I have about 30 old family VHS tapes that I recorded on an old
camcorder that I wish to convert to DVD.
I am not interested in editing them, just a straight transfer.
What is the easiest way of doing it ?
Will one of those combined VHS and DVD recorder machines do it ?
Is it best to use DVD+ or DVD- or doesn't it matter ?
Transfer family VHS to DVD
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planeterotica
- Posts: 7093
- Joined: Fri Jul 14, 2017 2:40 am
Re: Transfer family VHS to DVD
A dvd recorder is probably the easiest way you can get a cheap one for less then ?100 just connect your vhs to the dvd via a scart lead and play your tapes and record to disk, the format will depend on the recorder some will record dvd+r some dvd-r and some of the more expensive ones will record both formats, if you have means of getting the film on to your computer you could then burn them to disk but you would need to have a dvd rewrite, i would go for a dvd recorder thats what i used to convert all my old vhs to dvd.
Re: Transfer family VHS to DVD
I agree DVD recorder is best.
If you can I would avoid cheapest machines - I'm generally pleased with the results from my Pioneer and a mate is happy with his Panasonic.
No experience either way personally but Philips machines did have a reputation for being less reliable.
Also don't use the longest recording times as they will reduce the quality.
From VHS on my Pioneer up to 2h 20min gives good results as full size 720 x 576 picture.
2h 30min and beyond the picture is 352 x 576.
3hr still shows no real quality loss though.
A DVD recorder with a built in hard drive built in gives you more flexibility as you can transfer to that then tidy up and burn to a disc.
As to + or - it doesn't really matter although - discs generally cheaper.
Also use decent major branded discs (Verbatim, Maxell, TDK etc) as far more likely still to play in a few years time and don't use ReWritables for the same reason as far more delicate.
Do store your discs carefully out of sunlight, away from heat sources etc too.
I use my Pioneer simply to do basic transfer to an RW.
Then use TMPGenc DVD author on the PC to compile clips, add chapters & titles and burn final archive copy.
More time consuming sure but a better end result.
If you can I would avoid cheapest machines - I'm generally pleased with the results from my Pioneer and a mate is happy with his Panasonic.
No experience either way personally but Philips machines did have a reputation for being less reliable.
Also don't use the longest recording times as they will reduce the quality.
From VHS on my Pioneer up to 2h 20min gives good results as full size 720 x 576 picture.
2h 30min and beyond the picture is 352 x 576.
3hr still shows no real quality loss though.
A DVD recorder with a built in hard drive built in gives you more flexibility as you can transfer to that then tidy up and burn to a disc.
As to + or - it doesn't really matter although - discs generally cheaper.
Also use decent major branded discs (Verbatim, Maxell, TDK etc) as far more likely still to play in a few years time and don't use ReWritables for the same reason as far more delicate.
Do store your discs carefully out of sunlight, away from heat sources etc too.
I use my Pioneer simply to do basic transfer to an RW.
Then use TMPGenc DVD author on the PC to compile clips, add chapters & titles and burn final archive copy.
More time consuming sure but a better end result.
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Porn crackers
- Posts: 1056
- Joined: Fri Jul 14, 2017 2:40 am
Re: Transfer family VHS to DVD
I know you said that you weren't intersted in editting but thought I would add my experience.-
I too just wanted to transfer my VHS collection to DVD, so was looking to buy a VHS/DVD combo. I then thought as I already had a good VCR that I'dd just get a DVD recorder. don't ask how but I ended up with a LIT-ON 5045 DVD recorder with a 160 GB HDD. The Liteon was TERRIBLE (just go on their forum to read all the "Features/problems"). But I was hooked on the extra versatility having a HDD gives and how much fun editting videos was eg leaving just the good bits!!!!.
I have even (with the help of Nachovex) managed to copy a "non copyable" disk on my laptop, then transfered it out to the Sony's HDD edited the clip added it to another scene then copied it to DVD.
Anyhow I exchanged the Lit-on for a Sony (80GB HDD), and never looked back. I really recommend getting a unit with a Hard Disc Drive.
PC
I too just wanted to transfer my VHS collection to DVD, so was looking to buy a VHS/DVD combo. I then thought as I already had a good VCR that I'dd just get a DVD recorder. don't ask how but I ended up with a LIT-ON 5045 DVD recorder with a 160 GB HDD. The Liteon was TERRIBLE (just go on their forum to read all the "Features/problems"). But I was hooked on the extra versatility having a HDD gives and how much fun editting videos was eg leaving just the good bits!!!!.
I have even (with the help of Nachovex) managed to copy a "non copyable" disk on my laptop, then transfered it out to the Sony's HDD edited the clip added it to another scene then copied it to DVD.
Anyhow I exchanged the Lit-on for a Sony (80GB HDD), and never looked back. I really recommend getting a unit with a Hard Disc Drive.
PC
Re: Transfer family VHS to DVD
That just confirms the cheaper machines should be given a miss and Panasonic, Pioneer, Sony etc are worth the extra money.