Challenge Offered, Tech Heads!

How do I convert VHS to AVI or MP4 or MKV (the format doesn't really matter)?

You read that correctly! VHS!

I found some old videotapes with dead family members on them and I want to copy them to my computer.

I have a VCR in good working condition and my computer is a Dell XPS 8700 running Windows 7 Premium. So, my questions:

1. Is there a cable that will let me hook the VCR and my computer together? If yes, what is such a cable called?

2. What software will I need on my computer to covert to the new format? Will VLC be able to do it?

Also, the audio doesn't matter. The family members were too far away to be heard on the videotape, so all I'm concerned with is the video.

 

You need a video capturing device as well as the appropriate software. Have a look at method 1.
http://www.wikihow.com/Transfer-VHS-Tapes-to-DVD-or-Other-Digital-Formats

 

Not much of a challenge. Remember Google is your friend.