It is now quite simple and inexpensive to archive your videos at 320x240 in avi or mpg format and burn them onto CD or DVD.

I have a cheap 2001-vintage Intel webcam which includes an RCA video input jack and some rudimentary software control over the video and audio input signals. 640x480 is much better, of course, but capturing it in full-motion video requires much more expensive equipment and the resultant files are much larger. Still, a cheap video capture board capable of full-motion 640x480 would be nice for selected scenes.

As it is, 320x240, the so-callled 1/4VHS, is acceptable, and it's very convenient to be able to organize videos on your hard drive. I am working to create a digital library of favorite scenes and video passages. Good stuff!

Anyway, this simple Intel gadget cost me around $100. The video input jack allows me to copy old VHS and Hi8 tapes onto CD as well as shoot live with the much better lens on my Sony Hi8 camera.

If you are concerned about ageing analog tapes, copying them off onto CD offers one way to safeguard your precious data.

sp