Question for all you Techies out there from someone who is TI

[dtuleya]

I know there is probably some new technology to do this, but I'm to TI (Technologically Impaired) to know where to find the info.

We have sooo many VHS tapes and home movies that we would like to switch to DVD. How can we do this and where can I find the equipment to do it?

TIA!

 

[KaterBell]

My friend at work just started a service called DVD This.... check it out at www.dvdthis.com I used it to convert my wedding VHS to DVD!! Awesome, and inexpensive.

 

[dtuleya]

Thanks I'll check it out, but I was really looking for some equipment where I could do it myself.

 

[jfulcer]

Well, to start with you will need a DVD Burner. Just go to your local Best Buy, Circuit City, etc.... and look at them. Ask the salesperson for advice (since I have none on a DVD burner - I have one that's so old the company that made it is out of business). The DVD Burner should come with some software that will actually do the burning of your videos (mine did). If it didn't come with software, look for Roxio's CD and DVD Creator 6.0 software. It's cheap and easy to use.

Then, while you are there at the store, ask about a video capture card - there are a bunch out there. Since you're just pulling in VHS, look for one that has RCA inputs on it.

And of course, before you go to the store, make sure you have a large hard drive in your machine. Large means at <i>least</i> 15+ gig free - capturing and editing tapes like that takes a lot of space.

Oh, did I mention a fast processor also?

Anyway, it is a lot of work to get setup to do. You also can check out the prices at Sams. Walmart, etc and such. They do video transfer also.

 

[jfulcer]

Of course, if you don't want to do it via your computer, you could also buy a component for your audio/video equipment like this. Considering all the equipment you need above, it may be a better deal.

Good luck!