Many sites with various video clips Any for sure common way to capture them using VLC ? What else to use?

I'd like to first capture short bits of .avi files that I have. I didn't make them so I'm not familiar
with any software except a bit of VLC which I've used to play them. But I've poked around VLC
and am aware that it can make video files. I don't know more than that about VLC.


I really would like to be able to capture the video and audio for at least 10 seconds (usually) of an .avi file.
Is there a simple way to do this in VLC?
Thanks a bunch. That's my main Q. But part 2 is below.



Many sites have various video clips using RM, AVI, WMV, and more than I can name.

I'e really like to push a button like I do for screen capture and simple capture the video for as long
as I hold down the button / or for x seconds.

Is there a "for sure" way to capture any screen's video using VLC ?
Let's assume that I can play the video already on my computer within a screen.

Firefox has an add on called "downloadhelper" that can be used to download videos in VLC format. You can convert the files to anything you want. The Firefox converter is not a good one. Don't know if that's what you're looking for. Helper does Youtube etc.

I record documentary programs from History, PBS and the like and use VLC to capture a picture from the program to make a cover and print on the disc. The program is very easy to use and the pictures print with high quality on inkjet printable DVD-R's.

I recently recorded "We Shall Remain" shown on PBS HD and printed pictures from "Dances With Wolves" and the "New World" on the three discs. They came out really nice now I just need to find time to watch the documentary.