VHS to DVD?

[Neal]

I have this old black and white VHS tape that I want to get on to a DVD. Now I have the TV in, and can hook up the VCR etc. What I want to know is what do I record on to, or in what form, to the hard drive so that I can burn it on to a DVD and be able to watch it on a TV through a stand alone DVD player?
Any ideas or advice?
Thanks,
Neal.

[Taz]

http://www.dvdrippersresource.com/copyvhstodvd.html

[Taz]

I think DVD Santa will do it
http://www.dvdsanta.com/

[Neal]

Thank you, and thank you again! I'll check them out.

[Dr.Dan]

Software encoding for the transfer of VHS to disk isn't the greatest... you'll get better results out of a stand along hardware encoder such as DVD XPress From ADS Tech (http://graphics.tomshardware.com/video/20040220/)

Probably even better, although I haven't looked at the results myself, would be one of those VHS / DVD recorders (http://hometheater.about.com/od/dvdhardwareandsoftware/tp/dvdvcrrecorders.htm) (vcr/dvd combo) for about $400

[Taz]

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1050249&Sku=O38-1052

Something like this

[Neal]

Couldn't I just record it through my ATI card like I was recording off the TV?

[Dr.Dan]

Yes you can... but the quality would suck... it will look worse than the tape does and have 'drop outs'.

Give it a try... see how you like it...
Experiance says you won't be happy with the result of the final DVD ;)

[Neal]

Rats!

Thanks Dr. Dan.

[Ken_ver_1_5]

I had a post that got lost on the ADS dvd express.
this is a usb device I have used it many times makes great
dvd's with the quality of *vhs
it can record directly to dvd or to your hard drive to edit
with your favorite program then burn to dvd.
I have used ati tv cards and the quality was very poor.


*vhs quality is less that that of dvd, the best one can hope for is
equal quality to the original vhs output. no vhs to dvd device
made today can improve on the quality of the original vhs tape.

[Dr.Dan]

Rats! That's rather fitting of your Avitar :uug:

But seriously, try it with the ATI (what card do you have?) and see what it looks like.

[Neal]

I believe it's the ATI All-In-Wonder 8500.

[Neal]

Sorry, just checked the box and it's a 9600.

[Dr.Dan]

Have you had a chance to try it out yet Neal?

[Neal]

A buddy of mine lent me his brand new, still in the box, Panasonic DVD recorder. I am still reading the instructions and I will have to go and buy some DVD-R cause mine are all DVD+R. I'll see how that works.

[Dr.Dan]

That'll work just fine... as long as the tape isn't copyguarded ;)

[Neal]

I hope the tape works. But apparently the tape is copy itself. I bought it on line from a large "Reputable" (?) company. When I showed it to a retail tape guy he said it was a copy and I think that this guy knows his stuff.

[Dr.Dan]

Just hook up the VCR through the DVD recorder and watch the movie for a bit...
If the copyguard is on it, it'll get lighter and darker... or the picture will distort or go to a negative... depending on the type of protection on it.

If it looks fine you're read to start burning :)

[Neal]

It's a complete unit with the DVD and VHS all in one box. After a brief reading of the instructions says all you have to do is push one button. "Dub" and your good to go.

[Dr.Dan]

Ahhhh.... IC ;)
You just said it's a DVD recorder... didn't know it's a combo unit...

Let us know how well it goes... I want a complete review on this model :d

[newcomer]

Dr.Dan

I see your location is London
If that's London Ontario check out XS Cargo at Wharncliffe and Baseline
They get the DVD-VHS stand alone combo's in there every so often
They're usually priced in the $150 range
I got a Sanyo there and it's burned any VHS onto DVD I've asked it to
As for copyguard.......had problems with only a few VHS.......found that if I started recording "before" the warning came up at the start it worked
Only problem with the Sanyo is it will only use DVR-R's
Other brands use both "+" and "-"
These stand alone combo's also come with input connections
At present I have a cheap VCR and DVD player hooked into the inputs
I guess you can figure that to me R+B doesn't mean music these days

[Dr.Dan]

Thanks newcomer, but I wasn't looking to pick one up... just wanted Neal to give a review on what he thought of that model he has there ;)

I've seen the ones they have a XS Cargo... I'm not crazy about their warranties so I don't plan on buying any electronics from them.

[Neal]

Well I have transfered quite a few old VHS tapes to DVD and I must say I am quite impressed with this unit. I know you can't get better than the source but I actually think that the DVD copies are better than the original tapes. Now my Laurel and Hardy "Way Out West" is preserved for a little longer than the tape will last. I also copied an old INXS concert that I had taped off Much Music. Turned out pretty good also considering that the tape wasn't so hot to begin with. Still playing with it and learning.

[Ken_ver_1_5]

good to here you got things working Neal.

[novabus726]

I got the same issue as well. I have a tonne of old VHS tapes that I need to put onto a DVD or maybe a VCD or SVCD. I have tapes dated back as far as 1999 and needed to be converted desperately. I was considering getting the Dazzle (one suggestion for all of your need, reference: www.dazzle.com) Video Creator device or maybe (if one of you people suggest it) the DVD XPress From ADS Tech (reference: http://www.adstech.com/). Could anyone make a suggestion? Also, how do you like those products mentionned above?

In my opinion, the latest products from Dazzle (the Digital Video Creator 90 or the Digital Video Creator 150) requires a USB 2.0 port for hi-speed data transfer.

If you have a USB 1.0 or 1.1 port and fall below the system requirements for the Dazzle DVC 90 or DVC 150, the Dazzle DVC 80 is good, but don't expect the quality to look great. More details can be founded on the website at www.dazzle.com

[Ken_ver_1_5]

I use the ads box on usb 1 at 4mbs. thats all you need to backup vhs
any more is just a waste. the dvds I have made from my vhs tapes
have the same quality as the tape itself. I recently was abel to test
this on a big screen tv and there is no difference. my tv is only a 32'
also you can install a usb 2 card if needed.

[Neal]

Well Dr. Dan it looks like I am going to have to break down and get the ADS DVD Xpress. I have run into tapes with copy protection. I am not copying to sell them or anything, I just want to preserve them and I think DVD is better for that. Future Shop sold out. Staples says that they have them. I hope the $129.00+tax is worth it.
Neal.

[Dr.Dan]

If you have, or know someone that has a Costco membership, they have them there for $99.99 (last time I checked)

Check online at costco.ca

[Neal]

I am a member! Thanks Dr. I'll check it out.
Neal.

[Neal]

Couldn't find it on their site. I'll go in person.
Thanks again.
Neal.

[Cindylou]

Costco does carry them. We bought one about a month ago and it works great!

[Neal]

You peeps were right Costco has them and they were down to $89. Too busy today to read the instructions and set it up. Maybe this weekend.
Thanks,
Neal.

[Dr.Dan]

If you have questions about it (and I'm sure you will), start a new thread for it.

There are a couple people here that use it and can give you allot of 'tips and tricks' on using this box ;)

[Cindylou]

I am using it as we speak. My other half is the "guru" with it. He set everthing up and once you know how to use it, it is very easy. If I can use it anyone can :bsu:

[maemer]

I bought the Ads Tech DVD express today at Costco ($88.00) + tax and have already done a VHS. The dvd is as clear as the tape . Awesome program.