VCR to DVD

[Grandma Jacky]

I have tons of my Granchildren's old vhs tapes. I want to convert them into DVD. I have the program and the wire put when i plug it into my computer it says that it is an unown device. The type of VCR is a Panasonic PV-7456-K. Can anyone help?

[tomlee59]

I'm not sure what you mean by "the program" and "the wire." A computer will not normally accept a video input (from, e.g., a VCR). An extra widget, called a video capture card (or box) is needed. If you have such a widget, then it needs to be installed properly prior to use. To do that, follow the instructions that came with the capture device.

The easiest method, though, is to skip the computer altogether and use a dedicated DVD recorder. This is a separate box, and it behaves just like a VCR, except that it records directly to DVD instead of to tape. There's no software to install, no tricky interactions with the computer. Just plug the audio and video from the VCR into the corresponding inputs on the DVD recorder. Basic DVD recorders can be purchased for less than the cost of many capture cards.

[bendixG15]

Save yourself a lot of time and grief ...... follow tomlee59's advice... dump he computer and get a DVD recorder

Just make sure you buy quality blank DVD disks...

[jman98]

Save yourself a lot of time and grief ...... follow tomlee59's advice... dump he computer and get a DVD recorder

Just make sure you buy quality blank DVD disks...

Easier said than done. The original poster is in Canada and DVD recorders are disappearing from the market there just like they are in the USA.

"Quality blank DVD disks[sic]" in the USA means either Taiyo Yuden (you'll have to order them online) or Verbatim (available at major retailers) and nothing else.

[Grandma Jacky]

What I meant by Wire is the adapter that i plug into my computer that also goes into my vcr.
The Program is GoldenVideos.

[MOVIEGEEK]

You need to install the software that came with it or go to GoldenVideos website, you will need drivers for the device and capturing software.
BTW: I also recommend a DVD recorder.

[orsetto]

"Tons" of tapes? And you want to use some dinky USB capture wire? You're on the wrong horse, facing backwards, without a saddle. Forget using your computer setup for this: the "cheap capture wire/PC" route only works if you really know what you're doing and you only have a handful of tapes. Get a damn DVD recorder like any sane person and do it that way. The PC is for super-genius types who know how to keep the cranky software working properly and want to waste years of their lives trying to make the video "perfect" (a thankless task if there ever was one). The DVD recorder just works, exactly like copying from VCR to VCR except you're making DVDs.

DO NOT buy a "combo" VHS/DVD recorder- these never work right. If you're on a tight budget, pick up the cheapest "tunerless" DVD recorder you can find, shop online if your local stores only carry combos. If you have more than 50 tapes to do, and don't mind making a temporary "investment" that you'll get back when you're finished, the best DVD recorder sold in Canada right now is the Sony RDR-HX780, selling in Future Shop for $299-399 (depending on weekend sales promotions). This model has a built-in hard drive as well as a DVD burner, making it ideal for transferring old tapes: you copy the tapes to the hard drive first, cut out any junk you don't want (commercials, etc), and then burn a final DVD at high speed. The hard drive also lets you make multiple copies of the same DVD in case any other family members want one. All without tying up your computer and making yourself crazy. When you finish all the tapes, you can resell the Sony on eBay to some desperate American who's jonesing for one (they aren't sold in USA stores). You should be able to get close to what you paid for it, DVD/HDD recorders are a hot commodity on USA eBay.

There are only two blank DVD brands worth buying anymore: Taiyo Yuden (TY) and Verbatim. Verbatim on sale for $25 is good, at the "regular" non-sale price of $59 they're out of their minds. The simplest way to easy burning and durability is to order the TY Premium 8x DVD-R online from media vendors like rima.com or supermediastore.com. TY is almost always on sale for $25/100 delivered (perhaps a little more for shipping to Canada).

[victoriabears]

where in canada are you?

[V Bot]

If you do get a DVD Recorder, don't forget to check what type of discs you can record on. For me, DVD+DL (Dual Layer) recording was essential. I also only use DVD+R, not DVD-R, as they are more compatible with my older DVD players. A dual layer disc will give you more recording time than a standard disc. I have two recorders and like both. I have a Lite-On and a Panasonic. They are both very easy to use/program. Good luck.

[tomlee59]

Save yourself a lot of time and grief ...... follow tomlee59's advice... dump he computer and get a DVD recorder

Just make sure you buy quality blank DVD disks...

Easier said than done. The original poster is in Canada and DVD recorders are disappearing from the market there just like they are in the USA.

"Quality blank DVD disks[sic]" in the USA means either Taiyo Yuden (you'll have to order them online) or Verbatim (available at major retailers) and nothing else.

I haven't checked physical stores recently, but a quick search for online sources shows that there are still plenty of deals to be had. Amazon alone had a good selection of recorders below $100 (with some -- refurbs -- below $50). Since the OP has "tons" of vids to convert, and is a self-described newbie, the standalone DVD recorder approach is the one I'd most strongly recommend for her. Using a capture card just requires too many fiddly steps per vid.

[jman98]

I haven't checked physical stores recently, but a quick search for online sources shows that there are still plenty of deals to be had. Amazon alone had a good selection of recorders below $100 (with some -- refurbs -- below $50). Since the OP has "tons" of vids to convert, and is a self-described newbie, the standalone DVD recorder approach is the one I'd most strongly recommend for her. Using a capture card just requires too many fiddly steps per vid.

Interesting. You are quite correct about Amazon. While DVD recorders are becoming quite scarce in physical stores, Amazon does indeed have plenty. I just assumed that since the stores have few that Amazon wouldn't have many either. I definitely agree that using a DVD recorder is the way to go, but I was concerned that the original poster might have a difficult time finding any models in stores and unsure if they would be willing to buy one online.

[lordsmurf]

Get a good VCR, too. Whatever you have now probably is not good.

[tomlee59]

Interesting. You are quite correct about Amazon. While DVD recorders are becoming quite scarce in physical stores, Amazon does indeed have plenty. I just assumed that since the stores have few that Amazon wouldn't have many either. I definitely agree that using a DVD recorder is the way to go, but I was concerned that the original poster might have a difficult time finding any models in stores and unsure if they would be willing to buy one online.

And you are quite correct about these becoming scarce in physical stores. I had not realized that before your post, so thanks for making me aware of this change. And I just barely got used to LPs and 8mm film...Dang, technology keeps evolving!

[robjv1]

How many tapes is "tons" exactly? Maybe some nice person on here would be willing to do it for you on the cheap!