VHS to DVD with DVD recorder

[Devdeep60]

I have tried using ATI AIW to capture from VHS/analogue camcorder in the past. I am thinking of investing in a DVD recorder with a Hard disk in it. My question is will I be able to connect the VHS player directly to DVD player to transfer the tapes to DVD format? The DVD player has analogue inputs as well as scart.

Also, assuming I can, what is the file format that the DVD will write in (VOB format?)

[Bjs]

Yes and no ... commercial tape's carry macrovision which will cause problems without the use of whats known as a video stabilizer .

As for dvd recording ... the manual should specify the mode's available ... avoid VR mode

[Devdeep60]

I want to transfer own recorded tapes - no commercial ones. Also what is a VR mode please?

[Dubber]

1) You will be able to transfer your own tapes to DVD using a DVD recorder.

2) Video stabilizers can be had for as little as $10.

3) VR mode is a mode less compatible with DVD players mostly used while rocording to DVD-RW/+RW/-RAM.

[FulciLives]

The two best models out now that have a built-in HDD are:

1.) Pioneer DVR-640H-s
2.) Toshiba RD-XS35

Using PRICEGRABBER.COM I found the Pioneer model for $329.99 with free shipping at AMAZON.COM whereas the Toshiba is about $310 + shipping (for a total of about $330) so either way you are paying the same price.

Personally I like the Pioneer but I've never used the Toshiba. Those that have used both seem to feel that the Toshiba is a hint better in the quality department. The Toshiba also features a IEEE-1394 input which is nice if you have a digital camcorder. The Pioneer lacks this feature. Both recognize copy protection including the new kind found on some cable/satellite TV channels but here the Pioneer seems less sensitive to the cable/satellite TV type of copy protection whereas the Toshiba seems almost overly sensitive to it ... so much so that some think that it detects cable/satellite TV copy protection when none exists!

Anyways they will record cable or satellite television and from any analog video source such as a VHS VCR. Just know that it will not copy from a source with copy protection which includes some but not all commercial made VHS videos. Also almost all DVD Videos have copy protection as well so you can't plug in a DVD player to a DVD recorder and make a copy of it. Thankfully it is rather easy to copy an original DVD if you have a computer with a DVD burner. As for VHS if you have one with copy protection you will need a device that will eliminate the copy protection. Such devices range from $20 to as much as $200 or so.

Please note all prices are in US Dollars and the models mentioned are North American models although I would think European models that are the same (but in PAL) exist.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman