Convert VHS To DVD – DIY or Pay A Pro?






VHS to DVD transfers can be accomplished through paying a professional transfer company if you want. But they can also be done on your own – in your home office, basement, or garage. The benefit you get from a company is that the quality is usually much better than you would get from doing it yourself. A pro transfer service can give you some features that you may not otherwise be able to achieve – such as color correction, digital restoration, editing, and a number of others. If all you want is a basic VHS to DVD conversion, it can be quite easy, though.

Here are two methods that you need for just a basic video transfer.

  1. The first method is to use a VHS to DVD combo machine to do the digital transfer.
  2. The second method is to use a capture device, a PC or Mac computer, and a DVD writer.

Note: If you need to transfer 8mm to DVD (8mm film), then the methods listed in this article are not going to work for you. For film you need a telecine or some other kind of film transfer equipment.

A Digital Transfer Combo Machine

A combo machine has a VHS player and a DVD recorder built right into one unit. This machine lets you play VHS tapes while copying them to a blank DVD. This has three major problems, however:

  • You usually pay more for the convenience of having an all in one device.
  • The image resolution is usually limited.
  • Editing is limited or not available at all.

VHS To DVD Using A PC or Mac Computer

Using your computer can allow you to transfer all kinds of magnetic video to DVD. Some video formats that could be transferred would include: Beta, VHS-C, 8mm tape, Hi8, and miniDV.

Here is a list of important tools you need to conduct a DIY transfer in your own home studio.

  • VCR (or Camcorder)
  • Video Cable With RCA Connectors
  • Video Capture Card
  • Editing Software
  • Blank DVDs
  • PC or Mac Computer

Are you ready to convert VHS to DVD? If so, all you need to do is make a choice on your method and get the appropriate hardware and you can start.

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