Q I am having huge problems trying to locate a video card that is able to accept another computer's screen image (640 x 480) and to be able to screen grab that display (like a normal screen capture to the clipboard). All vendors I've spoken to say that video capture/compression is possible, but none has tried this method. The signal that I'm trying to capture is actually an RGB signal. The equipment is so old that it cannot print directly to a printer. Is there anything on the market at all?

û Anthony Baricevic

A Video capture cards are designed to take the standard RF signal used with TVs and VCRs. Most computers produce an RGB signal that goes to a monitor. While it is possible in theory to capture this signal, I know of no cards that can do this. However, I do have a solution which, while not perfect, will work with only a little loss of clarity. It is possible to buy a converter that will take an RGB signal and convert it into an RF signal so that you can display it on a standard TV. There are a number of converters on the market. The idea behind them is you can display a computer image on a large TV for small group presentations at minimal expense if you already own the TV. Your best bet in tracking one down is to look in the Yellow Pages under Audio-Visual Equipment. Because TVs do not have the same resolution as a computer monitor you will lose some image quality. To get the image into your computer, instead of plugging the RF signal into a TV, plug it into a video capture card.

Other solutions include simply photographing the screen with a standard, Polaroid or digital camera. The photographs can be scanned in and the cost will be fairly low. If you need moving images you can videotape the screen. You may need some equipment to eliminate screen flicker while videoing. You will also need a video capture card if you want to input the pictures into your computer.