Record digital content (DVD/Laptop output) onto VHS

adamdynamic

Hi,

I'm in the process of creating some videos for an event in a couple of weeks, the plan is to play the final version of the video files on old VCR machines so I need some way to transferring my digital files onto VHS tapes.

I have a (reasonably modern) VCR machine that I can use to play tapes through my TV and record from the TV.

I've had a quick look at DVD/VCR combos (thinking I could get a DVD-RW and write the files to the DVD) but none seem to record from the DVD player to the VHS player (to avoid piracy I suppose).

Anyone any idea how I would get an *.mp4 file from my laptop onto the tape?

Any assistance would be appreciated!

Adam

bsod

why do you need to use tape? it's technology from another era. if you've got old analogue tapes that need converting to mp4/dvd, you can buy a usb dongle to do that for around £10, then you can use mp4 or create dvd's on the pc/laptop

you can play mp4 on just about anything nowadays, plug a flash drive into a modern tv/dvd player/laptop and away you go

need more information about what equipment you have, what type of event you are planning, and what the source for the presentation is.

if you really want an analogue low res show, you can just hook up a dvd player with scart or composite video out into the vhs, and press record, far cheaper than buying a dedicated unit

adamdynamic

bsod wrote: »

why do you need to use tape? it's technology from another era. if you've got old analogue tapes that need converting to mp4/dvd, you can buy a usb dongle to do that for around £10, then you can use mp4 or create dvd's on the pc/laptop

you can play mp4 on just about anything nowadays, plug a flash drive into a modern tv/dvd player/laptop and away you go

need more information about what equipment you have, what type of event you are planning, and what the source for the presentation is.

if you really want an analogue low res show, you can just hook up a dvd player with scart or composite video out into the vhs, and press record, far cheaper than buying a dedicated unit

It's complicated to explain but the VCRs are part of the purpose of the show so there's no option but to use tape.

The only thing I need is to get my digital video files onto a VHS tape. It doesn't need to be 'streamed live' or anything, just a one-off (preferably low-cost) workaround is all I need.

bsod

either convert your video into a dvd on a pc, or find a dvd player that plays mp4 or whatever format you have then
use a dvd player with scart or analogue composite out into vcr.

or if you have a pc/laptop with video out, (not hdmi), plug that into vcr

googler

adamdynamic wrote: »

I've had a quick look at DVD/VCR combos (thinking I could get a DVD-RW and write the files to the DVD) but none seem to record from the DVD player to the VHS player (to avoid piracy I suppose).

Panasonics will, but I think you'll be forced to the second-hand market.

Transfer your files to a DVD, get a DVD player which will output SCART or whatever input sockets you have on the VHS machine. Connect output from DVD machine to input on VHS machine

Press Record on VHS, press Play on DVD

almillar

Googler's got it - Get that file onto a DVD, plug a DVD player into a SCART IN on the VCR, hit play and hit record.
Alternative would be to find quite an old laptop, that would have composite out (yellow) or S-Video out (pins). These, plus sound, could go into a SCART block, then into the VCR, or straight into the VCR if it has the inputs. Unlikely, but might be less hassle.