How To Convert VHS To DVD

A list of all current VHS to DVD converter options

As you look on your collection of video tapes, you probably have some concern about the storage space requirements as well as the longevity of your collection and what you can do to preserve it. To copy VHS to DVD, one must first understand the differences between the two systems and how that determines the VHS to DVD conversion process.

VHS is an analog format. This means that information is encoded by the magnetic fields stored on a magnetic tape. Over time, various processes will cause this information to degrade and will eventually render the tape unreadable. DVD is a digital format. Information is stored as ones and zeroes on a disc and, unlike VHS, will not degrade over time providing you take proper care of your media.

As the two formats are different, to copy your VHS to DVD you need to find a way to convert the analog information to a digital one and for that, you need a VHS to DVD converter. There are several options available to you on this front and the method you choose will depend on what you are looking for and what resources are available to you.

VHS to DVD Recorders
Of all the methods available, this method is probably the simplest. The VHS to DVD recorder is a device that integrates a VHS video player with a DVD burner. This allows you to copy your VHS tapes to DVD in the same way that you would dub a tape with two VHS players. If you aren't too computer savvy, technically minded or require fancy menus and transition effects, this is a simple and quick solution. There are disadvantages however, if you own copy-protected movies, this device will be unable to transfer your VHS tapes to DVD.

DVD Recorders
A DVD Recorder is a stand alone unit that resembles and functions in the same way that your VCR does. In addition to being able to play DVDs, the unit also has inputs for various audio and video sources, just like your typical VCR. Using this option is going to take a little technical know-how but if you have set-up VCRs to copy VHS tapes, this should not be a problem as the process is the same. There is the added advantage that you can copy those copy-protected movies that you brought so many years ago.

Converters that make use of Computers
The next few methods discussed will demand an increase in technical know-how and your comfort level with computers. All the methods below make use of some sort of analog-to-digital converter and while some methods are relatively simple, there are others are very difficult and will require some effort to master. As with anything, the increased technicality offers increased flexibility and the ability to add menus and transition effects.

DV/Digital 8 Camcorders
If you own a digital camcorder, you can use this as your analog-to-digital converter. The camcorder is connected to and sits between your VCR and your computer and acts as your VHS to DVD converter. The analog signals are sent into the camcorder, which converts the signal into digital data. This data is then sent via either the Firewire or USB port into your computer where it is saved as a digital video file.

There are some technical considerations that must be taken into account before you use this method. DV files can be huge, taking up to 14 GB of harddrive space per hour of video. You will also need to allocate additional space to edit and convert the DV file and burn your DVD.

VHS To Computer Capture Cards and Boxes
Converting or copying a VHS tape to DVD can result in differences in quality depending on your chosen method. The best results can be obtained with the use of a high quality MPEG-2 encoder, the format used on DVD discs. Having a dedicated, high quality encoder chip, either in the form of a video capture card or USB encoder box means that much of the encoding is taken away from your computer's processor and given to hardware that is specially suited for the task. This results in cleaner output and is especially true when compared to the DV Camcorder case. Converting from analog to the DV format and then converting into the DVD's format can, and usually does, result in a loss of quality and may produce undesirable artifacts.

While this is the most technically demanding options, with some good encoding hardware and editing software, you can get some spectacular results. Depending on the features of your software, you may also be able to get all the menu and transition features seen in many of the store-brought DVD movies in your collection.

VHS to DVD Conversion Service
This may be the simplest option of all the above mentioned ideas but, depending on the number of tapes, may be the least cost effective solution. There are many companies that offer VHS to DVD conversion services, some which can be found in the yellow pages of your phone directory or on the internet. Depending on the features ordered, prices may range from $30 to as much as $100 or more per tape.

The main disadvantage to hiring someone is cost. But many of these providers also offer the ability to clean up tapes that are of poor quality, something that may not be found in the average consumer application.

As you can see, there are several options available and the best one will depend on your circumstances, how involved you want to be and what hardware you have available.