VHS to DVD

[GaryPSU]

I want to copy my home made VHS videos to DVD. I would like opinions as to which would be better - a standalone VCR/DVD recorder combo, or an analog to USB-2 port converter for my computer. Either way, I plan to use authoring software on my PC to create the final versions - cutting out a lot of unwanted material. I am mostly concerned with the quality of the conversion to digital format, and the ease of authoring the raw digital product that was created by the conversion. Price is not a major factor, and I could use a new standalone VHS and DVD player for my home theater anyway. My PC is a Dell 8400 Pentium 4 - 3.0 Ghz. My internal PC burner is a Philips 8601 R/RW.
Thank You

[ormonde]

First you need the necessary hardware such as an internal card where you can connect your VCR to the card via either RCA or S-video cables. There are also external devices that will accomplish similar results. Most of these devices with come bundled with a software interface that will allow you to capture the VHS footage to an mpeg or AVI digital format. Once you have the footage captured to a digital file format, follow this procedure:

1. Convert the AVI (DivX or Xvid)/mpeg file(s) to a DVD compliant mpeg-2 file(s) using "TMPGEnc" or "TMPGEnc Plus". Use the DVD template (NTSC or PAL) form the "Project Wizard" to help you accomplish the task. If you have an mpeg file that is already DVD-compliant, then skip directly to step 2.

2. Then use "TMPGEnc DVD Author" (different than "TMPGEnc") to author the newly created mpeg-2 into a DVD-related file structure (.IFO, .BUP, .VOB). As an alternative, you can use "DVDLab" to author as well.

3. If the combined filesize of the project exceeds 4.37 Gig, use "DVD Shrink" or similar transcoding program to compress.

4. Use "Nero" or similar burning program to burn onto a DVD (r, rw) disk.

[GaryPSU]

If I were to use a stand alone DVD recorder to copy my VHS home made tapes instead of a PC, what would the output file be MPEG-2?, IFO/BUP/VOB?

[jeanl]

Yes, it would be a normal, compliant DVD when finalized.
Jeanl
BTW, don't crosspost or you'll get scolded!

[GaryPSU]

Thank you, and thanks for the tip about cross-posting. I wasn't sure which forum to use, and wasn't aware that this might be a problem.

[yrlessmann2]

You can save some money by getting an Adaptec program

Hey Gary

I have been using an ADAPTEC program to convert my VHS tapes to DVDs or VCDs. There are a few programs out there like Pinnacle and others, I have found that ADAPTEC was cheaper and more user friendly. If you are more computer friendly then you may like PINNACLE. It did not like me plus the wife was not able to handle it like she could AADAPTEC. Your choice but they both work well. Like the previous guys have told you once you have installed the card then just plug in your cables to the back and follow the instructions. I have put quite a few VHS tapes of my boys to discs and the play quite well in my standalone dvd players of which they are no major name brands. Well one is a Panasonic the other is ??? ( who knows) LOL.....

NOTE: you can get an external module rather than having to get one that requires you installing a card. It may just cost you a few bucks more but you indicated money was not a major factor.

Good luck

Yrlessmann2