I checked out the local Best Buys and Frys, they have these video editor devices that allow various inputs (VCR, DVD, camcorder) which then have a USB connection to your computer.

There are versions which range from stand alone external units to more sophisticated ones which come with a new video card. Prices run from about $60 to over $200 depending on features and level of software etc.

None of the info on the boxes address any copyright protection encoding issues (I guess for legal reasons if nothing else) so I dunno if these gizmos strip out that crap and re-stabilize the signal. Will have to search CNET.com etc for reviews.

Anthony