Convert to DVD

[Freddy]

In edition 265 of Computer Active there is a six page article on converting LPs, tapes and VHS to DVD.







Freddy

[Steve Crook]

name='Freddy']In edition 265 of Computer Active there is a six page article on converting LPs, tapes and VHS to DVD.







Freddy

Does it say that it'll improve the quality of what is recorded?



Steve

[Freddy]

name='Steve Crook']Does it say that it'll improve the quality of what is recorded?



Steve

No Steve,



It keeps to the technical side as well as what hardware you will need. The nearest thing to the software is when it mentions that some shop bought videos have a system called Macrovision which interferes with the copying process.



I had been thinking of trying to capture stills of actors off VHS and when I saw this in the shop it was serendipity but looking at some web sites quality does seem to be an issue so I might put it on the back burner for a while.



regards

Freddy

[Fellwanderer]

To be honest, I've had no problems converting from vhs to dvd - simply connect a video player to a dvd recorder, make sure the TV is set correctly, play the video and record on dvd.

[Edward G]

It is worth running it through a PC and using video editing software so you can add add a menu and proper chapters etc. if it's a really cherished recording or family footage. This can clean up the picture as well...

[Fellwanderer]

name='Edward G']It is worth running it through a PC and using video editing software so you can add add a menu and proper chapters etc. if it's a really cherished recording or family footage. This can clean up the picture as well...

Yes - I do that afterwards have recorded it on a dvd-ram disc first.

[Freddy]

name='Fellwanderer']To be honest, I've had no problems converting from vhs to dvd - simply connect a video player to a dvd recorder, make sure the TV is set correctly, play the video and record on dvd.

Will look into it more. A chap in the market has shelves full of tapes, all for 50p each, hence my query. Found some very good stuff there.



Freddy

[Fellwanderer]

name='Freddy']



Will look into it more. A chap in the market has shelves full of tapes, all for 50p each, hence my query. Found some very good stuff there.



Freddy

I'd have to check as it has been a while but I'm pretty sure it was a bit of trial and error to get it connected the right way round using a scart lead, choose the correct AV channel on the TV, then play the video and record on the dvd.



You may find the odd tape that has macrovision protection so it can't be copied. I'm sure I've read of a way round it but not looked into it fully.

[jamesharris]

name='Fellwanderer']To be honest, I've had no problems converting from vhs to dvd - simply connect a video player to a dvd recorder, make sure the TV is set correctly, play the video and record on dvd.

likewise with either Pal or NTSC

[Fellwanderer]

name='jamesharris']likewise with either Pal or NTSC

I must admit to having a current problem with an NTSC tape - I'd forgotten about that. I believe that is down to the dvd recorder [only a couple of months old].



Actually, when I think about it, the NTSC tape is the only one I've tried with this dvd recorder so I'll try a PAL tape to confirm whether or not it is the dvd recorder.

[jamesharris]

name='Fellwanderer']Yes - I do that afterwards have recorded it on a dvd-ram disc first.

I've never tried it with a PC but its easy with a DVD recorder

[Freddy]

name='Edward G']It is worth running it through a PC and using video editing software so you can add add a menu and proper chapters etc. if it's a really cherished recording or family footage. This can clean up the picture as well...

Edward



Regards

Freddy

[Carmel]

Im going to have a stab at it as i have loads of very rare VHS so converting them to disc would be great, although as you said its trial and error knowing me it will be more error before i get it right if at all.

[Fellwanderer]

name='Carmel']Im going to have a stab at it as i have loads of very rare VHS so converting them to disc would be great, although as you said its trial and error knowing me it will be more error before i get it right if at all.

Make sure you use a video that is of no value when setting things up just in case you make a mistake. Obviously, that should be pretty difficult as it is play on the video and record on the dvd.

[Freddy]

While shopping I saw a video to dvd copying machine, there was little time to investigate any further. Has anyone had an experience with one of these. Might be easier than buying additions for the computer.



Thanks in advance

Freddy

[Gazza]

I do the same as Fellwanderer and hitch up the video player into the back of the DVD recorder. Always works well for me and I do the editing afterwards.



I've been buying plenty of tapes from ebay and charity shops, then either selling them again (depending on what they are) or give them back to the charity. It's a good way of getting a back catalogue if you're not fussed with all the extras and stuff.

[johng]

There are plenty of devices available on the internet to circumvent macrovision - many of them in the form of a special scart lead.



I can see little harm in using one of these provided the DVDs are for your own use, and you still have the original VHS tape, and provided you are NOT trying to sell pirate or bootleg DVDs. The law would rightly look very unfavourably on anyone trying to do so.