vcr to computer

[iukikiana]

I know I've read threads on this before but can't seem to find the answer. What I want to do is transfer old home movies that are on a vcr tape to my computer so then I can make a dvd from it. I have in the past (but dont have that camcorder anymore) I've transferred the vcr to my camcorder then was able to do what I wanted to like make a dvd. So question is what do I need on my pc so I can hook up from tv to computer to transfer my vcr.
I know I probably sound confusing, I'm confusing myself

[jmet]

First you need some type of capture card to capture the video from your TV (VCR) to the computer.

Depending on what type of video file you capture it as, you will need to convert the captured video file in to compliant DVD files (.mpeg). Then use a DVD authoring program such as TMPGEnc DVD Author (A different program than TMPGEnc), to create menus, etc.

1) Use "TMPGEnc" (or "TMPGEncPlus") to convert the .AVI (DivX-compressed or otherwise) to compliant MPEG2-for-DVD format - You can use "TMPGEnc's" DVD wizard/template to accomplish this.

2) Use "TMPGEnc DVD Author" (a different program than "TMPGEnc") to easily create the required additional DVD files and structure (and chapters and a menu, if you wish).


**If the combined file size of the DVD "package" written to your hard drive is greater than 4.37Gb, use DVD Shrink to compress it down to fit on your recordable media.


If your operating system (O/S) is either Win2000 or WinXP, TMPGEnc DVD Author can also burn your DVD. Otherwise, use NERO to burn in "DVD-Video" mode - Tutorial Located here on how to do this: http://forum.digital-digest.com/show...453#post221453

TMPGEnc - http://www.tmpgenc.net/e_download.html

TMPGEnc DVD Author - http://www.pegasys-inc.com/en/product/tda.html

[iukikiana]

Thank you jmet! This is very helpful. I'll print it out this time so I won't lose it.
Take care!

[setarip]

"so then I can make a dvd from it."

There's really no need to get involved in transferring to your computer , converting, etc.

You can simply purchase a "tabletop" DVD recorder (connects to/through your VCR and television) and push a button to burn a DVD copy...


"Necessity is the Mother of Invention" - NOT a quote by Frank Zappa

Has the fog lifted yet in "My City By The Bay" (One of my favourite towns)? ;>}

[iukikiana]

That would seem easy to do, but my dvd players don't have a button to copy the vcr tape. Mahalo!

[setarip]

"but my dvd players don't have a button to copy the vcr tape."

That's why I said:

You can simply purchase a "tabletop" DVD recorder...

[iukikiana]

Gotcha! Thanks! Sorry misread. 'Recorder' I will check it out.

[sfheath]

A year or two back we'd probably have recommended something like a USB2/Firewire capture device for external use or a capture card for internal use but such is the advance of technology (and fashion!) that DVD Recorders are rapidly replacing VCRs.
Definitely easier than the PC route unless you want to do a lot of editing and menus etc.

[Experi-Mentor]

& not to mention the quality loss

[reboot]

What quality loss?

If you want a VCR/tivo type of device, get a dvd recorder.
If you want a PVR that actually does far more than record in "standard, long play, extra long play", get a computer and a good capture card.

[iukikiana]

Thanks everyone for all your help.

[setarip]

Bitteschoen (You're Welcome);>}

[Experi-Mentor]

What quality loss?

referring to transferring/transcoding procedures.

[kberr70]

VCR to DVD

What about just playing on the VCR and recording to a TIVO box in real time if he/she has one, and assuming the TIVO is home networked, couldn't you just use Sonic or something to then burn to DVD on the PC?

I have been thinking about this for some time....

[reboot]

kberr70, yes that works, providing the tape doesn't have macrovision.
Quality is not always the best, and some tivo formats are not editable, and must be transcoded first.