VHS to DVD transfer lets you bring your old family movies into the digital age - and it's easier than you might imagine. When you transfer your movies from VHS to DVD, you'll probably find yourself watching them more, and you'll extend their shelf life into the next generation of technology.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
Acquire VHS to DVD transfer equipment
When you transfer movies from VHS to DVD, you're taking them from the analog to the digital age. To make this VHS to DVD conversion you'll need equipment to connect your VHS player with your DVD burner.Begin by connecting your VCR to your camcorder. How you do this depends on your camcorder and your VCR. Most devices have RCA inputs and outputs that you can use to connect. When the VCR and camcorder are connected correctly, the movies playing on the VCR will be visible on your camcorder screen.
- With your camcorder in VCR mode, play the VHS tapes while recording them onto a new digital tape.
- After you've recorded the VHS footage with your camcorder, you'll need to import this digital footage into your computer's editing software.
- Go ahead and edit your home movies if you want. You can cut out bad camerawork, and add music and titles. Or, for a simpler project, just take all the footage and put it straight on DVD.
- Use your DVD burning software to put the footage on disk. Make sure to create multiple copies so that you can have a backup copy, and have enough to share with your family.
Tips:
- If you don't have a camcorder and VCR that connect properly, there are other ways to digitize your tapes. Many electronics stores sell devices that connect your VCR directly to your computer. Or, you can probably find a local video professional who will digitize your tapes for a low price.
- Online video editing services like Pixorial and Motionbox offer a way to simplify this entire process. Mail them your VHS tapes, and they'll put them online for you. Form there, you can edit the footage and order customized DVDs.
What You Need
- VCR with A/V out plugs
- Camcorder with A/V in plugs
- Cable to connect VCR to camcorder
- Blank camcorder tape
- Video editing software
- DVD burning software
- Blank DVDs
