What is the best choice for making DVDs of VHS tapes. A standalone, USB converter or PCI-card? And why.?

Answer 1

Although I do not supply facts to back up my viewpoint, I work with media enough to know that a direct-to-disc transfer will offer the highest quality.
If your VHS deck has a S-Video out, use that port to connect to your DVD, as it offers higher video resolution over standard RCA-type video connections.

Answer 2

You can buy a machine to record VHS to DVD, you can find it at many department stores, or on the net.