Summary: Copying VHS tapes to a DVD or your computer and from there to a DVD, is not that difficult, with the proper bits and pieces.
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Could you tell me how to connect my VCR to my PC so I can put my videos onto DVD disks? |
VHS tapes are disappearing from the landscape as digital technology rapidly takes over. But what to do with all those old VHS recordings you might have of your own?
Copying them to a DVD or your computer and from there to a DVD, is not that difficult, with the proper bits and pieces.
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The simplest, but least flexible way is to simply get a DVD recorder. No computer required. Once connected, push record on the DVD recorder, play on the VCR and come back when the tape's done.
To capture on your computer, you'll need either a video card that can take a VCR's video and audio as input, or a video tuner card that can tune to the TV channel that the VCR broadcasts on. Another nice alternative is a VCR or camcorder that can output on a firewire connection, and then capture to a firewire card in your PC.
Once it's on the computer, a DVD burner and some burning software, and you're in business. The nice thing about capturing to your computer is that the burning software typically includes some rudimentary editing functionality, and there are several higher powered editing packages available as well.
As you can imagine, there are many variables. I've included some resources below that should head you in the right direction.
Related:
Sign Video - How to Convert VHS to DVD
Imation - Convert VHS Tapes to DVD
Article C2353 - May 16, 2005
Wed BOUGHT a new Panasonic VCR-to-DVD Recorder so we could "Just push the button" but it refuses to copy ANY store-bought VCR! Sure, it will copy from the DVR or from a tape we MADE, BUT NOT "mEDICINE mAN' OR "hUNT FOR rED oCTOBER", ETC, ETC, ETC! It alkso refuses to play back the "Medicine Man" we put onto the DVD in the PC! Any ideas? Bob Snyder
Posted by: Bob Snyder at July 11, 2008 2:23 PM-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
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I'm guessing those tapes are copy-protected and it would be
illegal to copy them. Most commercial solutions are going to
enforce that.
Leo
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Posted by: Leo at July 12, 2008 10:02 AM/bqDae9UYCP+/AQY1RrUgoM=
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My question is the same as "Dan" posted Oct. 3, regarding connecting VCR to MacBook Pro. Can it be as simple as getting a cable with standard video plug on one end and a standard USB computer plug on the other? I think the computer's built in "i-video" is all the software needed. Thanks - Bob
Posted by: Robert Canaan at October 11, 2008 8:58 AMif you have a beta recorder 1or2 try to copy vhs tape to the beta tape? then from beta back to a new VHS TAPE,then to the dvd recording .
Posted by: bob at December 24, 2008 7:24 AMi can not tell more just try it this will get you a clean tape ok
do i have to be hooked up to the internet to copy vhs tapes to my computer or to dvd?
28-Dec-2008
I have been able to copy my vhs to dvd with my dvd recorder. My problem is that one of my dvd players will not let me show the movie. What do I need to do?
Posted by: Kathy Rusche at April 21, 2009 9:59 AMActually it is not illegal to make one backup of copy of any commercial VHS tape that you can no longer watch. This is found under the "Fair Use Act." Check other companies that do video transfers. The Photo Archival Company does not convert any copyright material, but others will if you sign a statement indicating you are the owner of the tape.
Posted by: Ursula Stein at April 22, 2009 8:41 AMI just had my whole video collection converted to DVD and a hard drive. The results were incredible and I used www.HDMediaServices.com.
Their DVDs are pretty cool -- very colorful - no smudged ink and are water-proof. The cost was only $9.95 per tape for the transfer to DVD and $15.95 per tape for the transfer to hard drive. With childhood memories, I think it is a good idea to have the tapes converted onto more than one type of media.
I'm getting a Blu-Ray player next and hope to have HDMediaServices.com convert my edited video on it so I can view everything in HD. Good luck everyone!
Posted by: Ursula Stein at April 22, 2009 8:46 AMi tape off tv shows on a vcr and then play tape and copy to a dvd recorder - i edit out the ads - but somone said this is illegal even to copy a tape i copied to a dvd or to give the dvd to someone else - i think parts of the copyright law are stupid - the tv station pays for the video and they know people will tape it
Posted by: jan sterling at April 29, 2009 2:18 AMhi leo ,i have a nvidia geforce 9800 gtx+ ,is this good enough ? or to new to copy vhs or beta ro dvd?
Posted by: alex at June 9, 2009 2:26 AM