For most people, the need to convert analog video to DVD stems from the desire to preserve VHS tapes on a more durable digital medium. Old home videos recorded on VHS cassettes are prime candidates for digital conversion. The equipment for transferring analog videotape into the digital domain is consumer friendly, and you probably own most of what you need.
Equipment checklist
To convert analog videos to DVD, you'll need old VHS tapes, a VCR, RCA audio/video cables, a computer or laptop equipped with a DVD burner and a free USB port, conversion hardware such as the Dazzle DVD recorder (available at electronics retailers and online for less than $100), software loaded on your computer for editing the digital files for burning to a DVD and blank DVD-R (recordable) discs.
Connect the equipment
Plug the RCA audio/video cables into the VCR by jacking the red cable into the red (right) audio out-jack on the back of the VCR, the white cable into the white (left) audio out-jack and the yellow plug into the video out-jack. Plug the opposite ends of the RCA cable into the corresponding input jacks on your analog-to-digital conversion hardware. Plug the output cable with USB plug into a free USB port on your computer.
You will then load the tape you wish to convert into the VCR and place a blank DVD-R disc in the DVD burner tray of your computer.
Convert the analog program to digital
Turn on all equipment. Play back the videotape in the VCR and monitor the conversion progress on your computer. Store the converted file to a folder of your choosing when prompted to do so.
Use the digital editing software to remove unwanted scenes, add transitions such as wipes and fades, and insert chapter stops for the DVD.
Save the edited program to a file on your hard drive.
Open your DVD burner software and select the edited video file you wish to burn to DVD. Burn the file to the DVD-R.
Tags: your computer, cable into, audio out-jack, audio video, audio video cables