommended)
- RAM: 1GB minimum (2GB or more recommended)
- USB Port: USB 2.0 or USB-C
- Storage: At least 10GB of free space for recordings
How to Improve Video Capture Performance
To achieve higher-quality recording and smoother editing, you’ll need a faster CPU, more memory, and ample storage.
This is especially important when capturing high-resolution video, as overall PC performance plays a critical role.
USB Port Requirements
Video capture devices typically require a USB 2.0 or 3.0 port.
Many modern computers now come with USB-C ports, but by using a conversion adapter, you can still connect devices designed for USB-A ports.
If your computer meets these requirements, you should be able to enjoy smooth and stable video capture.
Introducing the GV-USB2: USB 2.0 Video Capture Device
GV-USB2 is a video capture converter compatible with Windows 2000 / XP / Vista / 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10 / 11 and macOS.
This converter allows even beginners to easily capture and record content from VHS tapes, DVDs, retro game consoles, or even camera footage to their PC screen.
Included in the Package
- GV-USB2 video capture converter unit
- User manual
- Installation software (mini CD)
- USB cable
Easy Setup – Start Capturing Right Away!
Even beginners can start capturing video with ease.
Simply install the included software Honestech VHS to DVD 3.0 SE from the mini CD, and you’re ready to go.
Installation Steps
Insert the mini CD into your PC and double-click on “Setup.exe”.
When the installation wizard appears, select your language and click “Next.”
Follow the wizard to set the installation path and other required settings.
Once installation is complete, you can safely remove the CD.
When launching the software for the first time, you’ll be prompted to enter a product key.
The product key is not printed on the manual or package, but can be found on the surface of the CD itself.Enter it correctly to begin using the software immediately.
Connecting the Video Capture Converter to Your Device
Connecting RCA or S-Video Cables
Connect the RCA cables (red, white, yellow) or S-Video cable to the video/audio output terminals of the device you want to use (e.g., VHS player, DVD player, game console).
These cables will be used to connect to the GV-USB2 video capture converter.
Connecting the Video Capture Device
The GV-USB2 unit has a protective cap on the end.
Remove this cap to reveal the USB connector.
You can either plug it directly into your computer’s USB port or use the included USB cable for the connection.
Note:
Using the USB cable does not negatively affect performance or speed. You can use it comfortably without issues.
Connect to Your PC
Once the video capture device is connected to your PC via the USB cable, the connection is complete.
Turn on the Source Device
Turn on the device you want to capture from (e.g., VHS player or game console).
This prepares the system to display the video signal on your screen.
Launch the Capture Software
Launch the previously installed Honestech VHS to DVD 3.0 SE software.
Once the software starts, it will automatically detect the connected device, and the video should appear on your screen.
Initial Setup Before Capturing
Before using your video capture device, make sure to check the following initial settings.
You can use the software with default settings, but going through these options once will help you troubleshoot issues more easily.
How to Open the Settings Panel
Click the gear icon (Options) located in the bottom-right corner of the screen to open the settings panel.
🎥 Video Device Settings
Under “Video Device”, AV TO USB2.0 should be selected automatically.
You do not need to change this setting.
🔊 Audio Device Settings
Under “Audio Device”, select Microphone (2-AV TO USB2.0).
If you’re using another microphone, select the appropriate input device.
🎞️ Recording Format
Under “Format”, you’ll see the following options:
- VCD
- SVCD
- DVD
- Long DVD
- WMV
We recommend selecting DVD (the default option), which provides a good balance between quality and file size.
📺 Video System Format
- Use NTSC for devices from Japan.
- Use PAL for devices from other regions.
Select the format according to your source device.
📁 Split File Size
To split large video files into smaller parts, configure the “Split Size” option.
💾 Output Folder
Under “Output Folder”, choose where to save the captured videos.
You can change the default save location to one that suits your workflow.
Once these settings are configured, your system is ready to start recording.
Check Video and Audio Before Capturing
🖼️ Confirm Video Signal
Ensure the video signal from your connected device appears in real time on the software interface.
If everything is connected correctly, you should see your device’s video feed.
🔈 Confirm Audio Input
Make sure audio from the device is being picked up correctly.
If the volume indicator or meter in the software is active, audio is being received properly.
If there’s no sound, check the following:
- Audio device is set to Microphone (2-AV TO USB2.0)
- RCA cables (red/white) are correctly connected
⏺️ How to Start Recording Video
🎬 Start Recording
Click the red record icon on the right side of the Honestech VHS to DVD 3.0 SE software interface.
The icon will indicate that recording is in progress.
🛑 Stop Recording
Click the black stop icon to end recording.
The video file will be saved to the output folder you previously selected.
✂️ How to Edit Captured Videos
Honestech VHS to DVD 3.0 SE includes a basic video editor.
Here’s how to make simple edits:
🧩 Insert and Rearrange Clips
Drag your captured video clips to the timeline.
You can move clips to rearrange the order.
✂️ Cut Unwanted Sections
Select the portion you want to edit using:
- “From Here” – Set the start point
- “To Here” – Set the endpoint
- “Cut” – Remove the selected section
🎨 Add Transition Effects
If your project includes multiple clips, you can insert transitions for smoother scene changes.
Available Effects Include:
- Wipe – Like a fade in/out
- Slide – Transitions horizontally or vertically
- Stretch – Zoom in/out transitions
You can find a wide selection of effects via icons in the interface.
🎛️ How to Apply Effects
Choose your preferred effect from the “Effects” list on the right side of the screen, then drag and drop it between video clips.
💾 Save Edited Video
Click the floppy disk icon to save your edited video.
You can choose from various output formats:
- YouTube
- iPod/PSP
- DVD or PC-compatible formats
Tips:
- Avoid using other software during export.
- Check the final output for any glitches or sound issues.
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🛠️ Troubleshooting Common Capture Issues
❌ No Video Signal
Check the following:
- Cables & Devices – Make sure RCA cables are connected properly. Try another device (DVD player or game console).
- USB Connection – Try another USB port.
- Software Settings – Ensure video device is set to AV TO USB2.0 in options.
🖼️ Poor Image Quality
Try these fixes:
- Change quality settings in the Options menu:
- Best
- High
- Standard
- Average
- Replace old or damaged RCA cables.
🔇 No Sound
Steps to resolve:
- Check red and white audio RCA cables.
- Test another source device.
- Confirm USB and software audio settings (should be set to Microphone – AV TO USB2.0).
💡 Additional Tips for Smoother Capture
🎞️ Video Delay or Lag?
- Close unnecessary applications to reduce load.
- Make sure your PC meets the software’s minimum requirements.
🧰 If Nothing Else Works
- Check the user manual or contact technical support.
- Make sure your driver/software is up to date.
- Try restarting your PC to refresh the system.
By following these steps, you can avoid most common issues and make the most of your video capture experience. Enjoy digitizing and editing your analog memories with ease!
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