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A/D Converter

An A/D converter is a device or circuit which converts a signal from analogue to digital form. This is the opposite of a D/A converter.

In video, A/D converters are used to convert video from older analogue formats (such as VHS, Beta, etc) to digital formats. Common types of video A/D converter include:

  • A video capture card installed in a computer which the analogue source (camera or VCR) plugs into.
  • A standalone device connected to the analogue source and a computer.
  • Circuitry in an analogue video camera which outputs a digital signal.

Note: Many digital cameras can be used as an A/D converter. Plug the analogue source into the camera's input and plug the camera's digital output to the computer.