Convert VHS to DVD?

[cantdrv55]

I'd like to convert home movies on VHS to DVD-R. Does anyone know how to go about it? I have a DVD burner on my PC (not Apple), a 5 year old VCR and a miniDV camcorder. I don't have the VHS camcorder anymore though. What device goes between to make the conversion? Thanks.

[84porsche]

Your computer video card is the missing link. What kind of video card does your computer have?? You need software also to do the video conversion. I use Ulead Video Software. I can talk you through the process once I have some more information.

[RickM]

I think the video card is aka a capture card.
Does you Cam have Firewire capabilty? If so you can connect to a Firewire card in your PC.

[cantdrv55]

Thanks fellas. It sounds like I need to buy a video capture card and software.

[84porsche]

ATI All in Wonder is one of the best - I don't know what they have out now but I have the 8500DV and have had almost no problems. I also love the fact that I can record TV shows and then edit and burn to DVD.

[stomachmonkey]

Most mini dv camcorders have firewire out and can be used as a pass through from a standard vcr to your computer.

So while capture cards are nice, firewire cards are generally cheaper and less troublesome. Unless you want to record from TV then get the capture card. ATI all in wonders are a good bang for the buck.

Drive space is a big issue. Video takes a LOT of space.

To avoid dropping frames your drive should be defragmented or better yet get a dedicated external drive. Should be 7200 rpm and if you get the firewire card you can get an external firewire drive.

Do not buy cheap media until you get the hang of it. Cheap media is finicky and if you donn't have the latest drivers you'll make a lot of coasters.

Post brands and model #'s of your stuff and we can help more.

There are also options like a Dazzle.

Scott

[mikester]

All you need is the hook up for your DV cam to the computer via Firewire. Transfer the VHS to the DV CAM. Then you of course need the software to capture from the DV Cam - it likely came with the fireware card you have. Then you can use a CD/DVD burning software like the latest version of Nero to burn the DVD that will be playable in your newer DVD player. Some older DVD players may not be able to read the written DVDs.

[Shuie]

My wife got a 'Go Video' VCR to DVD recorder/payer for Christmas. She's been converting videos for the last month and is very happy with it.

[Rufblackbird]

Like others have said, you can either go firewire and link the VCR through the DV camcorder to the computer, or buy a capture card and capture the video onto your computer. I use Adobe Premier to capture and convert to DVD format, then Nero or Premier to burn onto DVD.

It's kind of a tedious process, though...

[cantdrv55]

So I may not have to buy a video capture card anymore if I can connect my VCR to the miniDV cam? Hmm, gotta figure out how to connect the VCR to my miniDV cam now.

[84porsche]

Are you strictly looking to convert your movies from VHS to DVD or are looking to be creative in the process (menus, editing videos, photo albums etc.) . If you want the basic conversion, their are plenty of services that do this for you for a nominal fee but if you want to take the time and work through it, thats another story. The video capture card to me has always been my answer because of the capabilities. I can take any video format and edit it how I want, fade in, fade out, custom menus, mix and match credits. If you have a mini DV camcorder, that hooks up to your computer through a firewire cable and you can control the camera from your computer, record the video to the computer, edit out the bad stuff, remerge the video and make DVDs and multiple copies for friends and family. I probably lost you along the way but just some of the vast capabilities if you have the time.

[84porsche]

Originally posted by cantdrv55
So I may not have to buy a video capture card anymore if I can connect my VCR to the miniDV cam? Hmm, gotta figure out how to connect the VCR to my miniDV cam now.

Your VCR has a video out option (composite cables - red, white yellow) or at least it should and you need to find a video in on your camera which I don't think is available on most video cameras so this would be quite difficult. Some of the newer cameras have A/V input/output including S-video so it seems it might be possible. In the case of S-video if your VCR has that you may be able to go direct to the camera.

[stomachmonkey]

Post model #'s and brands of what you have.

It makes it easier to help you.

Scott

[Rob Channell]

I like to use Scenalyzer Live for capturing video on a computer Firewire port. It will automatically break your video into different scenes and capture to the hard drive. It's available at:

http://scenalyzer.com/