Converting VHS to DVD?

[LCE]

Hi,
I know this question has been asked more then several times and I have been reading other posts about it and anything I can find off the net but I am still in the dark about this,so please be gentle.
I'll start out the questions I have as they all start out...I am wanting to convert my VHS tapes to DVD. How exactly do I do that and what do I need?

I'm still very new to all of this but have gotten down how to make backups of my DVDs.
My computer is running Windows XP with Service Pack 2
2.10 GHz 512 RAM
beyond that I'm not sure what else I should list in order for you all to help me.

I should also state that I would like to be able to use it(software/hardware) on another computer as well,if at all possible?

If I have left anything out and you need more info please let me know.

I Appreciate the help
Thank You
LCE

[mats.hogberg]

You need:
A good VCR (obviously!)
A TBC (time base corrector)
A capture card (Hauppage PVR1/2/350 recommended, even tho these are PCI cards, and you'd be better off with a USB card - no matter, get a card with hardware mpg encoding) or a DVD recorder

/Mats

[tinker]

Check this web site, They have USB converter box which will work with Pinacle software. You can use it on any computer you want.
http://www.nextag.com/pinacle-studio/search-html
Pinacle studio will give you possibility edit your tapes once they are on your hard drive.
There is other way.
If you have digital movie camera, check the manual. Some cameras can be used as a converter. That is how I do it. If that is possible it should be in the manual. You will still need editing software.
On top I would increase memory to 1Gb
If you buy editing software first or have one already, check what capture card it is compatible with, otherwise you may run into problems later.

[pinetop]

I'd avoid using a capture card. The best option for you might be a VCR to DVD recorder. If you want to add fancy menus, you could then use your computer with some good authoring software, like TDA or DVDlab. A Panny ES15 is selling for $120 at places like BB and CC. Thats cheaper than any good capture card. Remember using a capture card involves having enough memory,disk space, and being willing to tie up your computer. Keep in mind for perfect computer encoding you should shut down most CPU taxing activities.

[mats.hogberg]

Remember using a capture card involves having enough memory,disk space

Equally true as soon as you want to do any edits at all, regardless if you used a DVD recorder or a capture card to "convert" VHS to DVD. Add to that the process of ripping the DVD to HDD, I'd only consider the DVD recorder path if I absolutely not wouldn't want to do any edits, or reauthoring, but be 100% satisfied with what my recorder produces.

being willing to tie up your computer. Keep in mind for perfect computer encoding you should shut down most CPU taxing activities.

That's why I recommend hardware encoder cards. You can use your computer as usual, and the card will do all the work untroubeled.

/Mats

[LCE]

Hi Mats and tinker,
I have several VCRs that I plan to try out and see witch one works the best.
I have seen mention of a TBC before,but that falls into the same category as everything else I don't understand? I just did a Google Search for a TBC...I really hope they all aren't that expensive,if so I don't think I will be getting one of those.
I have Nero 6 that I have been using for awhile now and would like to use it if possible,I know it has an area for recording TV shows.

Hi pinetop,
Well,I didn't think I would be able to afford a DVD Recorder but from what you say it sounds like it will be cheaper then buying a setup for my computer and better quality?
Is the Panny(Panasonic?) ES15 a good all around unit? Can I use it for not only transfering my VHS tapes but for TV shows,etc...?
I'm not worried about tying up my computer as I have a computer I am going to pretty much dedicate just for this type of stuff.
The computer I have has around 37GB of HD space on it,that should be plenty?

Mats,
You mention that"I'd only consider the DVD recorder path if I absolutely not wouldn't want to do any edits, or reauthoring, but be 100% satisfied with what my recorder produces."
Couldn't I then take the DVD from the recorder that I just converted the VHS to and use it in my computer to edit,reauthor,etc...?
As for disc space how would one know before hand(using a DVD Recorder)if the movie is going to fit on a DVD?

I know there will be many different answers to this but I will ask any ways...
What would be best for a person like me with no knowledge at all on this stuff but hopes to still be able to expand-a DVD Recorder or a setup for going directly to the computer?

I know a couple of you have pointed me towards a few devices(for going directly to the computer) but could somebody maybe point me to a good complete setup that can be used between computers for somebody on a minimal budget?

Sorry for all the questions everyone(I have a million more but I'll let you all rest )
I'm just trying to understand all of this and figure out what's best and what I need.

I really Appreciate all the help and Patience
Thank You
LCE

[mats.hogberg]

Couldn't I then take the DVD from the recorder that I just converted the VHS to and use it in my computer to edit,reauthor,etc...?

Oh, yes, by all means - but then you'll have to rip and "disassenble" the DVD your recorder just assembled for you. In my eyes, it's like buying a car, just to get the engine to put in another car.

As for disc space how would one know before hand(using a DVD Recorder)if the movie is going to fit on a DVD?

DVD recorders have "dumbed down" settings like EP or LP or SP modes (a leftover from the VHS era), corresponding to fitting certain times on a DVD. With a computer you can usually specify the exact bitrate to encode at. If you know the video length, you can use exactly the bitrate that will fill a disc. Or half the disc. Or whatever fits your bill. Not the DVD Recores bill.

What would be best for a person like me with no knowledge at all on this stuff but hopes to still be able to expand-a DVD Recorder or a setup for going directly to the computer?

I'm afraid I have to say: DVD Recorder.

/Mats

[davideck]

What would be best for a person like me with no knowledge at all on this stuff but hopes to still be able to expand-a DVD Recorder or a setup for going directly to the computer?

I recommend a DVD Recorder with an internal hard drive. Toshibas are my favorite because of their sophisticated editing and authoring capabilities as well as their excellent TBC performance for analog tape sources. Many of their user manuals are available online.

If you decide later that you want to capture/edit/author on the PC, then the DVD Recorder can serve as an external TBC/Frame Synchronizer in passthrough mode between the VCR and the capture device.

https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?p=1552623#1552623
https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?p=1607369#1607369

[Captain Video]

I use a stand alone DVD Recorder. I also use the 1 or 2 hour record speed. As long as your vhs master is clean, you'll be fine,

[SWBisbee]

Mats, why a usb card or are you talking about the usb unit from Hauppauge?

[LCE]

Hi Mats,
Ok,I see exactly what your saying about editing the movie from a DVD Recorder.
Basically I would have more leg room using my computer over a recorder.
What exact setup would you suggest a person go for if they are wanting to use the computer? I ask again as its kind of confusing when there seem to be so many types,options available.

Hi davideck,
Well,we already have one vote for a Panny(I am assuming a Panasonic?) ES15,I'll have to take a look and see if it has an internal hard drive.
From the sounds of what your saying a Recorder with a HDD gives you a bit more room for editing?
You recommend a Toshiba any particular model?

I don't have a whole lot to spend so I want to make a good choice wether or not I go with a DVD recorder or with the computer.

Hi Captain Video,
What brand,model recorder do you use?does it have an internal HDD?

Thanks for the help guys
LCE

[mats.hogberg]

I have Hauppage PVR 250 PCI card. 100% satisfied. Records to DVD ready MPG, just load it up in TDA, cut out the commercials (if a TV recording) and author. For "professional" use, I'd capture to DV (which lends itself to editing better than mpg) with some AVDC device, but then we're in the prosumer/semi pro segment.

/Mats

[LCE]

Hi Mats,
I'm looking at this one here http://www.hauppauge.com/pages/products/data_pvrusb2.html
http://registration.hauppauge.com/webstore/hardware1.asp#pvrusb2
But I'm am not really sure which model?
Its a bit on the high side of what I wanted to spend but I guess that's where the saying "you get what you pay for" comes into play.
I was looking at the Radio Shack setup earlier,any experience with that one?

I'm also wondering now,since davideck brought it up how much better off I would be with just buying a DVD Recorder with an Internal HDD? I haven't priced them yet as I have about as much knowledge of them as I do with the computer setup.

With either off these setups am I still going to need a TBC?

Thanks for all your help Mats I really appreciate it
LCE

[computerplate]

Hello, I recently bought a nice Samsung unit, DVD-VR335. It has VHS and DVD recording and can straight dub/duplicate from my old VHS home movies to DVD. It has been really easy to use and the DVD out of that process is really good IMO. I thought that if I did not get these converted that at some point a VHS would be hard to find to even view these old VHS family movies I had made in the 90s. HTH

[FulciLives]

My suggestion is to buy a stand alone DVD recorder with a built-in HDD.

The two best models right now are the Pioneer DVR-640H-s and the Toshiba RD-XS35

Both are pretty similar in terms of functions and ability but the Pioneer lacks a DV input whereas the Toshiba does have a DV input. Personally I have the Pioneer (a slightly older but nearly identical unit) and love it but many here think the Toshiba is as good if not maybe a bit better. Price wise they are about the same. Expect to pay a bit over $300 plus shipping. Probably around $325-$330 in the end.

A separate TBC is nice but probably not really needed with these but please note that both will not copy from a copy protected source. A separate TBC will break the copy protection and allow recording but there are also copy protection busting devices out there that cost less than a TBC that will do that ... but not have the benefits of a TBC device. However both the Pioneer and the Toshiba feature TBC like circuitry that will do in most cases.

Why a stand alone DVD recorder with a built-in HDD instead of computer capture? Well for one the device is made to do that so it is easy-to-use and you don't have to worry about the "hic-ups" you may have with a computer solution. Also the built-in HDD will allow for some simple editing that is usually more than good enough. In fact you don't even need to use a computer at all to have a "final" DVD but if you do want to create a custom DVD it is fairly easy to copy to a DVD-RW or DVD+RW and rip to a computer and use a computer DVD authoring program to create a custom menu and chapters etc.

Also if you like to record TV stuff then a stand alone DVD recorder with a built-in HDD is great because you can make multiple recordings to the HDD and then burn them off to a DVD disc (or multiple DVD discs) at your leisure. In other words you aren't restricted to what will fit on a single DVD disc. Very handy if you have multiple programs to record in a short period of time. You don't have to "cram" them onto a single DVD disc.

If you do want to go computer capture instead then the Hauppauge WinTV PVR USB2 or Hauppauge WinTV PVR 350 are both good choices BUT I highly suggest the use of a separate TBC device when using these with a videotape source.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

P.S.
If you go with the Hauppauge WinTV PVR USB2 then you want the 941 model. That is the North American NTSC version. If you go with the Hauppauge WinTV PVR 350 then you want the 990 model. Again that is the North American NTSC version. The WinTV PVR 250 (model 980 for North American NTSC) is good but very hard to find these days.