VHS to Dvd

[maroonx]

I am a beginner at this. What software is reguired? Do I need any other computer attachments to do this?

[Tommyknocker]

What do you have so far, and what guide and artcicles have you read?

[FulciLives]

I am a beginner at this. What software is reguired? Do I need any other computer attachments to do this?

You will need some sort of capture device to convert the analog video (be it VHS or LaserDisc or cable TV etc.) to digital video that the computer can use.

There are all different types of capture devices. Some are as low as $50 give or take and some are as expensive as $300 or even more.

Probably the best for a novice is the CANOPUS ADVC-100 which is an external device that hooks up to your computer using the FIREWARE port (also called IEEE 1394 or as SONY calls it i.link).

This device has analog stereo inputs and both a normal composite video input and a S-video input. It does not have a TV tuner so if you want to capture from TV you would have to pass the cable/satellite signal through a VCR or cable box that has analog A/V outputs (which most seem to have these days otherwise use the Tuner built-in to a VCR).

Quality is excellent. Ease of use is excellent.

Unfortunately ... although a great product ... the CANOPUS ADVC-100 is not cheap. It usually goes for $250 to $300 on-line.

As for software you can use FREEWARE programs for capture and simple edit (if you want extensive editing then you will need a good DV editing program with prices generally being $100 to $600 depending on what you get).

You then need a program to convert your capture into the DVD format. The two most popular are TMPGEnc Plus and CINEMA CRAFT ENCODER BASIC (aka CCE BASIC). Both are around $70 USD with TMPGEnc beng slow but easier to use for a novice. CCE BASIC is faster but can be frustrating to use for a novice. Either way they both do excellent quality MPEG-2 DVD conversion.

You will then need a DVD authoring package. There are many of these. Some of the most popular choices are TMPGEnc DVD Author, DVD-Lab and Sonic MyDVD Deluxe 5 (or the Studio Deluxe 5 version). These are in the $70 to $100 range.

Also it helps if you can use a high quality VHS VCR. Right now that means you are basically going to look at the S-VHS models by JVC especially the 9000 series. I think the most current model is the HR-S9911 and it typically goes for around $350 to $400

You might also need a TBC (Time Base Corrector). There are only two cheap TBC devices that actually work well. One is the $300 (give or take) DataVideo unit and the other is $180 and sold by AVTOOLBOX.COM

Anyways this is just a quick review of some things you need and will need to look into.

There are a lot of guides on this website as to video capture. There are many posts about video capture including equipment needed etc.

Also on the LEFT HAND SIDE of your screen there is a section on CAPTURE CARDS. You can sort the capture cards by say TOP USER RATED and then read what other people have to say about them. You will find that the most highest rated capture device/card is the CANOPUS ADVC-100

As a final word ...

It is best to take a look around for a LONG while and gather as much info as you need before you start asking anymore in-depth questions or buying your own stuff.

I'm feeling nice today (maybe since it is Friday) but I and many other people on this forum do not tolerate newbies asking the most basic of questions. You will find just about anything you need is already here. So search the forums and the guides etc. and you WILL find what you need.

I wish you luck and a LOT OF time

- John "FulciLives" Coleman