thanks to all for your suggestions! actually, Albertporter, the first item I found in an internet search was the model you mentioned. we considered it but opted for the cheapest method for experimenting: a 'Dazzle Video Creator 90' which is essentially a USB interface with video RCA inputs (video-audio left/right and s-vhs). it comes with some very basic editing software and has provisions for a variety of digital encoding formats. haven't really put it through the paces yet...will report later
Haven't
Haven't