VHS To DVD Software
A look at all the programs on the market
Many of us have a collection of old VHS tapes that we would love to preserve. Unfortunately, even under optimal storage conditions, VHS tapes need maintenance and will degrade over time on their own. Your best option is to convert those old tapes to DVDs which, if properly stored and maintained, will last indefinitely. Using a computer and VHS to DVD conversion software offers several advantages over other solutions, e.g. VHS to DVD combo units, in that they allow for editing, previewing and burning the video to a final format or DVD.
Using a computer to transfer your VHS tapes to DVD means that you have far more options available, in terms of hardware and software. All computers need a few things to capture video and burn it to DVD and they are:
1. Video Capture Device. All computers must have some device that can convert the analog video signals from your video tape to a digital format. This can take the form of a capture card or some external capture device usually plugged into your USB port.
2. DVD Burner. You'll need a burner to create those DVDs so they can be played on your favorite DVD player.
3. Video Capturing and Editing Software. This works in tandem with your Video Capture Device to save, edit those video files, and burn them to DVD. The attributes of each software package vary considerably in terms of function, ease of use and price.
In most cases you may have to buy each item separately but there are some software applications which include a capture device.
VHS2DVD Wizard
The VHS2DVD Wizard software runs on XP, Vista and Windows 7 and comes with everything you need to be up and running in as little time as possible. The package comes with a software CD, a video transfer cable and its own USB video capture device, adding value to the product and installation and setup is a quick and easy process. For the computer anxious users, there is a quick start video tutorial that walks you through the process of capturing, editing and burning your video to DVD. The software package has been designed to make the conversion process as painless as possible and offers the capability to edit and remove any unwanted sections before making that final burn to DVD. You also have the ability to copy those copy-protected VHS tapes.
NCH Golden Video
NHC Golden Video is specifically designed to convert VHS video cassettes and has been developed to make the conversion process as easy as possible. Installation is an easy process through a step-by-step wizard and the application features some image restoration tools that can be used during the conversion process. This is especially useful if your tapes have been sitting boxed for several years and image quality has started to degrade. It is also capable of detecting the end of a video, so you don't need to sit and monitor the capture process. The software also allows users with no technical skills access to some advanced features such as optimizing audio levels, adding titles and captions and adjusting effects before and after video capture. The application also has integrates its own CD/DVD burning capabilities which makes the entire process easy and straightforward.
This application only works on Windows XP, 2003, Vista, 2008 and Windows 7 but doesn't include a capture device which you will need to purchase separately.
Honestech VHS to DVD
This video to DVD solution features its own USB video capture device allowing you to easily connect your VHS player or camera to your computer. The software also features beginner and advanced modes depending on your skill, comfort level and needed level of customization. The plug and play installation of the capture device is easy on Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7.
Despite having its own video capture device, this application is very resource intensive, so if your machine is not up to snuff, you will notice a degradation in video and audio quality. The software does offer the advantage of being able to copy your copy-protected or macrovision VHS tapes.
Roxio Easy VHS to DVD
Roxio is one of the most recognized brands when it comes to video audio and DVD playback software on home computers and some of their flag ship products are widely known by many home users. The Easy VHS to DVD software package comes with its own plug-and-play USB device making hardware installation simple and easy. The Easy VHS to DVD application, which is compatible with XP, Vista and Windows 7, is difficult to install and may take as long as 30 minutes to do so. This can be a daunting and involved process for non-computer savvy users. The application has also been known to misread the signals from home-made videos, mistaking them for commercial copy-protected VHS videos and halting the conversion process.
If you do purchase this product, it may be best to discard the application that comes with it and use the USB capture device with your chosen VHS-to-DVD capture application but this makes for an expensive proposition.
Conclusion
There are a wide variety of solutions to pursue if you choose to use your computer to convert your VHS tapes to DVD which can make for an easy, affordable and enjoyable experience as you pop your newly converted video into your DVD player.