What is needed to transfer VHS tapes to DVDs? You've probably asked yourself this question now that the VHS format has been retired and you might not have anywhere to play those old VHS home movies. If you can burn VHS tapes to DVDs, not only will they be in a more stable storage medium, but DVDs also have a greater storage capacity than VHS, so you can fit more minutes of home movies onto a single disc. All you need to do to make the leap is to choose one of the following methods:
A DVD Recorder
When you want to transfer old VHS shows or home movies, one of the easiest methods is to use a DVD recorder. You can use it to record from a VHS player or a VHS video camera. However, a DVD recorder cannot record protected VHS tapes. It will also make DVD recordings from more modern sources, like a digital camcorder. Editing is limited on these devices, and the DVD recorder is somewhat expensive compared to other VHS-to-DVD options. In order to use a DVD recorder, you'll need the recorder itself, the source (a VHS player, for example) and an S-video cable. No computer is necessary for this method.
Software With Capture Cards
This method of putting VHS data onto a DVD requires a computer with a DVD burner. The capture card and accompanying software translates video signals to be read by a computer. The kits are pretty inexpensive as well, making this an affordable way to move VHS tapes to DVDs. You'll need to first load the software on the computer. Then connect a VHS player to the capture card, and then use an S-video cable to connect to the computer, which must have a DVD burner on it. The computer should also have a large hard drive to handle the transfer, as well as any editing that you need.
Other Options
If you don't have many VHS tapes to put onto DVD, consider sending your tapes out to a company that specializes in VHS-to-DVD conversion. By the time you purchase the equipment to do the task at home, you may be better off spending the money on a company who can do it for you. Also, if you are interested in preserving recorded TV shows or events from VHS, consider searching for online movie or TV show download Web sites that allow you to download programming to your computer for a fee.
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