Converting video into digital format is a two-step process. First you need to record your video onto a digital tape; next, you need to save the information from the digital tape onto a computer for editing. Be sure to use the computer lab's multimedia computer (PC41), and not the Macintosh, for this process. PC41 is easily connected to a videocassette recorder (VCR) and digital video cassette recorder (DVCR) and has the software discussed in this article.

Make sure the VCR is on.

Insert your videotape into the VCR, and make sure it's at your starting point.

Unplug the FireWire cord from the digital video cassette recorder (DVCR). (The FireWire cord is boxy and has six prongs.)

Make sure the cord (center of photo) that connects the VCR to the DVCR is plugged into Audio/Video Input on the DVCR.

Place a blank digital video cassette into the DVCR, and make sure it's rewound to the beginning.

Hit the two Record buttons on the DVCR. Then hit the Play button on the VCR. Your videotape will record to the DVC tape.

When you're finished recording, hit Stop on both the VCR and DVCR.

Unplug the cord from Audio/Video Input on the DVCR.

Insert the FireWire cord into the DV port on the DVCR.

On the computer, go to Start → Programs → Video Editing Tools → Adobe Premiere 6.5. (It can take a while to open.)

Under Available Presets, select Pinnacle Pro-ONE → Pinnacle DV PAL. Click OK.

At the top of the screen, go to File → Capture → Movie Capture.

In the Movie Capture box, under Settings / Capture Settings, click on Edit.

In the Project Settings box, select Capture. Then, next to Capture Format, select DV/IEEE 1394 Capture. Click OK.

Hit the Record button. Your DVC will transfer to the computer.

When you're finished, hit the Escape button on your computer to stop the transfer.

At the prompt, name your file and save it.