Tape to PC to tape

[Saltydog]

I've been looking at converting and archiving (sp) all my family VHS-C tapes using DVD. However, I recently read where my neighborhood library is having a terrible time with maintaining their movie collection. While a DVD can sit on the shelf forever with no degrade, it degrades pretty quickly once put into people hands... scratches, repeated cleanings etc. The tapes on the other hand out last the DVDs by a wide margin. So now I'm thinking of doing a capture, cleanup and edit of my tapes then putting them back on tape! I'd appreciate some comments as to weather or not this is a good idea. There has to be a lot that I'm missing. First off, can I even record back to the tape?

[Capmaster]

I would simply make a backup of the DVD and use that as the working copy. When it gets scratched, simply burn another backup. That way you will have no long-term degradation of the quality.

[rhegedus]

I would simply make a backup of the DVD and use that as the working copy. When it gets scratched, simply burn another backup. That way you will have no long-term degradation of the quality.

Agreed 100%

Really don't see the point of faffing around with tape when DVD media is so cheap now.

[yoda313]

Hello,
I certainly agree that backing up the dvd's would be the safest and cheapest bet. But if you want to reoutput to tape here's what you do.
Make sure your video card has a video output. Hook up your video output to your video in on your recording unit (vcr or back to digital tape). Connect the line output from your soundcard (use y splitters to get correct stereo playback). Play on your computer and record on your input device.

This will save burning to disc but if you made backups you won't have to dub twice in realtime (real pain, slow). But it's your choice, good luck.
Kevin

[Saltydog]

Thanks for the inputs folks. I guess this question really feel in the 'duh' category... as in 'just make a back up of the DVD. Duh, why didn't I think of that!'

Press on,
SD