vhs to dvd

[wbrightwell]

I have ordered my first dvd recorder, a Panasonic DMR-E30k. This may be a dumb question, but here goes. I have seen on this forum that a dvd disc takes up about 1/3 of the storage space as a vhs tape. My question is can you record 12 hours of vhs tape onto a 4.7gb disc in the non timer mode. Thanks

[Mirror_Image]

DVD is not limited to a set bit rate.

http://www.vcdhelp.com/dvd.htm

[Redbeard]

The 1/3 storage space you are referring to is physical storage space. I have a Panasonic EM-20 and the most I can get on a disc is 6 hours in Extended Play mode.

[VideoMann]

In order to put more video hours on a disc you need to drop the bits per second and thus the resolution. There will be a point that you do not want to fit more vide because it will look so poorly that is far worst than VHS, and that would not be progress but a misuse of new technology. The quality will depend on the encoders you use MPEg1/Mpeg4/Mpeg2, the source of video, and the bits per second. It's up to you were you draw the line between quality and hours of video on a single DVD.

Most people that I know will stick with 2hrs MPEg2 DVD and a few between 3-4hrs, beyond that it looks like crap to most.