Helping people with computers... one answer at a time.
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.
Could you tell me how to connect my VCR to my PC so I can put my videos onto DVD disks?
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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.
Article C2353 - May 16, 2005 « »
Leo A. Notenboom has been playing with computers since he
was required to take a programming class in 1976. An 18 year career as a programmer at Microsoft soon followed.
After "retiring" in 2001, Leo started Ask Leo! in 2003 as a place for answers
to common computer and technical questions. More about Leo.
August 14, 2011 6:45 PM
the other comment i have is you can buy a combo vcr/dvd recorder - they do still make them just google around on the web - but the one thing you also need is a tape rewinder - those are becoming very hard to find but one place in vermont still sells them - called country store - they have a catalog - just look them up
August 16, 2011 3:26 AM
Dear
i have VHS tapes ,, and i dont have DVD ,, how i can convert the VHS tapes to my computer ,, and DVD disc on my computer ,,, please explain for me step by step ,, also i have Dazzle digital Video Creator 80 .. and i have windows 7 ,, dosnt work on it ,,, please tell me wt i can do ,,, thank u and u have great day
August 24, 2011 11:12 AM
One of the services we provide through our business is to convert VHS tapes (home videos only) to DVD. Please contact me if you are interested in our services.
Laura Brosig
President
Chance Records Inc.
laurabrosig@yahoo.com
December 14, 2011 7:21 AM
Still confused after all this.
Do I need just a simple USB to RCA (3plug) connector, since I already have the Golden Videos software? Amazon shows them for $3. Some of them are $40, but have a fourth plug on one end. Which one do I really need with the software, a VHS player and my computer?
May 11, 2012 7:58 AM
I have found that the purchasing a cheap usb enabled vcr like the ion vhs to pc unit should be avoided if possible as the cheaper components (most importantly the video heads) will not pick up as much image detail as a higher grade dedicated VCR unit. Although you can rescue these recordings to some degree if you know what you are doing in an editing program (a little color correction and sharpen can do wonders to bring old home movies to life). See www.digitalfaq.com if you are interested in digital restoration. I recently used a UK service http://www.vhscloud.com to transfer some VHS to digital video. The video transfers are uploaded to your own online account making it easy to share your home movies with others.