How to Convert VHS to DVD with a DVD Recorder

By preserving your favorite movies or memories, the standard used to VHS videotapes. But with the advances in DVD technology, the advantages of DVDs proved to outweigh those of VCR tapes. Video tapes can wear out over time, and was bent, damaged or dirty. The cassette casings are vulnerable to damage as well, making the band useless. Storage is easier with DVDs since they take less space than videos. Not to mention quality of picture and sound is higher on DVDs. So the question is, how can I convert my video tapes to DVD to save them for my future enjoyment? There are several options. First you could use a VHS to DVD conversion service that the transfer for you. However, if you a lot of videos to convert, over time your money by doing the conversions yourself in the comfort of your home. The computer savvy among us will use their computer to their videos to DVD. It requires copying the video to a digital file on the computer using an analog converter. The file is compressed to MPEG-2 format before being burned to a DVD. This method takes some time, but it allows you to make changes in the video as special effects or music, before burning to DVD. Depending on the burning software you use, you should be able to a menu or other special features to add. However, the process is quite slow, because you transfer the file twice: first from the video to the computer and then from the computer to the DVD. So to save time and effort, you can copy the tapes to DVD without using a computer. There are two ways to do this: The first is buying a DVD recorder that allows input from another source. You simply connect your VCR by cable to the DVD recorder. Then while the video plays, it is also recording. If you choose this option, consider purchasing a video processor called a proc amp or time base corrector. These devices stabilize and improve the quality of the analog video as it is fed to the DVD recorder and can greatly enhance the images you get DVD.The on the second option is to purchase a combination DVD / VCR recorder . It does the same as the previous option without any cables. If you plan to copy many videos, it is worth your time and effort to find out what kind of processing the machine does to the analog signal from the video tape before it converts to the digital signal is recorded in DVD format. You want the best possible result that you can get. If you own conversion, always the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure you capture the video properly. Make sure you have cleaned the heads of the VCR between copying videos. Old tapes carry a lot of dust or other particles that can clog your VCR. And because you copy the video directly to DVD, whatever the quality of your problems with the video will soon be on the DVD image. Understand that if you have videos which are recorded at SLP (6 hours video on a tape) you are not the same quality of recording on a DVD to get, though the video was recorded at SP (2 hours video on a tape). If you find the quality is not acceptable to you, consider changing your method of converting video to DVD. However, for many people the time and energy saved in converting the videos on their own will outweigh any concerns over video quality.