New to Capturing, Vdub vcr timer?

Like the topic suggest I am new to the capturing world. My main reason of posting is to ask if there is some kind of timer plug-in, or app that works in conjuction with vdub? Where I can set a time to start recording when I am not home. Other things I wanted to ask; Tips, usefull appz, irc channels and site that anyone would suggest besides almightydoom9? Thanks in advance Billy

ShowShifter 

Thanks for the replies. Guess theres another reason for me to learn German.