Can someone please help with VHS to DVD conversion?

Question

Hello. I'm brand new to this and know very little concerning the hardware or software, so Lamen's explanations would be appreciated.
Goal - Convert VHS tapes to DVDs using my COMPUTER. I have a DVD R/RW drive and Nero 6(.6 maybe) software that came with it.
What else do I need for hardware and how do I know if I don't already have it? (I've read something about a video card, could I possibly have it already and how would I find out?)

Then what? Is it as simple as hooking the equipment all up, letting the PC capture the data and then burn it to the DVD?

Also, what about potential 'protected' contect. Say my kids Bob the Builder tape. Before he permanently mauls it, can I burn it to a DVD?

Thanks!

I said I want to use my computer to do this. I'm not interested in buying a special VHS to DVD burner. Just computer assistance please!

Answer 1

It seems a very complex question, hopefully my information can help you on this. In the first place, you need to have a good capture card, fast hard drive(for multimedia use), lots of RAM on your computer.

Procedure:

It is possible to convert VHS tapes to DVDS. Firstly, you need a video capture card/ External Video capture box to connect to your VHS tape player, use the Composit or S-vide to output your VHS signal to your Video capture card. Run a software(mostly come from capture card) program to do a real time capture from your computer when your tape plays. Then the signal will convert to digital and store in your harddrive. Then you run a DVD burner software to convert the digital movie to DVD movie format to your DVD-R.

Protection:

If you have some home made adult action and don't want your kids to see it, you have to put it in your safe because it is no protection and someone will play it if they pick it up.

Other thoughts:

This kind of converting from VHS to DVD require many hardware equipment($$$) and computer knowledge such as editing and converting. For a beginner, it won't be easy task!

My case:

I have the same situation as you that I have many Tapes recorded with every intimate moment with my girlfriend. I also converted the VHS to DVD because VHS tapes are disappearing very soon. I have learnt that it is quite expensive to convert tapes to DVD by myself (because of above troubles). So, I ask my close friend who own a small video company and they have large equipment to do the converting for me in a reason price that cost much less than I do by myself. Since my girlfriend is quite open minded and doesn't mind to let my friend to see her naked body and our intimate action. So, now I have all in my DVD format.

Suggestion:

For you, I think paying others to do the convertion is more reasonable. You can look in your local area and check the video/photo shop out. Some small shops are Ok to do those adult tapes. Of course a close friend worked in those shops are more reliable.

Enjoy!

d10v01b
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Answer 2

WalMart sells a VHS to DVD convertor unit. My friend bought one from them and the price was less than $90.00. It does a great job, the dvd's play on regular dvd players and it's simple to use. Just put in your vhs in one tray, a blank dvd in the other tray, hit a couple of buttons, it dubs, your done!
He converted over about 50 family tapes for me and they turned out fine. Just don't expect dvd quality. The quality of the tape is what you will see on the dvd.

Additional information for your additional information add on:
We looked into computer conversion of tapes and could find no software for computer conversion before buying a seperate unit.

Answer 3

you need a video capture card. they make them internal or external. for the software you can just use windows movie maker to capture video. i wouldn't burn to dvd because it would just be a waste. because the tape is analog and burning to a dvd isn't going to make the quality any better. i would just burn it as a vcd.

Answer 4

Don't throw away the tapes. DVD format is the worst format I've ever came across. use a quality disc as they are easily damaged.

Answer 5

They sell converters just for vhs to dvd but they are EXPENSIVE!!!