DVD writer vs DVD Recorder

[Letticeknibs]

Total newbie question.. What is the difference between a DVD writer and DVD Recorder? I want to convert my old VHS Tapes and camcorder tapes to a DVD that can be watched in a regular DVD player.

Any info would be wonderful

[TooLFooL]

a RECORDER is a stand-alone piece of equipment that records onto dvd the way a VCR records onto tape. a WRITER goes in (or otherwise connects to) your computer.

[jman98]

I'd advise going with a DVD recorder. It will be a lot easier to use and less time consuming than recording to a PC and authoring a DVD on the PC, especially for a newbie. DVD recorders typically do a good job of exactly what you want to do.

Be warned that some old commercial VHS tapes were encoded with Macrovision to prevent copying and if you have any of those, most likely you won't be able to record them to DVD without using a TBC (Time Base Corrector). Macrovision is only a problem on some commercial tapes and is no problem on camcorder tapes or stuff you recorded yourself from TV.

[mats.hogberg]

I you want a substitute for your VHS - Get a DVD recorder.
If you want to cut out pieces and edit a little, get a Hauppage capture card.
If you want to do lots of edits and cool stuff with your video, get a DV capture card like a Canopus ADVC

/Mats

[handyguy]

Dvd recorders let you edit. Get one with a HD.