What device takes video signals and processes them within the computer, often used for recording?

The device that takes video signals and processes them within the computer, often used for recording, is the video capture card. This specialized hardware component is designed to capture incoming video signals from various sources, such as cameras or other video devices, and convert them into a format that can be processed and stored by the computer. This function is particularly important for activities such as video editing, live streaming, and game recording, as it enables high-quality video input directly into the system.

While a TV capture card is intended for a slightly different purpose—mainly to receive television signals for viewing or recording—its primary function isn't focused solely on capturing and processing video for broader applications. A video card, although it handles the display and rendering of graphics and video content, does not focus specifically on capturing external video sources. A sound card, on the other hand, is dedicated to processing audio signals, not video, so it does not fulfill the role of capturing and processing video data. Hence, the video capture card is the correct choice when referring to a device specifically designed for this purpose.