VHS to DVD

ellay864

KillerWatt wrote: »

Yes



You will want a very fast PC if you want to be able to encode & author in any reasonable time span.

It depends on what you're doing. You can copy direct from video to DVD in real time...I just let the thing run while I'm doing something else...no worries unless you have to be spending all your time at the PC. Same principle when dropping my own DVDs to disc...the encoding and authoring can take a while but I either let it run overnight or while I'm doing something else. Cant ever imagine being so desperate that I can't do that, or spending so much time at PC I couldnt leave it to do that for a while. For me it was cheap and is such a simple option it was a no brainer

googler

KillerWatt wrote: »

At a guess, the audio has dropped out of sync with the video (a common problem when using USB/PCI based capture devices that rely on software to do the hard work).

...but that's not what the poster was doing - he said he was copying VHS to a DVD HDD recorder, not a PC.

KillerWatt

googler wrote: »

...but that's not what the poster was doing - he said he was copying VHS to a DVD HDD recorder, not a PC.

Obviously his standalone DVD/HDD recorder didn't have the ability to lock the two streams, it's not just PC's that can suffer with that problem.

ellay864

googler wrote: »

...but that's not what the poster was doing - he said he was copying VHS to a DVD HDD recorder, not a PC.

The OP said he wanted to copy video to DVD, didnt specify to HDD recorder....doing it via a PC with that gadet I mentioned is a cheap and simple way of doing it, not necessarily the quickest but its a lot cheaper than buying a DVD recorder. And as I mentioned, it does allow direct transfer from video player to DVD in real time - if you're not editing you don't have to save it to PC first

Edit: just realised I read this wrong and thought that comment was in reply to my post - sorry it wasnt (but still kinda valid as OP never mentioned DVD HDD recorder!)

BritRael

Just to clarify my earlier comments:-

I have used 2 methods to convert VHS videos to DVD.

Firstly, VCR to PC using a gizmo by Dazzle. Secondly, SCART connection between VCR and DVD HDD. Although the latter gives a better quality recording, they have both had syncing problems i.e. sound and picture are out of sync by 2 or 3 seconds.

This problem tends to be on original, purchased videos e.g. I've tried to copy a load of guitar tuition vids which I bought years ago (could it be some form of copy protection?). Copying home-made vids works fine.

Miroslav

Just to clarify -

These are homemade vids and i'm not bothered about a HDD - just basically a DVD Recorder that will directly copy my homemade VHS so I don't lose what I already have made or a PC alternative - no editing is required - just 4 hour videos to copy straight through onto DVD.

I must admit a PC conversion worries me slightly as i've had DVD drive problems with PC's before when doing simple burning and the PC is not just mine - it's shared so blocking the PC for a significant amount of time, may not be viable.

Money is not a huge issue as have some money saved, but naturally would want to get as cheap a DVD Recorder or whatever as possible, as long as it does the job, so don't mind paying a few extra ££'s if it means a better chance of success...

Unless buying a VHS/DVD Recorder combi would be better...

Aiadi

I have used this and it is brilliant and easy to use with good quality results...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Magix-Rescue-Your-Videotapes-2-0/dp/B002KCO638/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=software&qid=1274442384&sr=1-1

You can either burn the movies onto DVDs or even better store them as mpegs onto your hard drive.

It is also cheaper than when I bought it...........sad

Miroslav

Magix sounds like a good program, but if it blocks the PC for a great period of time, it may not be viable.

Think I will plunge for either a DVD Recorder or VCR/DVD Recorder combi though i'm not sure I will pick the right one.

I'm looking around online outlets (inlcuding eBay) now and hope to have decided by this evening. If anyone spots a half decent one at a half decent price, I would be grateful for the heads up.

Thanks

Miroslav

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DAEWOO-DVD-VCR-COMBI-RECORDER-PLAYER-RECORDS-VCR-DVD-/280506389118?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_Video_DVDPlayers_Recorders&hash=item414f7bd27e

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Daewoo-DF-4700P-DVD-Recorder-VCR-Combo-/280506407155?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_Video_DVDPlayers_Recorders&hash=item414f7c18f3#shId

These look ideal. Can anyone see any cons?

If I convert a 240 minute VHS onto a 120 minute DVD @ Extended Play speed (EP), will I notice any major drop in quality from the original recording? If it's possible to do this?

What are the other alternatives? Dual Layer DVD's?

Miroslav

Think I may risk the bottom one. I think VCR/DVD Rec combi may be better than standalone DVD Rec as less chance of noise interferance?

Still interested to know the answer to - If I convert a 240 minute VHS onto a 120 minute DVD @ Extended Play speed (EP), will I notice any major drop in quality from the original recording? If it's possible to do this?

What are the other alternatives? Dual Layer DVD's?

If anyone can advise, i'd appreciate it

Thanks for all the help to date.