VHS to DVD Software/Hardware

[Morozee]

I have a bunch of home videos on VHS that I want to convert to DVD's. I want to do this myself, so I'm wondering if anyone can recommend software/hardware for doing so.

Thanks!

[Hack&Lube]

Originally Posted by Morozee

I have a bunch of home videos on VHS that I want to convert to DVD's. I want to do this myself, so I'm wondering if anyone can recommend software/hardware for doing so.

Thanks!

Buy a VCR + DVD Writer combo. I saw some at Wal-Mart for around or under $100 last year. Easiest way.

If you are more tech savy, a USB or PCI TV tuner/capture device with coaxial input (again under $100). They all come with neccessary video capture software. Plug in your VCR. Save as the proper file format. Burn to DVD. Requires a lot of harddrive space and time eating up your computer. You get more control but it's a much slower and frustrating process.

[firebug]

Do you (or one of your friends) have a Digital Camcorder (miniDV, D8, etc.)?

Most of these allow you to run a line in from your VCR, and then you just connect your camcorder via Firewire to your computer.

I have been doing a lot of this lately.

~firebug

[ken0042]

I looked at all kinds of software and doing it on the computer options before. I still recommend just buying a DVD recorder (example here.) That one is $150 but you can find good ones for $100 if you look around.

It's easy, and seeing as you are going from VHS you will be working in real time anyways. If you can record from VHS to VHS you can use this for VHS to DVD.

[Morozee]

Originally Posted by Hack&Lube

Buy a VCR + DVD Writer combo. I saw some at Wal-Mart for around or under $100 last year. Easiest way.

If you are more tech savy, a USB or PCI TV tuner/capture device with coaxial input (again under $100). They all come with neccessary video capture software. Plug in your VCR. Save as the proper file format. Burn to DVD. Requires a lot of harddrive space and time eating up your computer. You get more control but it's a much slower and frustrating process.

This is more what I was looking for. I want to be able organize the final dvd into chapters and be able to edit/enhance the footage if I see fit. It doesn't sound like there is any very good options out there for a reasonable price. I read reviews on these: VHS TO DVD 3.0 and ROXIO EASY VHS TO DVD
The reviews really aren't very good, a lot of glitches reported. But some people do recommend both products. These are the only all in one software/hardware bundles I could find, has anybody used them? Are there any others out there?

[Morozee]

Originally Posted by firebug

Do you (or one of your friends) have a Digital Camcorder (miniDV, D8, etc.)?

Most of these allow you to run a line in from your VCR, and then you just connect your camcorder via Firewire to your computer.

I have been doing a lot of this lately.

~firebug

No, I don't know anybody with a Digital Camcorder. But that is a good idea, at least then you could use Microsoft Movie Maker and do a little editing and such.