- VCR = terrible
- capture card = terrible
- software (
VirtualDub) = excellent, continue to use that
- codec (Lagairth) = problematic, heavier CPU use, often causes dropped frames (even on "powerful" systems, because it owns the single core use for the capture), use
Huffyuv instead
$200 is a weak budget, almost nothing can be done. At best, get the ES10/15 (added as passthrough), and cross your fingers. You'll still run into issues, but at least you'll start to see what can be possible with better hardware. You'll have some successes, some failures.
Ditch that $5 POS Chinese capture card.
It's not a "recommended" card, but even a Dazzle DVC100 isn't as crappy as the Easycap (aka Easycrap, a deserved nickname)
Do not throw away the original tapes. You will regret it, as you WILL someday have the means/motive to do a better conversion job.