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General discussion

My old VHS tapes to DVD

Jan 5, 2006 9:45PM PST

What do i need to purchase to copy my old VHS tapes to DVD format? How is the best way to set it up? Do i view it on the computer or just on the TV. I know it is cheaper for me to buy a new recorder than to have it professionally done.
Thanks for the help. These are old VHS tapes of my family and i want to preserve the memories.
I own a Dell with Windows XP home addition.

Discussion is locked

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VHS to DVD
Jan 5, 2006 11:32PM PST

I am going through the same process. Rather than spend a lot of time using my computer, I purchased an inexpensive VHS/DVD Recorder with one touch dubbing and I've already recorded about 1/3 of my collection. I have a Panasonic DMR-ES30V. I literally push one button twice, plug the headphones in the jack on the TV to take away the sound and walk away, study, or do whatever I need to do. Then you can burn as many copies as you need for your family from your computer, or purchase a DVD Recorder with a hard drive that can copy them for you. Good luck!

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thanks
Jan 6, 2006 11:20AM PST

does this mean the new dvd has no sound or you cant hear the sound while recording? thanks for reply. mgd

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HP makes a recorder, dc 5000, which I bought several
Jan 6, 2006 2:27AM PST

months ago at Best Buy for about $200. It will burn the video from any source, including VHS, to DVD. It can also leave a digital copy on your computer which can be edited. It doubles as a double layer DVD+R burner for your computer. One drawback. It will not convert commercial VHS tapes that have copy protection.

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thanks i will check it out
Jan 6, 2006 11:23AM PST

tomorrow i will look at Best Buy and check out the price on that recorder. MGD

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VHS to DVD recording
Jan 6, 2006 5:46AM PST

I am going to start recording my VHS tapes to DVD's. I have a DVD recorder hooked up to my VCR and this is how I am going to do it. My DVD recorder uses the DVD+ format but after you finalixe the DVD(Meaning after you are done recording on the DVD), they say it can be played on any DVD player whether it is DVD+ or -. What is the difference between the 2? WHo knows , ( I just go with the + , which is what my recorder uses. Leave me know how you made out and any other info you may have.
My email is resch@dejazzd.com

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thanks
Jan 6, 2006 11:15AM PST

still looking at what i need to purchase. and where?

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VHS Tapes to DVD Consideration
Jan 7, 2006 4:28AM PST

I have debated between purchasing a Recoder as mentioned in previous posts for recording VHS recordings of family video as you mentioned. What i realized and you should consider first is wheather or not you would like to edit them or simply copy them as is.
Editing need not be difficult or beyond your ability as I have found, nor do you need to purchase software.
Windows XP comes with Windows Movie Maker which does the job well and is available free from microsoft. For more information check this site:
www.papajohn.org
Editing allows you to add some enhancements to the video.
For example you can add a title, voice recording, text, pictures, and music if you wish.
One item that you will have to purchase is a video capture card. You can get one for as little as $30.00.
I feel that in the long run this would be more useful especially if you intend to acquire more home video.

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vhs to dvd
Jan 8, 2006 12:07AM PST

thank you for your response.
Have you personally transfered vhs to dvd? If yes, what brand recorder did you buy and how do you like your recorder. How do you hook it up to the computer for editing? That sounded good, some of our tapes have bad spots in them which i could remove.
Some of the family members are dead and i would not want to loose what we have. I know these recorders are getting cheaper and having more features. I do have Windows XP but i know nothing of movie maker or a video card.
thanks again for time. MGD

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VHS to DVD
Jan 8, 2006 6:31PM PST

I tried lots of programs, non as good as a VHS to DVD recorder
Auskara