Best method of getting VHS onto DVD

cb1979

Hi,
I have hours of VHS video of the kids when they were growing up.
Just need a few suggestions of which is the best equipment to get the films tapes onto DVD as many of the tapes are approaching 20 years old

I have a new high spec Dell laptop so i guess i will be looking for USB device and software

Thanks in advance

googler

Panasonic combined VHS/DVD/HDD recorder.

Copy VHS to HDD, edit, copy to DVD.

You won't need to download any software, there's no cabling involved, the user interface is MUCH better than PC, and you can also use it for recording TV programmes. Honestly, get one of these and you won't even THINK about using the PC.

grizzly1911

Combined recorder might be nice but the price might be prohibitive google Easycap USB or similar just ensure it supports your operating system. e.g. http://www.amazon.co.uk/ClimaxDigital-VCAP301-Converter-Maker-easy-recording/dp/B001DERJZ6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325777752&sr=8-1

I brought a Medion one from a Aldi a while back, must get round to doing it some time......:idea:

neilwoods

Best way is a combined system, but as said is not the cheap. Can use the above mentioned USB capture device, as long as you have a working VHS player

googler

If the OP has a working VHS player, then an HDD/DVD recorder (without the integrated VHS part) comes in cheaper. Panasonic also sell these.

All that's needed then is a SCART cable to connect the two, but it's less convenient, as recording won't stop at tape end, or after a set time. When I want to transfer a 3 hr VHS, I start it off at 11pm, and when I get up next day, it's done and the HDD recorder has stopped automatically.

As previously mentioned, if the tape was recorded on a Panasonic, and has index points where individual recordings were started, the machine will automatically divide the DVD titles each time it hits one of these points.

The other option would be to buy the machine, complete the VHS to DVD project, then flog it on eBay or Gumtree if the VHS side won't be required again....

cb1979

Thanks for the replys,i have a working VHS Video,i bought a new panasonic just as they were being phased out,i also have a sony DVD recorder
I suppose once its on a DVD i can get it on to the PC and then edit it?
My tapes were recorded on a Panasonic VHS camera on the small tapes(VHS/C?) that fit in a full size VHS,the camera is stiil in good working condition so i will try that in the DVD recorder first

I have seen the VHS/DVD/HDD machines but a bit out of my price range at present

pogofish

I have one of these and it works very well with Windows 7

http://www.amazon.co.uk/KWorld-MAKER-USB2-0-VS-USB2800D-Direct/dp/B0007W5LWI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325797717&sr=8-1

WhiteChristmas

A few words of advice - set the DVD recorder to Standard Play (2hr) - don't try to use long play.

If you record on long play or more, your computer is likely to have problems reading the discs. Stick the DVD in your computer, stop it if it autoplays and drag the VIDEO_TS folder onto your computer. Make a back-up before you do anything else.

The programs you use are up to you, but I'd suggest Gordian Knot to convert the DVD to divx then edit using Windows Movie Maker and produce your new DVD using Windows DVD Maker.

Have fun. It's quite a rewarding process.

usignuolo

I have one of these - words of warning - manual is very complicated and the Electronic Programme Guide for presetting programmes to record ONLY works if you have an aerial, It does not work if you have cable. If you have cable you have to use the cable to HDD option and then record to the Panasonic while playing it back.

googler

usignuolo wrote: »

I have one of these - words of warning - manual is very complicated and the Electronic Programme Guide for presetting programmes to record ONLY works if you have an aerial, It does not work if you have cable. If you have cable you have to use the cable to HDD option and then record to the Panasonic while playing it back.

None of which has ANY bearing on what the OP is trying to do......

ada1988

Is that a DVD Creator can be help? I am confused.too.