Converting your VHS tapes to DVD can preserve your precious memories.
There are excellent reasons to convert VHS tapes to DVD. If your VCR dies, it is increasingly hard to replace. If you convert your VHS tapes to DVD, you can continue to enjoy your videos. DVDs are easier to store and require less shelf space than VHS tapes, and they can store about the same amount of material as a VHS tape. A DVD also lasts longer than a VHS tape. A VHS tape can become unreadable in as little as three years, while a DVD, if properly stored, can last decades or longer.
You will need some equipment to transfer your videos to DVD.
Computer with DVD Burner
The computer can capture the VCR output and save it to a file or directly to DVD. Be certain the computer will burn DVDs. A CD burner or DVD player is not the same thing as a DVD burner.
Video Capture Card and Software
Your computer must contain a video capture card in order to connect to your VCR and capture the VCR output. The video capture card must have inputs that match the VCR output. RCA jacks give the best results.
DVD-Burning Software
The video capture card should be packaged with the necessary software. The MPEG-2 file type is most compatible with burning to DVD.
Working VCR
A VCR is necessary to play the VHS tapes and input the video into the computer video capture card. Use a TV to view the video picture and make certain that the tape quality is good enough to transfer the video to DVD.
VHS Tapes
The VHS tapes hold the video to be transferred to DVD. A VHS tape can hold up to six hours of video if recorded in LP. The more video placed on a VHS tape, the lower the video quality. The quality of your VHS recording will affect the quality of DVD copy.
VCR with DVD Recorder Combo
By far, the easiest conversion process is to use a combination VCR with DVD recorder. All the equipment you need comes in one package, and you don't have compatibility issues. The downside to this conversion is that you don't have the editing precision that you get with your computer.
You should not plan to transfer commercial VHS tapes to DVD with this process. The copy protection on most VHS commercial tapes will prevent the DVD recorder from copying the tape. You can transfer commercial tapes to DVD with your computer, video capture card and DVD burner.
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