Advice needed on recrding video on my PC from input source

[meirionwyllt]

What is the best way to connect a video signal (such as a VCR) to a PC to watch/record digitally (DVD quality) and eventually put on DVD?

I have been looking on ebay at the Adaptec DVD Media Centre. Is this any good? It doesn't strike me as the most proffesional-looking package. What piece of kit would you recommend? Also, which program is best to do this? I don't mind spending some money on getting it done properly.

I assume that all Region 2 DVDs are recorded at 25 frames per second. Is there a thing as a standard picture resolution that all Region 2 DVDs are recorded in. What specs do the term "DVD quality" actually depend on.

My last question is probably only for the UK forum members. It is about the new range of PCI/USB TV cards that pick up the digital Freeview channels. Which one is the best out there? I have only come across the Haupagge one.

Thanks in advance for your help on the above issues...

[megamachine]

I'll let some one else answer the parts about capture devices, or you can also try to do search on these forums, since it has been discussed quite a bit. But one point about regions and standards, they are not mutually inclusive. For example, Japan is region 2 but NTSC color standard, while the UK is region 2 but PAL colors.

[meirionwyllt]

oh yeah sorry, I needed to be more specific...

the information I want is about standard specs of Region 2 DVDs in the UK (PAL).

thanks megamachine