Transfer video tapes to DVDs
If you're over 30, you probably have drawers full of bulky VHS
tapes that chronicle family highlights. With the compact, high
capacity of DVDs, you can now reduce that jumble of tapes to
a neat (short) stack of discs. They take less storage space, you can
burn endless copies and mail them to anyone, and they're simpler
to play.
You can easily make this conversion with an “analog to digital
converter” even if your computer skills are a bit “lite.” You'll need
your VCR, a computer that sports a DVD burner,
blank recordable DVDs and the converter. The heart of the system
is a piece of hardware that converts the analog signal
from your VCR into a digital signal so your computer can
then burn it onto a disc. (Look for them online. We used Dazzle made by Pinnacle Systems.)
Load the software into your computer, and then hook up
the VCR to the DVC and the DVC to the computer. While
the tape plays, digitized video is fed into the computer,
where it's stored on the hard drive ready for disc burning.
However, this isn't a high-speed operation. You'll have to run the
VCR tape at real time (standard play speed) to complete the digitizing
process. The system shown also has built-in editing features,
which allow you to delete or shorten boring (or embarrassing!)
scenes, type in on-screen notes and even add a sound
track. And more, the software even has
options to enhance washed-out
colors and stabilize shaky
movies. You can order this system
directly from the company
or contact the company to find
a retail store that carries it.
Tip: Convenience isn't the only reason
to digitize those treasured
recordings. VHS tapes aren't
much more than magnetized
plastic ribbons that will eventually
degrade. The plastic
wheels and bearings they
run on won't last forever
either. And every time you
play a tape, there's
always the risk that it
will be eaten by a
hungry machine!
Analog to digital converter
Cable connection ports on converter
Tools for Converting Tapes to DVDs
Along with your computer and VCR player, you need an analog to digital converter. When making connections, hook up the VCR
to the converter with
S-connectors for the
best signal. If those
jacks aren't available
on your VCR, use
the red, yellow and
white RCA
connectors.
