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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 DVD
Jan 8, 2010 11:36PM PST

I had over 1000 VHS tpaes that I converted to DVD. I was able to do it while using my computer for other things. I purchased a Sony Multi-fuction DVD recorder, model VDR-VC30. It conects directly to your VHS recorder/player(VCR). Just put a tape in the VCR hit play,and put a DVD-R blank in the Sony, and hit record. You can watch the movie on TV while it records, but you do not have to do so. Also, The Sony unit can be connected to your computer and used as a DVD Player/Recorder.
Richard E. Napper

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Dazzle DVD Recorder
Jan 8, 2010 11:36PM PST

I have used the above to convert hundreds of VHS to DVD for myself/family/friends. It is a Pinnacle Studio item and does exactly what it says with minimal input from myself. It costs

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cheap video capture device
Jan 8, 2010 11:37PM PST

Buy a cheap video capture device, connects to your VCR player or camera with S video jack (preferred) for video, or yellow (RCA?) video jack; and R/L audio jacks, the usual older machine connections. The other end of the device is USB. Plug it in after installing the included software, tell the computer where to store the video, and in what format, and play the tape. Simple, otherwise I couldn't do it! Diamond VC500 is what I use, and burn DVDs with Roxio, although others like Nero better. Can't remember if the device came with DVD burning or not, I didn't use it. Cost <$50. Good blank DVDs, compatible with your player a must, some DVD players somewhat picky about what they will play.

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cameramate
Jan 9, 2010 12:02AM PST

you have to buy CameraMate. The value varies between $40-$70...

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The simplest way to capture video tape to DVD
Jan 9, 2010 12:07AM PST

I've worked in video production for years, and have used a wide range of hardware and software. Most off the shelf computers, both laptop and desktop, come with almost everything you would need to create DVDs from your old VHS tapes. About the only item you'd need to add is some sort of video capture device, and some such devices can be had for less than $50.

That said, for those who don't want to spend the time to learn the process, there is a simpler way. Combination VCR/DVD are available that can burn DVDs from a VHS tape source. An example unit would be the Samsung DVD VR357. Most can record from external sources as well. While limited in some ways, most users would find this a much easier solution that using a computer for this process.

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Use equipment you, (hopefully!), already have.
Jan 9, 2010 12:13AM PST

By far the simplest and least expensive way is to play the videos on your TV whilst at the same time recording them to a HD recorder. Then simply burn them to a DVD directly from your recorder.
If you don't have a HD recorder then you'll have to buy a conversion programme such as Dazzle, and do it on your PC.

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Re: What is a simple way to convert old VHS tapes to DVDs?
Jan 9, 2010 12:25AM PST

Hi,

It appears that each requester has a different yet at the same time same exact question; "How to get VHS tapes converted into digital format."

There are 2 simple answers to this question and I use both of them and either is geared for the person that has never made a conversion or the experienced user who is just looking for a faster way of doing it!

The first answer is to purchase a product called "Dazzle DVD Recorder."

Dazzle DVD Recorder can be purchased directly at most well equipped electronics stores such as Fry's or online from TigerDirect (http://www.tigerdirect.com) 800-800-8300. Or you may wish to go directly to Pinnacle (http://www.pinnaclesys.com/PublicSite/us/Products/Consumer+Products/Dazzle/Dazzle+Video+Archiving/Dazzle+DVD+Recorder.htm).

Dazzle DVD Recorder is extremely easy to hook up to your system and will provide great results. Just hook it up to your computer then connect your VHS unit to Dazzle and follow the simple instructions for a straight to DVD recording or save the files as digital items that you can edit and then burn to DVD later.

The second method and the one that I really enjoy the most is using a great little product called "VCR 2 PC" and is available from Ion Audio (http://www.ionaudio.com/vcr2pc).

VCR 2 PC is an actual VCR unit that hooks up directly to your computer using USB and allows you to either watch your VHS tapes on your computer or save them as a digital file that you can then burn onto DVD's using your favorite burner software. Straight from the sales page it says: "Not only does VCR 2 PC conveniently digitize all of your videos, but it also works as a standard VHS player with auto-tracking, so you can continue to enjoy your VHS tapes. Standard VCR controls including variable speed slow motion, playback, and rewind are all available on soft-touch, backlit buttons. There's also a PAL version of VCR 2 PC with SCART output so no matter where your VHS tapes came from, ION can help reconnect you and your videos."

At this time Dazzle DVD Recorder is being sold at Pinnacle for $49.99 and VCR 2 PC is offered for $149.99 at IonAudio.

Either way, you will find converting your VHS tapes to digital format an easy process.

I hope that this is a simple answer to your questions and that they will work as easily for you as they have for me.

Gary

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DVD to VHS
Jan 9, 2010 12:35AM PST

I have a Magnavox, Model ZV420MW8 that will convert VHS tapes to DVDs, or vice-versa. Good luck.

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Convert VHS to DVD
Jan 9, 2010 12:38AM PST

You need to get a USB device called EZCAP, I just got one and it works amazingly well! I cant get it to work on my Windows 7 machine but it works on my Vista machine just fine. I got mine on EBay.

Dan Murdock
Fergus Falls, MN

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How to convert VHS tapes to DVD
Jan 9, 2010 12:45AM PST

I researched this and found the following:

1. You need an Analog to DV Converter
2. Encode to MPEG-2
3. Burn DVD

To convert VHS to MPEG-2 you need a Hardware Capture Device, an Analog to DVD converter, Video Capture Card or an External device to Digitize Video. I purchased DVD Maker USB2.0 that included this device (KWORLD) with PowerProducer 4 and PowerDirector 5 software, cost about $50.00. This software you may need if you want to edit your video after conversion to make a fancy home movie on DVD.
I used my JVC Video Cassette Recorder I recorded the tapes on. Connected the video Composite and SVGA and audio output to my KWORLD analog to digital external device, it's output to my PC's USB port and the sound card Line In jack. Start the software. Within the software you need to make some settings for Capture Source, video/audio Input, analog/video settings, Format. For this I selected NTSC-M. Start the Capture before you start your VHS player so not to lose recorded video. Once you have the digitized video on your Hard Drive you can burn it on a DVD burner with -RW/VR or +RW/VR format capability.
You can buy standalone DVD VCR Recorders, e.g. Sony's DVDirect or Panasonic's DMR DVD and VCR Recorder EZ 37 if you have more money to spend. I hope this helps.

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Transfering VHS To DVD
Jan 9, 2010 12:50AM PST

I own a Toshiba DVD / VHS player that will dub in either direction. The model # is NO.D-VR4SU. There is one problem, the DVD's will only play on this machine but you do get the VHS reformatted to DVD. Also remember that you are getting VHS quality of picture.
John in Albuquerque

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I use AVerMedia UltraTV USB 300 video recorder.
Jan 9, 2010 12:53AM PST

I use AVerMedia UltraTV USB 300 video recorder. It is great for recording video from my cable box or VCR. I use it to record old movies on Turner Classic Movies channel, and I have converted all my tapes to DVD. This model is no longer made, I got mine about 2 years ago.
Recently I got another brand of USB video recorder for a friend. Don't remember the make, but it was only $30.00. It worked well when I tested it.
I previously had a recorder on a PCI card, but when I upgraded my motherboard 2 years ago I found there was a lot of interference in the recordings, so I got the USB one.
The only problem I had was I set the frame rate at 30 fps instead of the correct 29.97 fps. This meant the sound got out of sync by 1.6 seconds per hour. I eventually verified that NTSC should be 29.97. The $30. recorder didn't allow changing the frame rate, so no problem.
The software that came with the AverMedia unit, video editor VideoStudio 7, and DVD maker MovieFactory 2, work well. Took a bit of getting used to, but after 2 years am still happy with them.
I also use the free DVD maker program DVDStyler. It took some experimentation, but has great menu capabilities, nice if you want a lot of entries, such as if you have a lot of short home videos to put on a DVD.

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Converting VHS to DVD
Jan 9, 2010 1:10AM PST

See attach to find the answer to your question. Go to Future Shop web site and look for this item.
Hope this help your query.

Jam









Feedback

Toshiba DVD/VCR Recorder With DivX (D-VR7)
Our price: $209.99





Why make room for two players when you only need one? The Toshiba D-VR7 offers DVD and VCR playack, upconversion to 1080p via HDMI as well as bi-directional dubbing and recording. Fulfill all of your home entertainment needs - the DVR-7 allows you to playback your DivX video files, as well as CD, MP3 and WMA music. The built-in analog tuner completes the package by allowing you to record your favorite TV shows. More Info

WebID: 10099749
Mfr. Part Number: D-VR7
# Of Discs 1
Component Video Output 1
Digital Audio Decoder Yes
Digital Coaxial Output 1
Digital Optical Output No
DTS Output Yes
Included In Box Composite A/V Cable, Universal Remote
Media Playback JPEG, MP3, WMA, DivX
Product Dimensions 43.5(W) x 10.0(H) x 26.2(D) cm
Progressive Scan Yes
Remote Type Universal
S-Video Output 1
Warranty 1 Year Limited



More Information

Sight
Do you own a large DVD collection or rent DVDs? The Toshiba D-VR7 featuring 1080p upconversion will upconvert standard DVDs to near HD quality. It also features bi-directional dubbing and recording capabilities so that you can record your VHS content onto a DVD or DVD content to VHS.

Source
In additional to upconversion capabilities, the Toshiba D-VR7 also plays DivX video files as well as CD, MP3 and WMA music making this a very functional and versatile player and recorder. If you own an HDTV or entertaining the thought of purchasing one soon, the D-VR7 is the perfect solution for DVD and VHS libraries. The Toshiba D-VR7 combines a 4 head hi-fi VCR, DVD playback and recording, DivX playback as well as MP3/WMA playback abilities to provide the complete home theatre experience in one package

Sound
Take advantage of all the great sound on your DVDs and VHS movies! The Toshiba D-VR7 features Digital Audio Decoder, Digital Coaxial Audio Outputs, and Digital Optical Audio Outputs adding flexible and convenience. As well, the D-VR7 supports Dolby Digital and is also DTS compatible.

Support
The Toshiba D-VR7 is very simple to use. With one-touch recording, support for bi-directional dubbing and auto finalize with undo; recording to and from DVD and VCR cassettes has never been easier. An analog tuner completes the package. Now, you can tune into your favourite analog channels and record your favourite programs onto either VCR or DVD.

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VHS to DVD method using a ReplayTV or TiVo
Jan 9, 2010 1:15AM PST

I use a ReplayTV to copy VHS tapes to my computer. ReplayTV is a DVR that is similar to a TiVo, but was not as successful in the market. You can do the same with a TiVo. Here are the steps:

1) Connect the VHS player into one of the S-Video or composite inputs on the DVR.

2) Set the DVR to manually record from the S-Video or composite input for the amount of time on the tape.

3) Start the VHS tape.

4) After the tape is finished, use a DVR client on your PC or Mac to copy the MPEG files from the DVR to the computer over your home network. There are several ReplayTV clients available. I use http://swapdv.com/ReplayTVClient.zip on a PC and http://www.bentpixel.com/fbm/ on a Mac. There are clients for TiVo, but I have not used them. Note that your DVR must be connected to a network. This will not work if your DVR uses a phone line to connect to the server.

5) Once the MPEG files are copied to the computer, you can edit them using your favorite video editing software.

I hope this helps some people.

-Richard

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yes, with Tivo too, and...
Jan 16, 2010 6:29AM PST

Toshiba and Humax used to make a Tivo with a built-in DVD burner. I have a Toshiba and love it. Unfortunately, it's analog only, but I use it with a cable box. Tivo is cheaper and better than the cable company's DVR (but you do have to buy the Tivo). Also, you can buy a lifetime subscription. Expensive, but pays for itself in about two years.

Also, regarding stand-alone DVD recorders, check the reviews. A lot of them have lousy reviews, especially cheap ones. I have more than one friend who uses one as a door-stop.

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vhs to dvd
Jan 9, 2010 1:15AM PST

In the UK. you can now purchase VHS to DVD recorders for less than

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Converting VHS to DVDs
Jan 9, 2010 1:28AM PST

The best way I have found is to purchase a DVD/VHS player/recorder. I have both a Sony RDR VX500 and a Toshiba SD V394 to do this. Both are older models, buyt work excellent. Both will record right to the DVD. I have done all my VHS tapes this way. The SOny I have hooked right into my Satellite system and when I save a program on the satellite DVR, I can later transfer it to a DVD, too.
Unfortunately you will not be able to buy a system inexpensively to do this via your computer. VHS/DVD systems are it. If I recall, both were purchased for around $200 each, give or take a few bucks.

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Convert old VHS tapes to DVD
Jan 9, 2010 2:14AM PST

At BestBuy you can buy an USB Video/Audio adapter by Roxio for about $60, maybe cheaper on Amazon. This will allow you to connect a VCR to your computer and capture the video and audio from your VHS tapes onto you computer. Once you have done that you can used the software to record them to DVD.

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VHS to DVD etc.
Jan 9, 2010 2:24AM PST

For several years, I've used various Pinnacle products. Started with Studio v.8 & LINX USB Plus for capture to a hard-drive and then edit & burn. Studio AV/DV comes with a PCI card and gives better capture. Also have used the Pinnacle Movie Box that is USB. SATA internal drive is preferred for best quality capture (The USB is busy with the inputs from the VCR!).

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two of the easiest ways to convert vhs to dvd.
Jan 9, 2010 2:46AM PST

1) Let's assume you have a VHS player. All you need to do is buy a DVD recorder. Connect the VHS player's composite video and audio outputs to the DVD recorder inputs. Then play the tape and record direct to DVD. I have a Samsung DVD R155 ( < $100) but many others are on the market. If you want to trim and edit the tape you can use MPEG StreamClip to extract sections. Then Roxio Toast to assemble the parts back into a DVD.

2) Send them out to a service. The problem with this option is you have to give the tapes to the service and risk that the service loses them.

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Converting VHS tapes to DVD
Jan 9, 2010 2:50AM PST

honestech (www.honestech.com) makes a VHS to DVD converter that runs via your USB connection. It is relatively inexpensive and is very simple to operate. My personal experience is that the DVD quality is directly related to the playback quality of the VHS player. If your VHS machine is really well used, the heads may not reproduce very good quality DVD digital images. VHS players are quite inexpensive these days, so it might be worth it to buy a new player to record the tapes that you want to convert.

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What you're talking about is a video digitizer
Jan 9, 2010 2:50AM PST

The simplest way to do that is with a video digitizer box. This is most commonly a small box that plugs into your USB port. It has inputs for video and audio and deposits the converted video directly onto your hard disk. You then use an authoring program to produce your DVD. (You can also get internal cards, but the external boxes work great and are easier to install and use - and you can use one on multiple machines. Note that your USB ports HAVE to be version 2.0 or it probably won't work well - which is true for all modern computers. Your computer also needs to be relatively fast - say a 1.5 ghz Celeron or better - or you might have problems.)

I use the ADSTech DXDXpressDX2, which cost less than $100 and produces video quality better than most VHS tapes (you can get better for more money). The box comes with free software for editing. There is also an option to "record immediately" without editing or authoring your DVDs. There are several other products and brands out there in that price range, but reviews and experiences are very mixed.

Most of these come with free software for capturing the video and for editing and authoring your DVDs. You should choose a device that outputs MpEG2 video format and does the encoding in hardware.
(You would get the most flexibility by saving the video in uncompressed format and converting it later after editing, but this takes a LOT of storage space and adds a lot of processing time. If the video is saved in another compressed format, like the popular DivX, it will have to be REconverted - which takes time and will cause a major loss in picture quality. Getting the output already encoded in MPEG2, which is what DVDs use, is the best choice for home recording. Most recording programs will then accept the video without reconverting it.)

Of course, you need to have a DVD burner in your computer.

We are also assuming that your tapes are homemade tapes or copies. Besides the legal issues, many commercial prerecorded VHS tapes are copy protected. This copy protection MIGHT interfere with the ability of some digitizers to record them properly. I would expect most digitizers to ignore this, but, if you have this problem you would have to buy a separate "synch stabilizer" box to render those tapes recordable. (I haven't tried to encode a commercial tape with the ADSTech, and this isn't normally mentioned in the specifications.)

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converting vcr to dvd
Jan 9, 2010 3:17AM PST

I bought a usb to vga. mine is a usb 2.0 easy capture. down side is you have to copy the whole vcr to your hard drive. then burn it to your dvd. My usb easy capture came with a cd to do that.

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Video Capture
Jan 9, 2010 3:21AM PST

Really easy.

Get a video capture card, and connect your VCR to it. Play the tapes and recortd on the PC. Video capture cards which only supprt 4:3 should be really cheap, widescreen/HD support a little more.

Then burn to DVD.

Robert as they say, is a perental sibling.

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Buy a DVD recorder.
Jan 9, 2010 3:22AM PST

For $100 you can buy a stand alone DVD recorder, I bought one from refurbdepot.com. Just hook it up to you vcr, and it will record the tapes in real time. I got great results from a Panasonic DMR-EZ17, using Sony DVD +R disks.

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Conversion VHS to DVD
Jan 9, 2010 3:30AM PST

Connect VCR to DVD Writer.Press VCR Play. Press DVD Record. Finalise recording to enable playback on other DVD players.I have just done this, for the first time and it worked perfectly.I used my new SONY recorder, with 160Gb HDD and DL DVD writer.I have not tried using DL
DVD's yet but I would love to get four hours of VCR recording on one DVD. I will keep you informed of my progress. Happy New Year computing.

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convert VHS tapes to DVDs
Jan 9, 2010 3:50AM PST

The simplest way is to hook up your VCR to a dvd recorder.

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What is a simple way to convert old VHS tapes to DVDs?
Jan 9, 2010 4:46AM PST

I convert mine using the Sony DVDIRECT. It converts VHS directly on DVD blanks. It will convert to HQ record time on a single layer 1 hour and 2 hour on a double layer or SLP 6 hours and 12 hours.
The Sony will also transfer pictures from a digital camera or SD card diretly to DVD. Very easy and straight forward to use. Shop around for the best price.

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VHS VCR Tape Conversion to DVDs
Jan 9, 2010 5:09AM PST

Well, it's not the most sophisticated approach but it's (1) simple, (2) straightforward (read that as "easy") and (3) reasonably priced.
I purchased the ION Audio VCR 2 PC USB VHS Video to Computer Converter from Amazon at a net cost of $75 (including shipping). Prices for the same converter under a multitude of labels can range up to $250 but it's still the same box. Everything is included. It's a multi-step process. You attach the ION to your PC via USB and playback your VHS tapes (or other video) to your PC where it's captured in its entirety. You then use the included software to convert and write the video to DVD, VCD, etc.
Reviews aside, it works. The key to a successsful installation & operation is to pay attention to the installation instructions and don't shortcut anything. It's easy to install & operate and the price is right.

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a lot of good info here
Jan 9, 2010 5:48AM PST

thanks everybody for putting this info on here. real good advice.