Convert VHS to DVD - Comments Page 4

Neither FFW or REW work during playback of my finalized dvd-r discs. These discs were created using the dubbing function of a Sony combo RDR-vx525. Any thoughts?

EDITOR'S NOTE: Do those functions work when you play the DVD on the Sony?

I have several Sony mini 8 video tapes of our family which I would like to convert to DVD. Do you have any suggestions?

EDITOR'S NOTE: The process should be the same, just substitute whatever device you use for playback, instead of the VCR.

I'm trying to transfer vhs to dvd using cyberlink power producer and it's not working. I have absolutely no idea why it's not working. I got a little sound and almost picture but then it says that an error occurred. I did everything that i was supposed to. Are there any hidden secrets that i need to know to complete this?

Hi Bob. Thanks for the insightful article. Check out our new service that not only converts your old media like VHS to Digital DVD but also stores a copy online in our portal called www.orb24.com Its really easy and inexpensive to use.

Hi Bob-- A friend of mine is attempting to transfer his VHS home movies to DVD format by capturing the video from his VCR to his standalone DVD recorder. I say "attempting" because the recorder refuses to copy the home movies, notifying him that they are copyrighted material!! They're homemade, camcorder tapes! What would cause this?

EDITOR'S NOTE: That copyright warning should only appear when copyrighted (commercial) tapes are being used. It could be a problem with either the VHS player or the DVD recorder. Maybe he could try hooking up the video camera playback directly to the DVD recorder to see if the VCR is at fault.

So if I buy a dvd vhs recorded and plan to copy my vhs tapes to the dvd, how much space is there on a cd. I have a few that claim 700 MB/Mo or 80 min. What is the entire length of time a 700MB cd hold?

EDITOR'S NOTE: i don't think you can use a CD, unless you have a very short film. I recommend you burn movies to a DVD disc, since they can hold 4.7 GB (about 7X the capacity of a CD).

Thanks for the great article. I purchased a combo machine, but found out it wont allow me to copy my previously purchased VHS movies to DVD -- only home movies. The message I get is that there is a copyright issue. But from what I understand that should not be a problem copying my own material for backup purposes. It was the reason I got the combination VHS/DVD machine to begin with. So this is highly annoying (and in my mind amounts to a bait-and-switch sales tactic). In any event, is there a way for an honest person to move his own VHS collection to DVD for personal use?

EDITOR'S NOTE: I'm not sure if they can be used in combo devices, but you'll need a Stabilizer between your VHS player and your DVD recorder. It effectively removes the copy protection signal. Look for the Sima CT-200 or similar devices.

If using a VCR and DVD recorder, will I be able to put recorded DVD into the computer and edit it? All I am looking to do is cut scenes and add to a video montage. I guess another option is the record only the specific scene I want to add to the video montage?

EDITOR'S NOTE: You can't directly edit the DVD, since it's a read-only medium, but you can certainly use video editing software to rip the video from the DVD, edit as needed, and then burn another DVD.

Hi I am just wondering I have a vcr dvd combo but I also have vhs tapes from video shops that I bought and are legally mine and I want to tape them on to dvd but the problem is that they won't allow to tape to dvd cause of the little square thing that you can cover but i have tried with clear tape but doesn't work just wondering does it have to be black tape?

EDITOR'S NOTE: I don't think it has anything to do with the "write protect tab". That only keeps you from over-writing the data on the VHS tape.

I was wondering if you can convert a copyrighted vhs movie to a dvd? How do you trick it into not reconizing the copyrighted material?

EDITOR'S NOTE: You'll need a Stabilizer between your VHS player and your DVD recorder. Look for the Sima CT-200 or similar devices.

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.