Redjake

Hey guys, I hope there isn't a thread on this already, I tried searching.


I have some VHS tapes I would like to convert to DVD. I want to edit the film from the VHS, and separate it into chapters and all that good stuff. I see these machines all over the place at Wal-Mart and online, but I don't know which one to get! Should I go with a stand-alone machine that does it automatically, or should I get a PC software program? Do I HAVE to have software in order to edit the VHS tapings? I'd like to title the different chapters and all that as well.

Some info: I have a good computer that will handle the software.

I do not have a VCR. I do have a DVD burner in my PC.

Thanks!

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shakran

if you want to have custom-looking menus that look decent, you generally need software.

If you want to edit it cleanly you'll need software.

If you don't want to invest in all this there are freelancers out there, and video shops, that will do it for a fee that costs much less than the equipment.

Redjake

Let's say I go with software. I obviously need hardware, as well. Do I need a VCR? Can I output the VHS tape straight to my computer?

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shakran

well, yes, you do need a VCR to play VHS tapes. You can hook it up to your computer if you get a video input device. The avid mojo is the best but it's crazy expensive. Go with this instead:

http://www.usb-ware.com/ads-dvd-xpress-dx2.htm

Redjake

That thing has pretty good reviews. Is that the best reviewed piece of hardware for under $100 right now? It seems to be a nice set, but some of the reviewers said the quality wasn't the best.

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shakran

no, the quality isn't the best. The Mojo has the best quality, but it's also $1,700. I figure you probably don't wanna spend that much

Any time you copy VHS tape, you'll degrade the quality. It's called generational loss. You probably won't notice any quality degradation unless the quality is already bad.

I think that unit will do what you want without blowing a big hole in your wallet

Redjake

I thought it only degraded if you copied it from tape to tape? How would it degrade from tape to digital on your PC?

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shakran

Because the transfer is still analog until it's encoded by the device. Analog transfers involve quality loss.

This doesn't just apply to VHS, but to betamax, umatic, beta SP, VHS-C, SVHS, hi-8, and other analog recording formats.

Newer digital tape (minidv, DV-Cam, DVCpro, Beta SX) does not have this problem.

It's not the tape itself that's the problem, but the information loss that isn't noticeable on digital.

Redjake

Good explanation......

The VHS tapes aren't that good of quality, because most were shot anywhere from 15 to 20 years ago. I'm very concerned about losing quality. But I can't afford much more than the one you recommended, so I'll probably go with that. Thanks for all of your help!

If anyone else has any additional recommendations, or has experience doing this, please add into this convo!

__________________
Off the record, on the q.t., and very hush-hush.

shakran

The only reason to go with one better than I recommended would be if you were planning to set up a business doing this for other people as well. Lemme know if you have any other questions.

portwineboy

I just used my father's (don't recall the brand) low end VHS=>DVD all in one converter unit and converted a few of my old VHS tapes, including a movie that was released on tape in 1983. I think he paid $150 for this stand alone unit.

The loss in quality was negligible and I'm thrilled to have this flick on DVD (1973 made for TV movie "don't be afraid of the dark".)

Go with shakran's recommended device...you'll be happy.

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Coppertop

I just want to thank shakran for the info, as I too am looking to convert VHS to DVD. This looks to be right in my price range, too.

shakran

no problem guys. Any video (or audio) questions you have, I'm happy to answer

Willy

Are these commercial VHS tapes? A friend of mine converted all of his VHS tapes to DVD by just ordering them from Netflix on DVD and copying the DVDs hehe. Probably not technically legal, but he *had* paid for them once, so he figured he was morally justified. I tend to agree with him.

Redjake

Hey guys,

I just found the converter that Shakran suggested (http://www.usb-ware.com/ads-dvd-xpress-dx2.htm) at WAL-MART of all places for $77. I would go pick it up if you are interested in VHS to DVD conversion. I couldn't believe it when I saw it. Exact model as Shakran suggested. I bought it and will start converting the tapes later in the week, and give a review of the product!

__________________
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shakran

Great! I've seen the reviews, but I use the Mojo, so it'll be good to get a firsthand review.

Redjake

Ok guys, here is a "first impressions" review:

It works. Records VHS without a viewable loss of quality. Very easy to setup and get working, took 10 minutes (including installation). Very user-friendly.


Problem: I am getting "stutters" and "frame hiccups" in the movies that I record! Shakran, do you have any advice on how to avoid this? My computer is more than good enough to do this. 2 GB of PC3200 RAM, Athlon 64 3700+ (2.2 GHz), GeForce 6800 GT 256 MB video card. Nothing is running in the system tray but Windows and the video capture program! But I am still getting a hiccups and stutters about every 5 seconds. Help! I don't want my relatives watching cherished 20 year old video tapes that stutter like watching a DivX movie on a 233 Celeron.

__________________
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shakran

define stutters first, and I'll research it for you.

Redjake

The video freezes for a split second, and then resumes playing. Minor, but very annoying. Similar to trying to play a computer game on a system that isn't powerful enough.

I think I may have fixed the problem. I found a USB port without a driver in Device Manager. I updated it, and now the video has stopped stuttering/skipping/hiccuping. So far, so good. I'll update if the problem persists.

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Redjake

........and it's doing it again. It seems to only do it at the same parts on the video. Particularly, and I know this sounds weird, but when anyone is outside (like, in nature), the capture begins to stutter and hiccup and all that. Almost like the "brighter the color, the more it skips." Does anyone have any other suggestions?

__________________
Off the record, on the q.t., and very hush-hush.

shakran

What program are you using to play the video back?

This sounds like it could be a codec issue. You might need to d/l a codec pack. Look for the K-lite pack - -it's free and solves most problems

flat5

I'll bet it stutters in every water scene.
When ever there is a lot of intricate movement.

Sharon

Sorry to threadjack, but since shakran is here - can you recommend a decent cheap or free video editor? I have been given an old DV camera and would like to put the video on a data CD.

shakran

its not free anymore, but if you find an old version of Ulead it used to be. Otherwise it's around 60 bucks.

I also believe that Avid DV Express is still free. It's good provided you don't need a very robust editor, which it sounds like you don't.