I have just dedusted (compressed air in spray can), relubricated (Vaseline) and cleaned the read head(s?) of (cleaning tape cassette) my VCR and now I would like to start digitizing mom's collection of VHS tape cassettes.

I just learned that the ports of a modern GPU - a 3080 in my case - cannot be "reversed" and used for input. Which leaves me with those USB dongles, right? Or are there PCIe solutions that are more robust? I can only imagine such a little USB device heating up almost instantly...

Any and all advice is welcome. 😊

I know Linux and I have experience with recording audio. I know a little Shotcut and even less OBS.

this is the one I use

I use it to convert my mini cassette camcorder recordings into one and record the output through obs. Been using it for 3 years and no issues so far

I bought a vcr from ebay, and it heats up terribly. I tried using the compressed air and vcr head cleaner, but it still does it. Any advice?

I also use the little usb input things, but you can get better more expensive ones from elgato

Oh no... Hmm... All I can think of is, maybe it has a faulty power supply? In which case I'd "just" buy another one. How much did you give for it? If I had any experience in soldering whatsoever I'd tell you how to swap it, but alas...

I did check out the Elgato, but it gives me 4k@60fps and costs thrice as much. The one I just ordered is off-brand, but it does 1080p@60fps and has a nice metallic casing, so I'm hoping that it will help with any heat.

I could try the power supply. Unfortunately it cost $120 + 80 shipping, and i didn't realize its overheating tendency until it was too late to return. An expensive lesson to learn about vintage electronics for sale.