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General discussion

What is a simple way to convert old VHS tapes to DVDs?

Jan 8, 2010 2:36AM PST
Questions:

What is a simple way to convert old VHS tapes to DVDs?


This question comes from three CNET members who
coincidentally e-mailed me all within the same week, so let's
find a solution for them. I'm sure many others who have a
collection of VHS tapes are also looking to move them to a
digital format.

I need to know how to convert my VHS tapes and my VHS-C tapes
to a DVD. I have quite a few tapes that I made of the CHRRs
and others that I'm afraid will become unplayable. Can you
help me? Thanks.

--Submitted by John S.

Is there a method to make DVDs out of my invaluable VCR
tapes? Thanks so much.

--Submitted by Gloria E.

What is the best and least expensive way to convert my home
video on VHS tapes to DVD without having to record to a
digital camcorder first?

--Submitted by Alan A.

Here are some member answers to get you started, but
please read all the advice and suggestions that our
members have contributed to this question within the discussion thread.

Re: What is a simple way to convert old VHS tapes to DVDs? --Submitted by mtrehan
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-12542_102-0.html?messageID=3217007#3217007

VHS to DVD program(s) --Submitted by Mark R. Jones
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-12542_102-0.html?messageID=3217102#3217102

Converting VHS tapes to DVD --Submitted by casey721
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-12542_102-0.html?messageID=3217154#3217154

Converting VHS to DVD --Submitted by kwilsonjr
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-12542_102-0.html?messageID=3217248#3217248

Re: What is a simple way to convert old VHS tapes to DVDs? --Submitted by DLGA
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-12542_102-0.html?messageID=3217693#3217693

Video tape to digital format --Submitted by comp_dok
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-12542_102-0.html?messageID=3217076#3217076

Thanks to all who contributed!

If you have any additional solution or advice for these members please click on the reply link below and submit your answer. Please be detail as possible when posting your solution and if you have references to how-tos, please include the link to them. Thank you!

Discussion is locked

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Converting VHS to Disk/DVD
Jan 8, 2010 10:14AM PST

Use a Video Capture device such as Pinacle Spin it is free(Pinnacle Systems.com). You capture the tapes (from you VC, through the Device to your HD) then edit with Pinnacle and burn to disk with Nero or another program.

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VHS to DVD a simple way
Jan 8, 2010 10:16AM PST

I have done numerous VHS tapes to DVD. Bought two years ago a RCA unit at Walmart for under $200, having a VHS slot and a DVD slot. VHS tape in, push copy after putting a blanc DVD in the disk tray. The VHS is transferred to DVD and after finalizing you have a playable DVD. You may want to edit the old VHS tape and/or upgrade it a little?. I have and still use an AV/DV converter from Canopus, model ADVC55, "Advanced Digital Video Converter". Input S-video or Composite in and fire/wire DV out to your computer and for me into Adobe Premier. Works smoothly and problemless. Maybe there are updated units today, but for me it never brought a problem for any VHS tape as long as you can output to the little unit, which is powered via your fire/wire computer connection.
Willem Jochem

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Convert old VHS tapes to DVD
Jan 8, 2010 10:26AM PST

Just buy a DVD recorder that has the VHS, too. It's easy and cheap. They do sell a stand alone VHS that will work on your computer through a USB connection

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hardware for vhs tapes
Jan 15, 2010 6:55PM PST

Where do I purchase this device for my computer? I am running Windows Vista. Thanks in advance.

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What is a simple way to convert old VHS tapes to DVDs?
Jan 8, 2010 10:27AM PST

I had use the Plextor Convertx M402U and the bundled WinDVD Creator 2. It worked great. Unfortunately, it's no longer supported by Plextor. I recently picked up the Roxio Easy VHS to DVD. It works just as well. Use the software that comes with the usb capture device & it'll work fine. You can also get an internal tv tuner card, like WinTV HVR1600, which I also have. Good luck.

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What is a simple way to convert old VHS tapes to DVDs?
Jan 8, 2010 10:28AM PST

The simplest and probably cheapest and esaiest is to get a combo VHS / DVD recorder. Put the VHS you want to trnsfer in and a blank DVD in the recorder and make sure you are dubbing from the VHS to the DVD side. As for VHS C, you will need and adaptor for that. coastie

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How to convert old VHS tapes to DVDs
Jan 8, 2010 10:32AM PST

Hi: I can only tell you how I do this.I have a VCR Player/Recorder and a DVD Player/Recorder all hooked up to my TV so presently I Record/Tape on both the VCR and my DVD player at the same time. So I would just play my VCR Tape and record on my DVD Player. When using my video camera I have a Firewire on my computer so I can just connect to my computer directly from my camera.

Ardath

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Convert VHS tapes to DVD
Jan 8, 2010 10:33AM PST

Hi there, answer to converting VHS tapes to DVD is simple, just buy
a video player with dvd recorder combined. There not expensive.
That's how i convert my vhs to dvds. I just put my VHS tape into VHS side and put blank DVD - or + in the dvd side and follow instructions in the book. On my machine, i just press COPY and it asks you if you want to copy vhs to dvd or the other way around. Its easy. Comes out like the vhs quality. This only works if you have vhs tapes you taped not the original VHS you bought from the shops (original) they come up encrypted or something and machine won't allow you copy write, but stuff you recorded works great. Good luck!!

Evelyn

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VHS to DVD
Jan 8, 2010 10:35AM PST

Simplest, easiest way? Buy a standalone DVR.

And it may be no more, and perhaps less expensive than acquiring the hardware and software to do the conversion on a PC. You have to have hardware that can input an analog video signal from the VCR (or analog video camera), and output digitized video to your PC. And you need software typically to control this device and certainly to convert the digital video file into a format playable on DVD players.

From my experience, analog video to USB devices simply don't have sufficient throughput to do a very good job. I spent about $200 three years ago for a device to digitize an analog video input and output to a PC via IEEE 1394 (Firewire). Plus I spent close to $100 for DVD authoring software.

Two months ago I purchased a refurbished DVR for $70. I put in a recordable DVD, and select the recording quality (standard single layer recordable DVDs at full quality record about one hour, or by reducing the quality - just like a VCR - up to six hours). Then I cue my VHS tape, hit record on the DVR and walk away. At the end I have to tell the DVR that I am done recording ("finalize" the recordable DVD), label my DVD (typically with a 'Sharpie') and I'm done.

I can't ever see me using a PC ever again to just convert a VHS tape into a DVD, unless I am also going to do a lot of editing.

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VHS TO DVD
Jan 8, 2010 10:37AM PST

My company transfers vhs to DVD using stand alone DVD recorders and/or dual deck vhs/DVD recorders (primarily Panasonics). Video transfers is what I do for a living. In my case, I have several VHS players to choose from since many of my customers' tapes are in EP or LP mode and not all vhs players do a good job of tracking those tapes. I have found that those who have tried to import their video into a computer then burn a disc have lots of quality problems, so much so, that I and other companies I work with that do much of the same things I do avoid that process. We all use stand alone DVD recorders.

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tape drive quality
Jan 15, 2010 10:24AM PST

I would like to get a vhs/dvr combo unit to do my conversions. I am concerned about the quality of the tape drive. I don't want someting which will eat the tapes. These old home movies can't be replaced. Can you recommend some good brands or models?
Thanks!

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Converting VHS tapes
Jan 8, 2010 10:39AM PST

You just need the right kind of software to convert your tapes to DVD. I have converted VHS and VHS-C video tapes to DVD format using SONIC DigitalMedia Deluxe software. You just use the RCA jacks on your PC for VHS and Camcorder tapes. The software can be a pain to figure out so good luck.

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And if you want to edit the content?
Jan 16, 2010 7:12AM PST

Using a standalone VHS/DVD Recorder is certainly a good way to get the content in a form you can edit on your PC, as many others have said. You can then use many programs to edit the content.

I find it's best to copy the VIDEO_TS folder from the DVD to your hard drive first. I then use Windows Movie Maker to edit the content - I think this only works with the version that comes with Vista or Windows 7 - see for example http://www.papajohn.org/AboutMovieMaker.html or many other sources.

I've tried using Roxio, and was eventually able to get it to access the content in the VIDEO_TS folder, but WMM seems better and it's free!

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just capture the tapes and burn the dvd's
Jan 8, 2010 10:40AM PST

Very simple to do..Can be done other ways, but i do things simple as possible..Merely install a video capture card(many new computers come with it already there) (In my case an old Hauppage 150..note why change something that works?) connect you vcr to the capture card and record the video off the tape as it plays via either channel 3 or channel 4 of the vcr (depends on which channel your vcr is set too). Once you have captured the video (tape)..(perhaps convert it to a video stream that you can use, most wont have too) in my case, i normally converts to a avi file and then i burn the avi file to a DVD using Nero (most other burner software can also do this)..Fast, Cheap, Efficient, and looks great)..Have fun

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just capture the tapes and burn the dvd's
Feb 22, 2010 5:16AM PST

Have both a DVD recorder and a panasonic VHS tape player but can't figure out how to connect them to record my VHS vid cassette tape onto DVD. Can't see a record-out jack. I see RF out and Audio out (two sockets). And the scart socket av1TV and AV2 ext decoder.

Any suggestions?

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(NT) dvd recording
Jan 8, 2010 10:43AM PST
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vhs tapes to dvd
Jan 8, 2010 10:45AM PST

Purchase a samsung combo dvd/tape recorder so easy.

Leo

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How to convert old VHS tapes to DVD
Jan 8, 2010 10:50AM PST

You can try one of the numerous programs that perform this for you.
I just bought Honestech's VHS to DVD 4.0 Deluxe. The software comes with a small, simple looking box that connects your VCR to your computer. I haven't tried it yet but it sounds real easy. The price was also good, an $80 program picked up on sale for $39.99 at London Drugs.
Good Luck.

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VHS conversion to DVD
Jan 8, 2010 10:53AM PST

There is a product out that will do this for you. I purchased one off the net called EasyCap capture which connects to the VHS to USB which in turn will connect to your USB port of your Comp. I found it to be reasonably priced around $30 to $40. You may also be able to obtain one from any of the computer stores or **** Smith's if in Australia.
This may help.

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what is the simpl way to convert vhs tapes to dvd
Jan 8, 2010 10:55AM PST

take tapes to Costco..they will put them on dvd for a fee, of course.

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converting vhs to dvd
Jan 8, 2010 10:59AM PST

I use dazzle by pinicale. About $35 or $40 dollars and does a pretty fair job. I got mine through Best Buy but I'm sure you can get it on line.

L. Allison

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Converting VHS Tapes to DVD
Jan 8, 2010 11:04AM PST
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go 2 walmart
Jan 8, 2010 11:04AM PST

but a vcr/dvd machine , buy some discs and go to town!

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VHS to DVD
Jan 8, 2010 11:06AM PST

What I did was buy a VHS to DVD recorder for under 200 I can make DVDs to Vhs or VHS to DVDs the only problem is its in real time so if you have a 6hr tape its going to take 6hrs of your time. Other then that they really come out very nice and clear Hope this helps its cheap and very easy Tom

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Vhs to DVD
Jan 8, 2010 11:12AM PST

I have been doing this for a year on some i have, i use a Magnavox
ZV450MW8A, this system is probably not available today, purchased it a year ago, if you have a lot to do like i had ,t is time consuming, so set it to dub, and go away, if some media has deteriorated, you may find you will have to restart the dub. If you want to chapter it, you will need have an idea where to stop and start.
Some of mine are over 10 years old, some ok some have flicker in. Editing will have to be done with another system, or unless you want to sit and watch a 6 or 4 hour tape and stop and start. Make a duplicate and be sure not to scratch them or you will need start all over, I have 4 in a year that i can not finalize., Buy an extended warranty, at years end you may be glad you did.
Good luck

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How to transfer VHS tape to DVD'S
Jan 8, 2010 11:12AM PST

I did a Search on Google "VHS to DVD" And came up with several Methods. I use a Sylvania VHS to DVD deck that goes either way I can transfer VHS tapes to DVD'S or DVD'S to VHS tapes. You can pickup one of these decks at Big lots for $50.00 - $100.00. Be sure to check out the DVD media that the Deck uses to burn. Make sure the DVD's you burn will work in your DVD players or the DVD players of your friends you give copy's to. The old standard is -R DVD'S 8X Speed. Most older DVD Players out there play the old Standard. A little background about me. I am A retired IBM Computer Service Engineer. My hobby is Videoing Weddings. I also have a weekly Program on our local PUBLIC ACCESS channel this program has run for 14+ years It is our Sunday morning Church services. I also make copy's for shutins that can't get to the services.

Danvidman

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Convert VHS tapes to DVD
Jan 8, 2010 11:18AM PST

I recently purchased hardware & software from Roxio to do this; but haven't found the time as yet. Check it out on Roxio.com. The device is called "Roxio easy VHS to DVD" and it sells for 59.99 I believe.
Looks like it will do the job..

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Not that difficult if you have the patience
Jan 8, 2010 11:20AM PST

Get a "Dazzle Video Creator". If you have more than three tapes to transfer it will pay for itself compared to having someone else do it ofr you. When your done you can put it up on ebay to recoup some of your cost.

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Dual deck DVD recorder
Jan 8, 2010 11:21AM PST

I haven't checked what's available now, but I have had a DVD recorder for a few years that is also a VHS VCR. It is a Panasonic DMR-ES30V and it is very easy to copy VHS to DVD or vice versa. It doesn't get much simpler than that. I have used it more to burn DVD's from programs I have on my DVR. Surely, this or a successor would still be available. I don't remember what I paid for it, but it wasn't terribly expensive.

I have yet to get around to transferring the bulk of my tapes, but I did a couple and it worked quite well. My biggest problem has been finding DVD ripping software that would then let me create files in a format that I could import into Adobe Premiere for editing. I finally found something, but it isn't my favorite software package and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone else.

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Convert VHS to DVD
Jan 8, 2010 11:23AM PST

I had this problem and solved it by purchasing a Sanyo VHS/DVD recorder.(I assume there are other brands equally as good.) The process is so simple put in VHS tape insert a blank DVD and press tape to DVD button. On top of this the cost of the unit was under $A200, although now we have a PVR hard drive recorder I still have the VHS/DVD unit to play the odd tape and DVD that we acquire from time to time.
G. Lawton in Australia