Convert VHS to DVD - Comments Page 8

Being about as technologically inclined as a fish, (and a fish without an iPhone, no less) I've found it much easier to convert vhs to dvd using a company that specializes in such things. Plus I only had a handful of things to convert, so I really couldn't see the value in spending all that cash for something I'm only likely to use once or twice. See http://www.coolwatermedia.com

I disagree with the authors comments on the useful life of a duplicated disc. You can read my Video Blog .

EDITOR'S NOTE: Feel free to disagree, but please offer your own opinion. Do you think the useful life of a DVD is more or less than what I wrote?

I read some previous comments and some related to mine, but I want to ask a slightly different question. I too have some VHS tapes that I want to put onto DVDs. I have the necessary equipment to copy the VHS tapes to my Sony miniDV camcorder and then from there use firewire to capture the video onto my PC. I know this will take two real-time passes through my videos (I have a lot of time, so thats not an issue). My real question is, which is better in terms of quality, the way I previously mentioned or purchasing a box that goes straight from the VCR to my PC? All I care about right now is capturing the video at the highest possible quality.

EDITOR'S NOTE: My guess is they are the same, in terms of quality, since the pathways in both cases are digital transfers (aside from making the first copy of the analog VHS source).

I have always dabbled in the hobby of making what I call "mix-tapes" out of videos for my friends. Using 2 VCR's (before dvd)to make comedy & sports videos with multiple clips on one tape...very time consuming. I want to start working on a "video scapbook" for my daughters and I want to make it as good as possible...( add music, edit scenes, etc.). I am about average when it comes to technical/computer knowledge. This is the equipment I have....2006 Dell (no dvd burner), a dvd/vcr combo, a dvd recorder (stand alone),Sima CT-200, and a digital camcorder. I don't mind investing a little money (up to $200-$250) for the proper equipment, but I don't want to buy stuff that I won't be able to figure out or don't need. I know this is a lot of info, but any help would be appreciated. Creating unique videos has been a hobby of mine and I think I could really enjoy having the right equipment.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I think a digital camcorder, a PC with DVD burner, and some video editing software is about all you need. Check into the Sony Vegas software for video editing.

Thanks for the response on my last post! To convert old VHS to DVD with editing possibilities...should I use my dvd recorder and then use editing software on my PC....OR.....should I send my VHS tapes straight into my computer, edit, and then burn. I understand to do the latter I would have to buy a "converter card" to pass the VHS signal through. Just wondering if it is worth spending the money on the converter?? Does it make that much difference in the image, would it save time, and would it give me more editing options? Once again, thanks for your time!

EDITOR'S NOTE: You'll probably get equal or better quality if you use the DVD recorder method.

I had some video’s copied to DVD in 2003. I can read them on my Sony DVD player. I cannot read them on my new PC. I tried Studio 11.1, Realtek, Windows media player. Nothing – blank screen. I tried the same DVD on my laptop using the same software – same problem. So, the problem appears to be the media or format they used when creating the DVD.

Is there any software or services that can copy the DVD’s from a Fujifilm 4X DVD to a modern 8x or higher DVD?? Any questions, suggestions, recommendations will be appreciated.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Most likely the disc was not finalized. I've read that installing Power DVD or AnyDVD can help.

I need any ideas that would help us get the hitting videos out so the parents/kids can watch themselves hit during the games. You would be amazed at the things you see them do, good and bad. I have 2 full games from the last tournament videotaped. I burned them on my dvd burner at school, but it will only play in the DvD burner, and my computer at school. I cant get it to play at my house on DVD or the computer.

If we have to I can just copy them on VHS, but I would like to find a way to do it on DVD so that when you slow mo it , it doesn't get caught in between frames. Any ideas let me know.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Most likely your software is not "finalizing" the disc. That usually solves this problem.

I found this really cool site, where you can convert VHS to DVD, share pictures, and more at Orb24.com

EDITOR'S NOTE: It's always funny to me when someone posts with an email address of "whatever@panda.com" and says "I just found this cool website called panda.com!" Honesty is the best policy... if you own the site, say so.

Regarding lifespan of VHS, I have about 200 both commercially recorded and many many home(personally)recorded VHS movies and documentaries whose state of high quality image and sound are still GOOD AS NEW. They are about 20 to 23 years old (since 1985). They were kept in vinyl video cases with and without hubs,some fully rewinded and others not fully rewound. What is all that hype that VHS won't last for 10 years as good as new? I guess it depends on the user or owner just like that of a neglected car.

How do I connect my VCR to a separate DVD recorder in the first option listed in the article? What kind of cable or ports are necessary?

EDITOR'S NOTE: That depends on what input/output ports both devices have. Most likely an inexpensive red/white/yellow cable will work.