Composite video output recorders to Mac UBS
I thought I would let people know how I managed to use the simple Webcam method for accepting output from a camera I already have that broadcasts video to a receiver box with composite audio and video outputs (red RCA plug, white RCA plug, and yellow RCA plug).
First I bought the wrong thing, a dongle with a USB connector on one end and three leads terminated with RCA plugs on the other end. The on-line information said it was for PC, so I should have known that people do not consider a Macintosh a "personal computer." All but one of similar items have been complicated things requiring a Windows computer and a software installation.
I finally found one from AliExpress which is connected to Alibaba.com, for only about $18, shipping included. I was worried about the 15-26 days shipping, but it arrived within about 5 days.
The box says Model:AVC03M Composite to USB Video Capture Adapter. Driver-Free.
(You need USB-2.)
The camera I have is a very inexpensive GE unit I got at Lowes. I'm thinking of getting a Lorex for around $80, although the current quality is enough to let me know if people go where they shouldn't. The only problem with that camera is that I will need an adapter for the BNC connector so that it will connect to the RCA plug connector on the Adapter properly.
First I bought the wrong thing, a dongle with a USB connector on one end and three leads terminated with RCA plugs on the other end. The on-line information said it was for PC, so I should have known that people do not consider a Macintosh a "personal computer." All but one of similar items have been complicated things requiring a Windows computer and a software installation.
I finally found one from AliExpress which is connected to Alibaba.com, for only about $18, shipping included. I was worried about the 15-26 days shipping, but it arrived within about 5 days.
The box says Model:AVC03M Composite to USB Video Capture Adapter. Driver-Free.
(You need USB-2.)
The camera I have is a very inexpensive GE unit I got at Lowes. I'm thinking of getting a Lorex for around $80, although the current quality is enough to let me know if people go where they shouldn't. The only problem with that camera is that I will need an adapter for the BNC connector so that it will connect to the RCA plug connector on the Adapter properly.
Comments
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Thanks for this useful information. So can you confirm that the AVC03M unit worked without the need to install any driver software?
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Right. The only thing in the package was the dongle and a skinny instruction booklet. Before buying you, check whether your old Mac has a USB-2 connector. I have two older MacBooks with the same general identification, but one was made a couple years earlier than the other and only has USB-1. It puts something on screen, but it is not a picture.
The adapter lets you take any composite video and audio and input it to the Mac. What happens after that point depends on what software you have that will look at the USB input. -
Great, thanks for the clarification, this is interesting. I haven't come across any USB analog-to-video converter that doesn't require installing some third-party driver software before. It must be using the built-in OS X driver software for USB video devices.
