How to convert aging VHS tapes into DVDs
By Jonathan Schlaffer
Analog VHS tapes are not fine wines and do not get better with time. Tapes degrade so while it’s still feasible to play the tape it may be time to consider converting your existing collection of tapes into DVDs. This could include family videos or movies purchased on VHS tapes that cannot be purchased on DVDs. There are several methods of converting your tapes into DVDs but the method used will depend on individual situations.
After responding to a reader question, we received another question from Mr. White asking what he could do with his aging video tapes,
“I am knee deep in video tapes I have taped over the years. To my dismay I learned the hard way that tape deteriorates with age. Two of my most loved tapes are almost defunct. This means that I must move to digital recording either with a DVD recorder, or a TV which also has a hard disc memory. Thus much I have painstakingly sussed out, but which way to jump?! I currently have a modestly priced Magnavox DVD player (a birthday gift 2-3 years ago) and I’m quite happy with it, since it plays all area codes and both PAL and NTSC, particularly when my friend in Glasgow bought a Panasonic DVD recorder which only plays their Region 2 discs BUT, VHS tapes are becoming more obsolete with every day that passes and I have just one chance of getting this right.”
To keep things simple that was the “meaty” part of his email. At Blorge are happy to answer any reasonable question from our readers that can be used as “how-to’s” or tips. I hope these suggestions help point you and some of our other readers in the right direction.
CONSIDERING DVD FORMATS
There is more than one format of DVD disc you can use. While most burners will accept any type of DVDR/RW disc, make sure the type used is compatible with the player you will be using; especially older ones. Format choices for DVDs include DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW and the dual layer variants. The only significance between the two formats is that they are not backwards compatible with each other and the “+” discs are considered to be more reliable when it comes to burning.
Don’t worry about the burner. Every DVD burner made since 2003 will likely support all “-” and “+” discs but the problem is players. Older players may not be compatible with the newer +R/RW format so before choosing a disc format (to be honest, it doesn’t matter that much) make sure it is compatible with the player(s) you wish to use the burned disc with.
Usually the formats that the player can read will be listed in the manual or may be printed on the unit itself (near, on or below the disc tray).
USING A PC FOR VHS TO DVD CONVERSION
Computers are capable of converting tapes into DVDs though, this method is the most technical. You will need a video capture card and software capable of recording, converting and burning the file created from the transcoding process. Windows Movie Maker (included with Vista, free download for XP) should be adequate for most users.
Video capture cards come as PCI expansion cards or external USB devices (easier to install). Pick whichever one you feel is appropriate for your technical skill level and let the fun begin. Hook up your VCR (or camcorder) to the capture device (after installing it and making the appropriate connections) and start Windows Movie Maker. It is also possible to use the utilities included with the capture card to import the video.
From the Import Task pane select “video capture device” and press play on the VCR (or camcorder) and begin recording from within Movie Maker. After you reach the end of the video, stop recording and Movie Maker will then save the video to the hard drive as a its own “raw” format.
You can now either use Movie Maker or the included utilities that came with your capture card to convert it to a format that can be burned to a DVD. Note that the files Movie Maker creates cannot be burned directly to a DVD.
The problem with this method is that it is slightly technical, takes a long time and may put off novice users but don’t worry, there’s a solution for you too. If you have a lot of tapes to convert or are put off by the above method then you will have to consider purchasing a VHS to DVD converter deck.
USING A VHS TO DVD CONVERTER DECK
Online stores and retailers sell DVD recorders that feature “one touch” VHS to DVD recording. Put a tape in the unit, put a DVD in the tray and the conversion will be done for you automatically. Easy, isn’t it? Currently, a Lite-ON unit is on sale for $80 (a very nice bargain) at online retailer Newegg. Although this particular unit is refurbished Newegg has a rather generous refund/return process so if you have any problems with it, it is easy to send back.
The problem is that these devices may not convert “copy protected” VHS tapes to DVD correctly or at all and in some cases will “lock-up” the device but powering it off will reset it.
ONLINE OR RETAIL VHS TO DVD CONVERSION OFFERINGS
Electronics retailers also offer services to convert VHS tapes to DVDs but they will not convert copyrighted works for you and I have found them to be prohibitively expensive.
There are also online services that offer VHS to DVD conversion; mail-in your tapes, let them convert it and you’ll get brand new DVDs back filled with whatever you sent in. Although, in many cases, they will not convert copyrighted works; one such service is VHStoDVD but I have not verified its reliability. Prices there range from $17.95 for a single conversion to $57.95 for five tapes. That’s only for a single DVD; prices may be higher if you want multiple DVDs. Turn around time is stated to be “less than 7 business days.”
ONE LAST OPTION
Another option is to purchase a DVR-like device and store your VHS tapes (or even DVDs) on a hard drive. I’m not suggesting a TiVo but it’s a similar device that doesn’t require a subscription. Philips makes a DVD recorder with a built-in 160GB hard drive that allows you to record either to a DVD or directly to the hard drive. Even though the 160GB sounds like a lot, in the world of video, not so much but it’s about standard for these types of devices; just be aware you won’t be storing your whole DVD collection on it. These devices also allow you to pause and record live TV just like a Tivo would without the subscription fee. In addition, it can record content from external sources (like a VCR for example) which can be saved to the hard drive or burned directly to a disc.
Also, the content recorded from your cable TV connection can be saved to the hard drive and burned to a disc if you wish to keep it without using up the storage space.
BACK TO SQUARE ONE
For some of you, it may be back to square one; using a computer and capture card. Generally, a computer couldn’t care less what content you’re trying to copy, though, keep in mind that copying a copyrighted VHS tape to DVD falls in a gray area of the law. If possible, try to track down a retail DVD version of the movie and purchase it.
If you find yourself in this boat there are several online tutorials that are more in-depth and can be found just by typing “VHS to DVD conversion” in your favorite search engine.
Related:
Entry was posted
on Tuesday, March 18th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
under
Read more entries by Jonathan Schlaffer.
Stumble It!
June 5th, 2009
Converting your VHS tapes to DVD will not only make them last longer but will also gives you the ability to edit the original video as well as easily share them with others.