Where to begin?

[schu7044]

Hello everyone:

I am new to this forum and to video capturing and editing. I hope that you will be able to assist me.

I want to capture video (TV shows, HBO, etc.) from my television and/or my TiVo to my laptop.

When I record shows on my TiVo, I usually start a minute or two before the show begins and allow recording a minute or two after the show ends. Once I have captured the shows to my laptop, I want to be able to edit out the beginnings and endings that aren't part of the show. I also want to be able to edit out commercials, etc., then I would like to record the shows to DVD that I can take with me when I travel, etc.

I'm not sure what kind of equipment I need and I'm not sure what kind of software I need. Basically, I'm not sure where to begin and I would like some guidance.

Thank you for any assistance or advice that you can provide.

Don