Thread: VHS to DVD converstion

Tell us about your experiences converting VHS to DVD, what hardware do you use, what software, your tips and tricks

I am new to the video conversion world.

I have a DVD recorder and a CD recorder in my computer but no caputre card.

I want to convert some home video tapes, both analog and digital, to DVD as well as convert cassette tape and record audio to CD.

What kind of a good PCI card do I need and what software do I need?

Thanks, Geo

Hi,

This really depends on a couple of things, its quite easy to do these days but it really depends on budget and what you want to acheive.

1. What is the source of camera/deck you will be using to convert the tapes to dvd?, ie camera/deck model, video out connectors ie s-video , dv etc
2. Are you looking to edit the videos before putting the to dvd or just transfer them as they are?
3. what is your pc spec, ie os, processor, hdd's etc

There are loads of options, you could install a fireware card into your pc this would all you to connect a dv camera/deck your pc, but to connect a analogue signal you would need a convertor which converts the signal to dv.

If you let me know the answers to the questions above i can then point you in the right direction.

thanks

My source for video can come from a Sony DCR-TRV460 digital camcorder. It can also play analog tapes but only records in the digital format. The out puts from the camera to the computer can go via (ILINK) IEEE1394 , USB or RCA video/audio and S-video. I can use the camera for throughput from an analog VCR to the computer.

Yes I think I might want to edit audio and video once in a while.

My PC is a Dell 2350 P4 1.8 GHz, 256 SDRam, 60 GB 7200RPM HD running WIN XP Home Ed. I have USB inputs.

I also am interested in transfering analog audio (records and tapes) to CD

Hi,

Well there are many ways you can do this, take a look at some of the following, they all should do what you need but vary in cost.

DVD Express which is a usb solution

also look at dvd express2

DVD recorder

another option would be a 1394 fireware card, Premerie Pro if you have the budget will allow you to edit the video and burn it straight to dvd, if you want to create a dvd with menus, and chapters etc then something like Adobe Encore would do the job.

So a few options there, all would work on your system quite happily, its just a case of what budget you have and what your looking to do.

i hope this helps