capturing a still image from a video file

[debennett2]

I am trying to figure out how to get a still image (i.e. jpeg or bitmap) from a video file (preferable MPEG-2). Is there software out there that will do what I want? I am desperate. Thanks.

[jggimi]

Hello, and welcome to the forum.

(This particular forum is about analog capture -- which is a little different than what you are asking. Analog capture has to do with plugging video and audio cables into a PC. But don't worry, I have an answer to your question.)

Yes, indeed, there is software that can do what you want. I recommend VirtualDubMod (http://www.doom9.org/Soft21/Editing/VirtualDubMod_1_5_4_1_All_inclusive.zip), a variant of VirtualDub. If I recall correctly, it includes MPEG-2 support.

To copy a single frame of a video to the clipboard, open the file, move to the frame, and use the "Video....Copy source frame to clipboard" menu command. You can also save an image sequence in BMP and other formats from the "File..." menu command.

[debennett2]

Thank you very much for your reply. I have just started using Vdubmod and didn't realize how easy it can be to use. Thank you very much for your help and sorry for the inaccurately-placed post.