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How to Convert and Transfer VHS Tapes to DVD

Most of us have losts of old home video VHS tapes on which our precious memories are stored: graduation, wedding, birthday parties, baby showers, etc. While VCR is slowly disappearing from the market, to convert VHS to DVD is a good choice to keep those memories for longer time. Luckily, several options exist for the VHS to DVD conversion. But please note that the easier the operation, the less flexibility you will have.

With Capture Card+DVD Burner

With DVD Recorder

With VHS Conversion Service

With Capture Card+DVD Creator

Using a capture tool is usually the least expensive way to record VHS tapes. It can capture or convert the analog video signal from VHS tapes to a digital format saved on computer, where it can be edited and enhanced. Then you can burn the final version VHS to DVD with a DVD Creator. This method also allows you to convert copy protected VHS tapes, which the other methods can not.

Step 1 Configure capture card to your computer

There are lots of videos on YouTube show how to configure capture card to a computer. Designate a hard drive with a lot of free real estate to save the generated video files. Set the video quality as 720X480 (standard Digital Video format).

Step 2 Connect VHS player with capture card

If possible, use a S-video cable or cables with RCA connectors to connect your VHS player with the capture card. Otherwise, coaxial cable and the capture card tuner are ok.

Step 3 Start recording/converting

Start recording first, then start playing the VHS tape to make sure no video chips are missed. Keep an eye on the recording process and stop it when the tape comes to the end.

Step 4 Launch DVD Creator and start burning

When all VHS movies have been copied to hard drive, the format is generally AVI or MPEG. Download and install Aimersoft DVD Creator. You can use it to make some editing, like adjusting video and transition effects, cropping, trimming, customizing DVD menu, etc. Then burn the final version to DVD. Click here to learn the details of how to burn movies of VHS to DVD.

Aimersoft DVD Creator can burn VHS to DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW. Generall speaking, DVD-R/RW is more compatible and more widely supported by DVD players. Just check the compatibility of your DVD player and DVD disc you select.

With DVD Recorder

With a DVD Recorder, you don't need a computer to make DVDs. It is a standalone device, which can record from analog sources like VHS players and old video cameras, it can also record from digital sources like camcorders. transfer VHS to DVD

However, DVD recorders cannot convert copy protected VHS to DVD. It provides very limited flexibility for users to edit videos or to customize DVD menus. What's the worst is that the price of a DVD recorder is much more higher than the sum of a capture card and a DVD Creator.

Step 1: Connect DVD recorder to VHS player.

Just as mentioned above, use S-video cable or standard RCA dubbing cables for both video and audio. Connect the VHS player output to the DVD recorder input.

Step 2: Insert a DVD disc to DVD recorder.

Check the compatibility of your DVD player with the DVD disc and select the one works best for you.

Step 3: Position the VHS tape to the beginning and check the input signal of DVD recorder.

Step 4: Start recording

Start recording and then start playing the VHS tape. Moniter the recording process. If the space of inserted DVD disc is enough, you may add another tapes to the recording.

Step 5: Finalize the recording

Remember to finalize the recording, or the generated DVD cannot be playback on standard DVD players. You can add chapter stops to the generated DVD by finding the right spots and pressing the relevant button on your remote. When you have finished managing the content of the DVD, finalize it.

With VHS Conversion Service

There are many specialist companies like Home Movie Depot that can provide a wide range of video conversion services, including converting VHS to DVD. The disadvantage is that if you have lots of old video tapes, the conversion service will cost you lots of money.

Ready to try now? Or go to learn more about Aimersoft DVD Creator.

How to Convert and Transfer VHS Tapes to DVD

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