The Best Method for Recording VHS Tapes to DVD
Now that you've decided to permanently ditch your old VCR in favor of newer digital technologies, you need to know transfer all those VHS tapes to DVD. Many VHS tapes never made it to DVD, and even if they did, you can't see paying for the same movie twice. best record your library of VHS tapes to DVD requires the right equipment. You also need to know overcome the copy protection used on many commercial VHS tapes to prevent illegal duplication.
Understanding Macrovision
Macrovision was a company that patented a process in the 1980s to prevent duplication of VHS tapes by encoding the video in such a way as to interact with the electronics of another commercial recording device. Attempting to copy a tape using Macrovision will result in an unwatchable image that alternates between being too bright and too dark.
To defeat Macrovision, you need to add a component that removes the altered video signal and replaces it with a corrected signal. Such video correction devices can be purchased used, as most manufacturers now only produce digital high definition video components. Look for any analog video device designated as a "time base corrector" or video enhancement component. The unit should also have composite RCA or S-Video inputs and outputs compatible with jacks found on your VCR and DVD recorder. Making copies of commercial video tapes you own is completely legal, if your intention is to create a backup of the original tape for personal use.
Make the Connections
Plug the video output of your VCR into the video correction unit, and then plug the output of the video correction unit into the input of your DVD recorder or computer capture card. The audio output of your VCR can plug directly into the audio input jacks of your recording device.
DVD Recorder or Computer
If your DVD player won't record, you can save money by adding a TV tuner to your computer, rather than investing in a DVD recorder. Many TV tuners plug into your computer's USB port and have inputs to encode video from sources other than your television. These inputs consist of the same jacks found on your VCR. Use a TV tuner with your computer to digitize the VHS tapes, and burn them to DVD using your computer's DVD burner. The TV tuner includes software that will allow you to manage the recording quality and choose where you store the digitized video files on your computer. Video files are very large and may require additional hard drive storage. Make sure you have at least 20 to 30 gigabytes of available hard drive space.
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