Audio & video software forum: What is a simple way to convert old VHS tapes to DVDs?

There hardware out there that have VHS and DVD recorder combo for around $100 USD. But the way I do it is, I have a TV Tuner card. I hook up the VCR to my TV Tuner card on my computer and use Microsoft Moviemaker that comes with all version of Window and use it to record your VHS to DVD. Moviemaker let you have the option of customize your video. You can add music to it, cut and delete sence, etc..

Yes you can record directly LP to yout TV Tunner by connecting AV Caple FROM VCR to TV tunner.No need to change LP to SP.Ayhow LP quality is bad,no way to improve it.

Yes, that's the way I would do it. Not complicated.

Please can you tell me what kind TV tuner I should purchase so I can connect my VCR and cable and PC is this one which I find ok or no. Thanks very much.
Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-950Q TV Tuner Stick/Personal Video

Isn't it better to transfer each VHS into your PC or iMac first (saving it to a large external hard drive) prior to making a DVD? That way, each time you save that video to a DVD, it will be a 'direct to DVD' version (non-degraded); whereas if you transfer from VHS direct to DVD and then want additional ones to give as gifts or whatever, you will need to make your copies from the DVD, and that means degradation of quality... correct?

Thanks for the imput! I'm glad someone replied to my question so fast. You are great!

Sorry, but you are wrong. Wal Mart DOES sell the item mentioned

My question for you is: Is there some kind of decoder or way to copy protected VHS to DVD? On some VHS dubbing, I get an error message saying cannot dub. With the possiblity of VCR's going off the market, I then will have VHS tapes that I will no longer be able to watch. Sometimes I can find old movies that were on VHS now on DVD, but some are really expensive. Can you answer or help me?

Combo units have a built in copy guard protection against duplicating vhs to dvd. Best bet is to purchase a program such a Honestech VHS to DVD and download to computer.

I don't use a combo. I use a VCR that can play all my tapes, including the S-VHS ones. I use a simple connector cable and at the other end of it I use one of these hard drive recorders with built-in DVD writer.

Now, load a tape, start recording to the hard drive, start playback on the tape. Wait until the tape is over and stop the recording.

Now you have a choice:

REALLY simple: copy the recorded file to a DVD choosing the compression that will fit it all on one DVD. Don't worry too much about quality, you will be able to clearly see all the flaws of the original VHS recording.

A bit slicker: Use the HDD recorder's editing features to trim off leading and trailing bits you don't need. Trim out commercial breaks. If there were multiple programs on the tape, slice things up and maybe collect all your episodes from "Married With Children" or "Three's Company" or whatever on your recorder's hard drive. You can then sort things onto collection DVDs.

Really slick (and I haven't worked that one out yet myself): Find a way to overcome Macrovision or similar copy protect schemes so that you can continue to watch what you already paid for - this may be under some restrictions in your jurisdiction.

The best part of this method: Your computer remains free for other things, such as researching the proper sequencing of the episodes.

The "dirtier" the signal, the harder the work the CODEC has to do, and you could end up with a complete mess. Again, use DVD RWs for trial and error. Do not expect to fit six hours on a single layer disc. What makes up the total six hours? Aim to fit one program per disc. If a single program runs for two hours, then you may have to fit it across two discs.

You use an RW disc in the deck, and then copy it through your PC to -R or +R disc. Use the LOWEST burning speed that you can select.

Some players cannot read "ALL" formats. Most DVRs are either +R or -R, but NOT both.

Most PC burners are now triple format -R/-RW/+R/+RW/RAM and Dual Layer capable, but burning at too high a speed often results in a disc that cannot be read in other machines.

BELIEVE THIS OR NOT, I FOUND ON EBAY, NOT ONLY THE VCR CONNECTION THAT USES YOUR USB PORT TO YOUR PC, BUT ALSO THE SOFTWARE FOR A LITTLE UNDER FIFTEEN DOLLARS IN ONE PACKAGE, AND WORKED PERFECTLY.

A lot of manufacturers make dual VHS/DVD player-recorders. You should be able to buy one for around $100 bucks.

We use the Panasonic DMR-E75V. It works well, and copies VHS tapes unto DVDs. It also plays VHS tapes and DVDs.