I want to transfer some vedio tapes into DVD. What do I need to do that ?

Answer 1

There are several ways that you can do a format transfer from Video to DVD. As you haven't said what video format you have as your source I can't go into detail specifics. However, I hope that the general information I give will be of use to you.

VHS -to- DVD

If you have the cash, the simplist solution would be a dvd recorder setbox. This would be connect via SCART, RF , S-Video or Composite. This would be quick and easy and produce high quailty results.

An alternative is to purchase a capture box for your computer. This is essentially an analogue-to-digital (A-D) converter. There are many different kinds, made by different manufacturers. I would go for a PCI Card or Firewire version as opposed to USB. The Data bandwidth of USB isn't ideally suited to High quality video transfer. The main differences between them are the quailty of the chips driving the A-D. The better the chips, generally the more expensive it will be, and the better the quailty of the final output. You would also need to aquire a dvd burner for your computer if you don't already own one. These can be internal for desktops or external for laptops.

Hi8 -to- DVD

The same methods for VHS can be applied to Hi8. There are adaptors that Hi8 cassettes can be placed inside to make them work in standard VHS players.

If you want to use a Hi8 camera to play the tapes, again the VHS methods can still be used. A high Hi8 camera can be connected to a DVD Recorder setbox via S-Video or Composite Cables.

If you wanted to go the computer route, you would follow the same method as VHS. You would simple use the camera in place of the VHS player.

DV Camera - DVD

This method would produce the best results as it is 100% digital. You would need to have a computer that has a firewire port. This port could be factory fitted or a third-party upgrade. You would also need a 4pin-to-6pin firewire cable. You will need to check this, as some laptops are fitted with 4pin firewire ports. If you wish to use such a laptop, you will need a 4pin-to-4pin cable. Again, you would need to purchase a DVD burner if you don't already have one.

The last think you will need to know if you want to use a computer is software. If you are using an apple mac, you will already have all the hardware and software you need to do the job. If you are using a PC, things are a little more complex. Video software that can achieve this task is shipped with a few machine. However, this isn't part of most OEM software bundles. You would be best to ask in a computer or camera outlet, as I don't know you computer spec's. If you need to get a A-D convertor, then that would more than likely come bundled with the software that you need.

I hope this helps.

Regards A.

Answer 2

Video player, DVD recorder, SCART lead and blank media.

It is fairly easy to do. Just connect the video to the DVD recorder using the scart lead. Play a tape and change the inputs until you are on the right one and start recording and the right point.

DVD recorders can be picked up for under £100 and shops such as www.richersounds.com

Answer 3

Agreeed, or you can buy a combined VCR/DVD recorder for about 140 quid.

Whatever you do , do NOT use a home PC to do the conversion, This is the route to madness- unless you are doing it as an anorak hobby, and enjoy fiddling with "settings" endlessly.

Just think, in a couple of years you will have to convert all your DVD discs to Blu-ray or some other "new" format. It's never ending.

Answer 4

You can buy a DVD recorder/Video combi and you can dub from one to the other,but not copy protected videos,but if they're home movies or very old videos that are not copy protected you can.