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

I did not have the capability to do it on my PC system, so I took mine to Costco. They convert one 2-hour VHS tape and give you TWO DVD copies (plus, your tape back) for around $20.00. The quality has been very good so far, I've done about 3 or 4 from our old home movies I had tapes of. -Erik

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An easy way to convert VHS to DVD
Jan 8, 2010 11:25AM PST

I too had that problem, wanting to save concert memories that were recorded on VHS tapes. I found this little thing called Easy CAP. It's a USB 2.0 Video adapter with audio. It allows you to capture and edit High Quality Video and audio. This praticular one is good for Windows 2000, Windows XP and Vista.Also important to have atleast 4 GB of free hard drive space and atleast 256 MB RAM. It includes the software to help get you started. Basically all you do is plug the adapter into your USB, plug the color coated cables into your VCR and that's about it. It has 2audio in cables,the CBVS end and the S video if you're trying to get video off of your camcorder as well I ordered this one on ebay and think it was less than $25.00. Hope this helps you out. It was so easy, i didn't even have to call my son to help me out with it.

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What is a simple way to convert old VHS tapes to DVDs?
Jan 8, 2010 11:29AM PST

Hook a VHS player to a DVD recorder.

Hit "play button" on the VHS player and hit "Record button" on
the DVD recorder.

It doesn?t get any simpler than this.

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VHS to DVD
Jan 16, 2010 12:46AM PST

this works, as long as its home movies, if your putting your boughten movies on DVD to preserve your investment, alot of times you won't beable to record because of the copyright. The simplest is to buy the Honestech VHS to DVD program and save alot of headaches.

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Recording VHS to Video
Jan 8, 2010 11:38AM PST

You can buy a DVD Recorder at a Surplus or Liquidation store for about $70. This is the easiest way - just play the VHS, feed audio and video into the recorder and record away. (You need a TV or monitor to show you what's going on)

Otherwise, several companies have solutions for playing video into your computer, saving the file, then burning it to DVD. However, for this you typically need more than one piece of software - one to do the recording, one to burn the DVD. You need to have a DVD-RW drive and lots of Hard Drive space. And you need a fast processor to get good video quality. Older machines may do poorly.

Roxio is one company that may have what you need - but personally, I would go the DVD Recorder route.

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Very Simple
Jan 8, 2010 11:39AM PST

Your local big name electronics store will carry an external capture device with software for editing and burning to DVD for between $50 and $120. When compared to having someone do it for you for $20/tape, you can save alot if you have many tapes to do.
Remember these things when capturing VCR video:
1. you may need several gig of hard drive available on your computer
2. you have to play the tape to record it to your computer and that it plays/records in real time - 60min tape = 60min of recording on computer
3. rendering the new video on your computer to DVD may also take several gig of hard drive space and
4. rendering to DVD will sometimes take a good amount of time.

Good Luck! It's actually very easy after the 1st try!

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Convert VHS Tapes to DVD
Jan 8, 2010 11:39AM PST

If you have a VHS/DVD Player/Recorder just insert a blank DVD disc into recorder side and set the record speed so you will have enough space to record video. Insert the VHS Tape that you want to copy in the VHS Player side to where you want to begin and press pause buton. Begin DVD recording and start VHS Player. You can Record And Watch Video at the same time.

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Move tapes to DVD
Jan 8, 2010 11:41AM PST

Roxio has a software program that will do the job for you.
Do a roxio.com and I'm sure you will get fixed up.

CB

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Convert VHS tapes to DVD using software
Jan 8, 2010 11:48AM PST

You can purchase a software program called "VHS to DVD 3.0 or the newer version 4.0" by honestech to do the job. It comes in 2 versions, standard and deluxe. The deluxe version comes with usb Vidbox capture device while the standard version uses your device if you already have a video input card or usb device..
1) Capture your video from Camcorder, VCR, or DVD player.
2) Trim unwanted scenes and add trasition effects.
3) Burn your movie into VCD, SVCD, or DVD.
Good luck.

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Audio/Video capture devices
Jan 8, 2010 11:49AM PST

There are several approaches to video capture for computers. The big difference is internal (video capture cards + sound card) or external (USB or Firewire devices). You'll play your VHS tapes in a video tape player and send the output to these devices, recording the signal with the software they came with. They may come with DVD authoring software even, but if not, ConvertX To DVD is a quality, inexpensive program to take many formats right to your computer's DVD burner.

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VHS to DVD
Jan 17, 2010 4:30AM PST

Recently, I purchased the Sony RDR-VX560 (Video/DVD Recorder). It worked very good. Picture and audio quailty of the record disc is perfect. However, I've a little problem with it and I'm asking for your help. Please!!!!

The problem is this: My video tape is 3 hours long. I follow all the step of transfer VHS to DVD (dubbing), but the dubbing process didn't record smoothly like the Video tape playing. It recorded for 10 sec (or 15 min) then it stop record with the message appear ( updating the disc...or something), then it rewind the tape to same point where it stop recording. It play the tape again and begin to record again. It kept doing that through out the whole tape. I know it create the tile, so I go to menu to change the setting into no Title. When I try to dubbing again, it still the same. I also tried to record instead of Dubbing, the video play smoothly for 20 no stopping. However, when I played the DVD, there are no pictures or sound.

Someone who know how to fix this please help me. The reason is I want to disc can be able to play the video smoothly from A to Z without any pause between title.

Waiting for your reply. Thank you for your help. Wish everyone have a good day. Thanks again.

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Convert VHS Tapes to DVDs
Jan 8, 2010 11:50AM PST

I only answer this because I have done quite a bit of it - I doubt that I have any particularly sage advice.

I believe this way is the least expensive, but it is almost certain not to produce the best result, and it is time consuming.

I had on hand a VHS machine in pretty good shape with a composite output. Composite with S-Video and other choices would have been better, but VHS output quality is so poor that they probably would not help much.

I also had on hand a DVD recorder with composite (and component and S-Video) inputs. Analog-only DVD recorders are pretty inexpensive these days, and VHS is analog-only.

First I connected the compsite cables between the two and set the DVD recorder to record from that input.

Then, I predetermined the run time of each VHS program I wanted to copy, set the DVD recorder to record for that length of time, starting one minute after the current time. This, by the way, can be the hard part - calculating what time is exactly one hour, 53 minutes after 11:56 pm takes a little thought.

Then I started the VHS playing and immediately paused it. The instant the DVD came on I pressed the "resume" button on the VHS, walked away, and came back some hours later to finalize my DVD.

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Easiest conversion ever!
Jan 8, 2010 11:54AM PST

Simply buy a DVD/VCR combination unit. You can get one at Wal-Mart for under $100. You can insert your VHS tape on one side and a blank DVD on the other and record from one to the other with the touch of a button. Couldn't be simpler.

Now, if you want to copy those copyrighted movies--that's a different story. But you shouldn't have any trouble converting your own personal videos.

Good luck!

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VHS to DVD's quick & easy
Jan 8, 2010 11:58AM PST

I purchased (from Sam's Club) a Sony DVR/VHS recorder. I have been very pleased because I can record from VHS to DVD or from DVD to VHS with just pushing one button. I can also connect my digital video camera and it will record to dvd. I have been able to connect my older video cameras to it as well with the other cable connections available. There is one drawback. The newly recorded dvd needs to be finalized before it can be played back in other dvd players etc. It can only be finalized using the remote..... so don't lose the remote!

Love my dvr Happy

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Three Ways to Convert VHS to DVD
Jan 8, 2010 12:00PM PST

1. Use a DVD/VHS Player/Recorder unit that allows you to copy VHS-to-DVD. You position the VHS tape beyond all the "fluff" and begin the copy to DVD. This works well but only for non-copy protected VHS.

2. Use a VHS player and a separate DVD recorder. "PLAY" the VHS tape and run the DVD recorder off the video (and audio) output of the VHS player -or- the monitor outputs of the TV. Use component, s-video connections where possible to "preserve" as much signal quality as possible. Disadvantages: (1) the TV probably needs to be on, or (2) (if player to recorder without the TV) this again only works for non-copy protected tapes.

(3) for copy protected, you'll need to "capture" the VHS video to your computer (e.g., Pinnacle Studio, Roxio Capture), then make a DVD movie using that captured content. Again, use component, s-video over (yellow) video to preserve as much signal quality as possible. The DVD composition software may also have signal enhancement capabilities ...

In general, the quality of the DVD will be no better than the VHS. Note that methods 1 and 2 take as long as the VHS movie is long + few minutes for set-up. Method 3 takes 2 times (+) that length depending on speed of computer when making the DVD movie from the content.

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I had several VHS tapes to convert to DVDs too!
Jan 8, 2010 12:01PM PST

What I wanted was the easiest possible way to convert the VHS tapes of family events over to DVDs so I could share them with the family.
I read some reviews and found that Samsung had several models and I purchased a DVD VR325 refurbished for about $110 in Oct 2009. The remote has a single button each for either recording from DVD to VHS or the reverse. It also handled the head alignment and level setting automatically and then began the record process. In about 1/2 the video time, the transfer was complete and the quality was equal to the original.
I could not be more pleased and suggest that you get one of these while they are still available because these models are being discontinued at a rapid pace.

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A VHS Player connected to the PC through a TV capture card
Jan 8, 2010 12:04PM PST

What I did is to take the old VHS machine that nobody used in my house and I connected it to the computer with a Encore TV FM Tuner Pro PCI tv capture card.
So I play and record the VHS tape on my computer with the software that came with the tv capture card. Then I record the video in a DVD with Nero.

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Converting VHS to DVD
Jan 8, 2010 12:15PM PST

There are several methods and each require some kind of additional hardware device to make it happen. A simple USB video capture device that plugs into the USB 2.0 slot on your computer has composite inputs (red and white for audio and yellow for video) so you can attach your VCR to it just like you would a TV. You then 'capture' the VHS movie as you play it, converting it to a computer file so you can burn it later with your DVD burner and software. This is easily the cheapest method at around $14.95.

You can also attach the VCR to a Direct DVD Recorder (again just like it was a TV). This resembles an external DVD drive but it too has the composite inputs. You press 'play' on the VHS and 'record' on the Direct DVD Recorder and it makes your DVD right then and there without the need for a computer. Around $145.

I recently found a VHS player that plugs right into the USB 2.0 slot on your computer, bypassing the composite cable hookups altogether. It acts as a capture device and again converts the movie to a computer file so you can burn it with your favorite DVD burning software (I personally prefer Nero). Around $65.

Sony makes a VHS to DVD one touch recorder that is by far the simplest, but also the priciest at around $150 street price. You pop in the tape, pop in a blank DVD and press record. Done. If you have more than a few tapes to convert it might make a handy investment. It is the Sony RDR-VX560.

Here are some links to items I have mentioned;

Sony RDR-VX560 http://www.amazon.com/Sony-RDR-VX560-Tunerless-Recorder-Player/dp/B0016GCI84

USB Video Capture Dongle http://www.amazon.com/EASYCAP-Audio-Video-Capture-Adapter/dp/B0012HQFJK/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1263009822&sr=8-6

Direct to DVD Recorder http://www.amazon.com/Sony-VRDVC20-DVDirect-DVD-Recorder/dp/B00092PV6C/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1263009942&sr=8-3

VHS Player with USB http://www.amazon.com/ION-Audio-Video-Computer-Converter/dp/B0017PJ5FI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1263010003&sr=8-1

Nero DVD burning software http://www.nero.com/enu/nero9-introduction.html

(please note I used Amazon as a reference simply because it was easiest. Shop around for the best deal.)

Ken Wilson
San Diego CA

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Converting VHS to Digital
Jul 15, 2013 6:36AM PDT

Hi, just read your post even though its over 3 years old! You'd mentioned a VHS player with USB output for abt $65, but I've been unable to find..on Amazon they're asking much more..any sugg?

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DVD recorder with VHS
Jan 8, 2010 12:19PM PST

Amazon has a Toshiba DVD recorder that also has VHS. You can record VHS to DVD. It's for $148.

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Transferring VHS to DVD
Jan 8, 2010 12:24PM PST

an inexpensive way i did it with my pc was an inexpensive tv tuner card and a vcr however that proved very poor because the audio and video are out of sync, so i purchased a vcr with a dvd recorder built in and one touch recording in either direction, and the nice thing with it is i can record off of tv to dvd as well with my tivo, that is the best I can tell you

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Two methods
Jan 8, 2010 12:27PM PST

I have two different methods to transpose VHS/VHS-C tapes to DVD. The first is to either use a DVD recorder mated to your VHS deck by using the composite video/audio output from the tape player to the composite video/audio input on the DVD recorder. There are stand alone units with these components in a single case and easy instructions. This will make whole copies of tapes to DVD. The second way is to install a video capture card in a PC and mate the output of the player to the input of the capture card using the composite video/audio connections. This method is handy for taking pieces from different tapes, editing them together and them burning to a DVD.

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VHS to DVD
Jan 8, 2010 12:43PM PST

buy a VCR that can dub itself from vhs tape to dvd.
They cost around 140.00 to 180.00 at walmart.

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DVD/VHS Combo Unit
Jan 8, 2010 12:47PM PST

Buy a Sony RDR-VX560 1080p Tunerless DVD Recorder/VHS Combo Player. $165 at Amazon. One touch dubbing from VHS to DVD or DVD to VHS.

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What to use to convert tapes to DVDs
Jan 8, 2010 12:47PM PST

There are a few different products out there that do this. Whether it's Hi 8, VHC or from your turntable.
Search for a 'capture card'. That will give you a fair listing. From there, you can determine what you're after vs what you want to pay. As I've said in the past, I use Pinnacle Studio's Movie Box. It captures via S-video or composite. This is an external piece which connects via fire wire (1394). Some connect via USB or are the type you install into your computer.
They all seem to be about the same frame rate in the retail versions ( I haven't looked at many professional ones to be honest), as they all do about the same thing.
Setting it up on your computer can get tricky, as now you can start to have software conflicts.
I will say that Pinnacle has been super over the years, answering my questions very quickly. They are owned by Avid now, but still are quick to send an answer. So if support (they do have great FAQ's) is something important to you, consider that of the company you do go with.

My main camcorder is a Sony Hi 8 & I really haven't had too many (dropped frames) problems capturing from it. Why it does can produce volumes of books.

Hope this gets to you & helps.

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VHS to DVD.
Jan 8, 2010 12:52PM PST

Faced with this problem some time ago, I sent away for VHS converters to run my tapes to HDD. Then, just as I was about to attempt it, I discovered a much simpler way. It meant purchasing another machine, in my case an LG RC 389H. This is a combo VHS/DVD recorder and was the best I could find at the time. I am sure there are similar models available. Quite honestly, converting the VHS tapes to DVD was an absolute breeze and the results were excellent. It was well worth the investment of NZ$439. It is probably cheaper abroad.

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Buy a DVD Recorder
Jan 8, 2010 12:59PM PST

I was faced with the same problem and I bought a DVD recorder to add to my home theater setup. You can get a standalone DVD recorder, combined with a DVR or combined with a VCR for between $90 and $250. I bought a standalone DVD recorder and connected it to my VCR, to cable and to my DVR and, of course, to the TV. I can watch DVDs on it, record from the VCR, record from cable (just like we used to do with a VCR in the old days) or dump shows recorded on the DVR to DVD. I can also dump stuff from a camcorder straight to DVD. Of course you can't do any sophisticated editing with this setup, it just allows you to move video from one medium to another. But it is set and forget: start the VCR rolling, press record on the DVD recorder and step back.

If you want to edit the videos, maybe clean them up, then you would want to go with a more sophisticated setup, with a video capture card on your PC to convert the playback from the VCR to a digital file, edit and burn to a DVD. You would have to buy the video capture hardware, but the software you need to create the digital file, edit it and burn it to DVD are all included in Windows XP Home, Vista Home Premium and Windows 7 Home Premium. They are Windows Movie Maker and Windows DVD Maker.

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Converting VHS tapes to DVD
Jan 8, 2010 1:01PM PST

Now a days many manufactures make combined units in which you can play/record VHS tapes or DVDs. For example I have Panasonic DMR EX30V which has both VHS tape play/Rec as well as DVD play/rec. I just insert the VHS tape on the left side and a blank DVD on the right unit and just press one button .The tape gets copied automatically. I think this is an easy and straight forward solution.

Nateshkumar

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What is a simple way to convert old VHS tapes to DVDs?
Jan 8, 2010 1:13PM PST

I have found the easiest way, that works for me, is to feed VCR into Panasonic Mod DMR-EZ28. Simple and produces great copies.
The DMR-EZ28 is also a great DVR. I have used it for over a year now to record programs in place of VHS. Around $200.00 @ Bestbuy.
I hope this helps,
DRDSR

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What is a simple way to convert old VHS tapes to DVDs?
Jan 8, 2010 1:18PM PST

The best method is to buy a VHS to DVD Recorder. I've converted VHS to DVD and with a computer, it's real time. If you have Windows ME, XP or higher and a video capture card or TV tuner card, you can do it with Movie Maker; or, you could buy a program like Pinnacle Studio. Most TV Tuner Cards come with recording software and include RCA and cable inputs to capture the signal. The RCA jacks give a better picture.