Coming out with a VHS to DVD Business...How's my process?

[virtual133]

1. Capture video to MPEG2 using Canopus ADVC-100 and Pinnacle Studio 8.
2. Author the video in DVD-Lab. Adding chapters every 5 mins (or custom), main menu and chapter selection menu.
3. Use DVD Shrink or CloneDVD to shrink the video to size.
4. Burn to DVD using Nero 6.
5. Using Epson R300, print a label onto the inkjet printable disc.
6. Print a DVD insert for the DVD keepsake case.
7. Place the customers VHS tape and DVD in packaging and ship back to them.

I've also heard of another method to convert VHS to DVD. (this is from rixware)
1. Capture to AVI.
2. Use Vegas Video to encode the AVI to MPEG2 (using VBR)
3. Author the MPEG2 in DVD-Lab.
4. Burn using Nero 6.

One question is...what should I put onto the inserts of the DVD cases and the DVD labels?

PLEASE comment on my process.--stuff that should be changed, etc...

I want to use rixware's process a lot but it takes a LONG time to convert AVI to MPEG2. This is time I don't have.....considering I only have 2 computers for converting and I want to convert a few VHS tapes a day.

What do you guys think?

[bugster]

Buy a standalone DVD recorder. Then all you need to worry about is the printing.

[virtual133]

I was thinking about that...but then I can't do anything as far as menus and such goes..

[FulciLives]

I would use the Canopus ADVC-100 to capture to DV AVI then process by editing in VirtualDubMod then use AviSynth scripting for "video noise" filters (Convolution3D being one of the best) and encode with CCE Basic.

A DataVideo TBC-1000 would be almost essential as well as a decent S-VHS VCR.

VHS tapes converted to MPEG-2 DVD spec need to be filtered to look best. If you don't have the time to do it on the computer then consider a stand alone DVD recorder like the new JVC model which is getting much praise right now. Even with the JVC a TBC is needed perhaps even more so since copy protection can be circumvented with it whereas the Canopus ADVC-100 can circumvent copy protection without a TBC.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[DTSL06]

5. Using Epson R300, print a label onto the inkjet printable disc.

One question is...what should I put onto the inserts of the DVD cases and the DVD labels?

PLEASE comment on my process.--stuff that should be changed, etc...

What do you guys think?

When printing the disk lables, with printable discs make sure to use an over spray clear coat to protect the art work else u are going to get a lot returned because they will smear. I normally give two disc to the buyer, one labeled with either a paper label or printable disc and a non-labeled idsk. Also make sure what format (- or +) that their players will accept (use - by default if they dont know). Make what ever art work they customer want, give some examples on papar for them to choose (for custom art work...charge more ). Package the end product with a DVD case and not a CD jewel case (can cause scratches).

Charge what u think ur time is worth if they want a lot of custom work done. But be reasonable if they just want the tape copied to DVD with no custom work required.

Keep all temp files as backup for at least a year...customers got habits of wanting replacements. I use removeable HD rack's for this purpose. Will be going to to USB removeable rack soon so I can hot swap drive. ATA HD's are cheap these days.

[virtual133]

I've got another question:

Is there any easy way to create a scene selection menu in DVD-Lab?

The only way I know how right now is to create chapter thumbnails and then link each one to the corresponding chapter....

[DVD_Ripper]

Offer a "basic ($10.00) copy" of the VHS (then use a set top DVD Recorder right from VHS) ... then a "premier ($50.00 - $100.00) copy" that includes intro, and menus.

Stay away from chapters... that'll drive you nuts... should it be Aunt Peg falling over or Uncle Stu puking out his nose.

I would go right to MPEG2 for capture - will save a ton of time. (Studio 8 will edit Mpegs and will not re-encode unless titles or transitions are placed)

[troyvcd1]

I kind of tried to start this type of business. I printed up some cards and put them in supermarkets and some other places. I really do not see much of a demand. I bought a new professional jvc vcr and not it is just sitting under my tv. Think about it. Most people are pretty happy to just watch their vcr tapes on their vcr. If they want to fork over $10 to convert them why not just go buy a new one. I know that their are all kinds of other situations where people might want to transfer their vcr tapes but there are pleanty of places that will do this for them. I think that this is ok for a hobby but a real business I dont think is really feasible. Of course I am sure some people are making money at this and maybe you will too.

[SoCalMK]

VHS tapes converted to MPEG-2 DVD spec need to be filtered to look best.

What would you suggest for the filtering process? This hasn't been an issue yet for me for the most part, but a customer recently brought in a videotape for conversion that was in pretty bad shape. I think he recorded the event in EP mode and he was wondering if there was anything I could do to restore the video. Any help would be greatly appreciated and your free cappacino is waiting for you.

[virtual133]

I kind of tried to start this type of business. I printed up some cards and put them in supermarkets and some other places. I really do not see much of a demand. I bought a new professional jvc vcr and not it is just sitting under my tv. Think about it. Most people are pretty happy to just watch their vcr tapes on their vcr. If they want to fork over $10 to convert them why not just go buy a new one. I know that their are all kinds of other situations where people might want to transfer their vcr tapes but there are pleanty of places that will do this for them. I think that this is ok for a hobby but a real business I dont think is really feasible. Of course I am sure some people are making money at this and maybe you will too.

Most of my marketing will consist of: "Get your tapes converted before it's too late!" -- make the customer realize their tapes are degrading and need to get them converted soon! You know what I mean....

Some people might also want editing done which is where I will charge the big $$$.

You also wouldn't believe that a lot of people are unaware of stores that will convert their tapes...and most stores only accept up to 2 tapes...

I will also offer DVD duplication.....most stores don't offer that...

This business will however, be mostly a hobby....mainly because people are buying DVD-Recorders...most of my business will come from people who either don't have time to convert their tapes or have no $$$ to get a DVD-Recorder+supplies...just need a quick $30 conversion or something....

Only time will tell...

[FulciLives]

VHS tapes converted to MPEG-2 DVD spec need to be filtered to look best.

What would you suggest for the filtering process? This hasn't been an issue yet for me for the most part, but a customer recently brought in a videotape for conversion that was in pretty bad shape. I think he recorded the event in EP mode and he was wondering if there was anything I could do to restore the video. Any help would be greatly appreciated and your free cappacino is waiting for you.

As I said you need a high quality VCR such as a JVC S-VHS VCR and you should probably get a stand alone TBC device such as the DataVideo TBC-1000

Capture as DV AVI using that hardware and your Canopus ADVC-100 and for video filters I suggest you look into AviSynth and the filter for AviSynth called Convolution3D

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[SoCalMK]

Thanks again Fulci. I am using the JVC S-VHS and the Adaptec Video-Oh converter box. I'll take a crack at using AviSynth and see if that can clean up the picture any. AviSynth is truly amazing. I looked at the guide on this site and I didn't realize it could perform all those functions.

[FulciLives]

I just posted a mini guide on how to use AviSynth with Convolution3D including editing with VirtualDubMod.

It is located in this here other thread:

https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=225860

Good Luck

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[SoCalMK]

Hello virtual133. I know this post is old but I am hoping that you will come upon my post and let me know how you're business is going. I used to offer this service at my internet cafe, but we recently had to close our doors and I am thinking about continuing to offer these services via a website. I saw your website and was impressed with everything that you were offering. Please let me know how things are if possible. I'd like to know from someone already doing what I am planning if this is a growth industry.

Thank you

[maek]

I kind of tried to start this type of business. I printed up some cards and put them in supermarkets and some other places. I really do not see much of a demand.

With all due respect, people in supermarkets fall into two categories:

1. Bachelors/bachelorettes
2. Established married couples.

"Newlyweds-to-be" are looking EVERYWHERE to get their stuff done EXCEPT in supermarkets. For one, I found about 3 businesses at one of those "bridal fairs" willling to offer DVD services for the outrageous price of $99 - and that was a simple video transfer, no fluff, etc.

So just as a suggestion try advertising there. It would also be a good place to check out "what the market will bear" and then undercut their prices in order to get established.

Another place to go is to leave your ads at tuxedo rentals and wedding gown retailers (some in the U.S. include Dave's Bridal, etc.).

Just a thought.

[EDIT - PS] Every time that I mention or show family members or friends our home movies, every one seems to ask me if they can transfer this or that for them (if I wasn't so nice, I'd charge them for more than materials). Considering that this has happened 12 out of 14 times, I would say there is a demand for these services. But as a word of CAUTION, now that standalone DVD recorders are becoming relatively affordable, you'll need to keep an edge with including special features that go above and beyond a simple video transfer.