Windows Media Center problem.

[Natty Light]

I just bought a new PC (HP m8013w) and the included graphics card has S-Video/Composite in, two jacks to exact. The only included program for video capture is Windows Media Center, which seems all well and fine, but I'm kind of stuck. While I can view and record regular television fine, I can't even find the option to select the S-Video signal. There was nothing mentioned while configuring the program the first time I ran it, and there are no options for it now. On my old ATI card, all you did was push a button to switch sources, but there is nothing that simple here.

If nothing else, can anyone recommend a good program that captures video?

Any help is appreciated.

[photolady]

S-video on a computer is always out not in, allowing you to view your computer on a tv, not view the tv on your computer. You need a card or USB device that captures video. Your S-Video won't do that.

[Natty Light]

It has an S-Video input on the front of the computer though, and it's labeled "input".

[fink]

Some graphics cards do have s-video input to capture media.

Have you tried using Windows movie maker to see/capture the s-video in? It may automatically find it once there's signal present.

[photolady]

Well, then I would assume HP included some software to use the capture device. And according to the specs provided at HP this computer includes MyDVD from Roxio and Roxio Easy Media Creator 9 basic. But looking on Roxio's website I don't see anything that either them will allow capture from the tv, only from camcorders and digital cameras. I know Windows Movie Maker 2 will not do this either, well, I should say WMM 1 won't.
So back to square one here.
HP also says you have Composite Video input, have you tried connecting those cables to the computer and tv? You'd need a set of RCA composite video cables to do this.

Since there are many different softwares to do this, some freeware, some not. I suggest you go to the link below and see what they have to offer. I am a member there also and have used their software successfully.

Videohelp.com

[Natty Light]

WMM gave me an error message when I attempted to connect my "camcorder" (It's a video game console I'm trying to connect), so nothing there.

I went to that site however and downloaded a couple programs. They actually let me select a source (which is all I wanted all along) unlike Windows Media Center, and everything is good to go. I just need to find a program with the features and settings I need.

So thanks, you were a great help.

[photolady]

You're welcome. You can join that website, if you haven't already, it's free and you can ask them questions about what software would give you the options you need.