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VHS to Digital Conversion Hardware and Software

Tags: vhs, digital

Monday, September 15, 2014 2:13:51 AM

My Personal Summary

I am going with the DVD/VHS recorder, because:

  1. With a push of a button, it stores the VHS as a DVD. This is all I will want in most cases. Then, if I want to edit it afterward, I can edit from the DVD. Likewise if I want to upload it to YouTube etc.
  2. It won’t tie up my computer while it’s transferring. I can be writing software or checking email while the DVD/VHS recorder does its thing.
  3. I don’t have to buy a massive external hard disk drive on which to store the transferred videos – they’ll be on DVD.
  4. I don’t have to buy a high quality, compatible VHS player, because this is an all-in-one device.

DVD/VHS Recorder (quick and easy)

Choose this if you want to transfer directly to DVD without editing.

Stick the old VHS and new DVD into the recorder. Then press record.

  • Store to DVD, then edit later if you like.
  • Cost $100-$200

E.g.

Pros

  • Least complicated method

Cons

  • Generally lack high-definition outputs

Analog-to-digital adapter (better editing workflow)

Choose this if you want to transfer to a hard disk first, optionally edit, and then transfer to any digital medium.

Stick the VHS into the VHS player. Connect the VHS player to the computer. Press record. Optionally edit the recording, and hen burn/transfer it to the medium of your choice.

  • Store to HDD, then edit before transferring to DVD/other medium.
  • Cost
    • VHS Player
    • Analog-to-digital converter ($40 – $200)
    • Computer (maybe a second one strictly for this purpose)
    • Software that comes with the a-2-d converter
    • HDD

E.g.

Pros

  • Convert to any digital medium
  • Transfer to digital, edit the digital file, then burn to DVD

Cons

  • More steps if you just want to convert quickly to DVD
  • Requires a large HDD (hour video equals about 750 MB)
  • Ties up your computer while your recording.

VHS player and DVD recorder

Choose this is you’re a masochist.

  • Store to DVD, then edit later if you like.
  • Cost
    • VHS Player
    • DVD Recorder
    • Cable to connect the two

Hire someone to do it for you

Choose this if you aren’t a geek.

  • $10 to $30 per two hour recording.

Resources

http://www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/how-to-convert-vhs-to-dvd/

http://www.wikihow.com/Transfer-VHS-Tapes-to-DVD-or-Other-Digital-Formats