VHS to Computer (Looking for the Best)

[clemmerb]

Okay I have searched through this website and many others in search of the best advice on VHS conversion, but have not recieved enough information to make a purchase. I am looking for the BEST METHOD of converting VHS to my computer (preferably DV-AVI format). Do I use a Camcorder, do I use a stand-a-lone analog converter? Do I use an internal computer converter that goes into the back of my computer? Or do I simply buy one of the new VHS/DVD progressive scan recorders? I am looking for specific brands that have good quality, that sync the audio nicely, that are easy to use and give me a good result, and that don't give you that small scrambled bar at the bottom of the picture! HELP! Once I have the video on my computer I have no problem making quality video. If anyone out there converts VHS to DVD I would love their advide and anyone else that has good wisdom in this subject is welcomed. Again if you have SPECIFIC BRANDS that I should buy please let me know.

Clemmerb

[nelson133]

Best is really a subjective word, but I have done alot of video tapes and here's what I have found. If you don't have an issue with macrovision, then a stand alone recorder is the easiest way and can give very good quality.
If macrovision is an issue, I use a Canopus AVDC box and dump it into the computer as dv avi via windv, a freeware program. I have also used a stand alone recorder with the canopus box with very good results. If I owned a stand alone recorder, this might be my only option, but I've only tried it on another's machine.
The avi does give the option of fine tuning the result with such programs as Virtualdub or Avisynth and a good encoder. To my eye, the recorder does a very comparable job in less time. it depends alot on whether you approach this as a hobby to see what you can do with various tool, or whether you are just looking for a good product in a short time.
While I tend to the hobby approach, to the objective observer, the improvements I can get over the recorder probably would appear to be a waste of time. Nyah Levi

[wonderuss]

A stanalone dvd recorder is good if you want to record the video content as it is, but if you are like me and want to edit the video in a program like premiere an analoge to dv converter is ideal. I use a dazzle hollywood dv bridge that i bought a few years back and capture my vhs into dv format which is better for editing before you produce a final dvd.

[edDV]

Best = take it to a quality transfer house.
Choose the one the local pros recommend. Ask around.

They have equipment and skill that you will never be able to match.

[Rivers]

Ok Clemmerb, I've been converting VHS to DVD in the last few weeks. This is what I do, I'm in PAL land by the way.
I have a Canon 750i dv camera. I plug my VCR via scart to the analogue in and firewire to PC. The Canon has an analogue to digital converter built in. I capture in AVI via Windv.
I have suffered no sound sync problems and Macrovision has not reared its ugly head. The tape footage appears on my hard drive as it looks off the VCR. The only drawback for you is that I see the wobbly bar at the bottom but once played via DVD it is not noticable on the TV screen. You can mask this in editing anyhow.
Hope that helps.