Expert Advice Needed: VHS Conversion

[Maxac]

Hello,

I have been reading the site all morning trying to compile a gameplan. What I am trying to do needs some expert input though as I am not sure it is really feasible.

Basically I have roughly 1000 video tapes that are approxiametly 1/2 hour long. Some are longer, some are shorter, but they all show various sewer line inspections for the Municipality I work for.

We are trying to integrate these videos into our GIS by converting them all to some sort of video format that we can open from our computers.

I have 1 person to complete this job and would estimate about 45 days to do it. This person is NOT very technically orientated and will need the conversion process to be as easy and efficient as posssible.

Money and Equipment is not really an issue within reason, this needs to get done. The time limit is also not very firm, but I need to make a good estimate before I get started.

I realize this is my first post and no one is obligated to help, but any information would be much appreciated. I realized after our scanner debacle (shudder), input from experts like yourself is needed.

So far from reading, conversion sounds very tedious, techinically orientated and time consuming. Is there no other way?

Thank you,

Maxac

P.S. I can provide more info if needed

[poisondeathray]

Easiest way is probably an inexpensive DVD recorder / VCR combo unit to go to a digital format, then conversion to the final format goal (which you haven't specified)

There are several threads outlining this in detail if you do a quick search

Another option is taking it to a professional transferring studio - I've heard the quality can vary drastically between different companies - so wait for some of the others to chime in on pros/cons and approx. expense for this option.

[victoriabears]

Where in canada are you?

[jameshgross]

I think the simplest thing to do would be to copy the VHS tapes into a DVD recorder and create DVDs. Of course I am assuming that the tapes are in VHS format.
The other method (and this is the one I use) is to play the tapes and capture the video using a video capture card in the PC.
Another option is to use a professional copy service and have the tapes converted to your format of choice.

[Maxac]

Easiest way is probably an inexpensive DVD recorder / VCR combo unit to go to a digital format, then conversion to the final format goal (which you haven't specified)

There are several threads outlining this in detail if you do a quick search

Another option is taking it to a professional transferring studio - I've heard the quality can vary drastically between different companies - so wait for some of the others to chime in on pros/cons and approx. expense for this option.

The final format would most likely be mpeg as we are a windows shop.

If I got a DVD recorder, all the person would do is put the tape in and then wait for a half hour would they not? Is there another way to go about this task, a perhaps more commercial approach? I wouldnt really have anything for the person to do while they sit there and wait for the VHS to convert...

[pepegot1]

If any tapes are commercial, they may contain macrovision and become non-recordable. In this case, get a stabilizer for a few bucks.

[schematic2]

Hi Maxac
If you do the math it will take your man 12.5 weeks to perform this. To facilitate the job on your own, you will need a good VCR and a good DVD recorder and some expertise to get a good result. It may be in your best interest to hire it out as the equipment is not all that easy to find. If you are in the Western Canada area, I would be interested to give you a estimate to do it professionally. You can email me at movietransfers@lakelandsites.com