VCR to DVD Burner
Technology is moving at such a fast pace, so if you want to share those memories with your offspring in years to come, it's probably a best idea to start converting your vhs tapes into a DVD format right away. By converting those old vhs tapes to digital form, you can effectively end the deterioration in its tracks. It also allows you to use your computer to edit out the boring and blooper moments, add narration or music, and make extra copies for your family and friends.
The basic requirements are easy -- a computer and a VCR which can play your old videotapes. Other important items you will need include a device to get the video in and out of your computer (video capture), the software to edit it, and a DVD-burner to copy the video onto DVDs. Video Capture Hardware: Transferring videotape to DVD is actually pretty simple to do yourself, but will require some special hardware. Depending upon your computer setup, already you may have what you need. Here is a options for transferring footage from old videotapes to computer include:
Transfer footage via a video card: To transfer video footage to your computer you will need the right cables and hardware. If you’ve a newer computer, you may already have what you need. Verify the back of your computer and follow the cord coming from your monitor. If you see multicolored (red, white and yellow) plugs on the same card, then you are in luck. With a RCA A/V (audio/video) cable you will be able to directly connect your video camera or VCR directly to your computer. If your video card also has a round S-Video jack, use a S-Video cable in place of the yellow RCA video input for superior video quality. If your video card does not have RCA input jacks, you can also choose to replace it with a new video card.
Transfer footage via a video capture card or device: A cheaper and often easier alternative to replacing the whole video card in your computer is to add a video capture card. You will need an empty PCI slot in the back of your computer to install one. Alternatively, there are some, which will plug into an available USB slot, which is simpler than having to open your computer to plug in the card. Video capture cards generally come with software on CD, which will walk you through the steps of transferring video from your VCR. There are various video-hosting solutions out there nowadays that allow you to do this. All you need to get started is a computer with a DVD burner, blank DVDs and video editing software.