Home audio & video forum: How do I transfer my vhs tapes onto a dvd using my computer

You may not like to spend $400 but I bet that you will be much happier if you did.

But if you must, then here are two capturing devices that I would recommand (nothing less will do).

http://www.mwave.com/mwave/viewspec.hmx?scriteria=3371987

http://www.mwave.com/mwave/viewspec.hmx?scriteria=1238814

I personally have use the adaptec; but I would preferred the Plextor for because it has the mpeg4 support.
I might also added that if your computer doesn't have usb2.0 then you will need to add a usb 2.0 adaptor as will (about $20).
What kind of hardwares and OS do you have?

I think this was maybe just a software conflict problem.....I plan to take "dazzle" back and get plexor convertx and hope it works for me this time.If anyone has any input...it would be appreciated...

I bought the Plextor Convertex digital video converter you suggested and I am very pleased with how easy it is to use.I was wondering though..once you have used the 24+ hours of recording time..how do you erase or delete everything you have recorded and dont want to save anymore so that you can record more?

I am surprised that you have that many hours on the harddrive (you must have a BIGGGG harddrive then..). I normally just work with one or two tapes at a time.

Before buying any software or hardware, read as many user reviews as possible. For example, if you visit Amazon's site and read the user reviews about Pinnacle, you'll see that 75% or so of those listed had problems. When the numbers get that high it usually means something.

In your last post (at the bottom of this thread), you mention 3GHz as the size of your hard drive, and having 24 hours of "recording time." Something is very wrong here. 3GHz is the speed of your processor, and not a value for drive storage capacity. You may have a hard drive with 80GB or 160 GB of space, but 24 hours of true digital video would take up 12GB per hour, which means you'd have to have one of at least 300GB to hold it plus whatever else is installed or stored on your PC. As far as I know, only a customized "hand built" PC would have such capacity. I'm wondering if that figure doesn't mean video that's been converted to MPEG-2, which would be compressed and take up much less space. (?)

Anyway, if you could be more accurate with the details and check around before buying, you will be able to get better help and avoid the mistakes that so many (myself included) have made.

It took me around $700 worth of soft- and hardware to reach the point of being able to make nice DVDs from my tapes. But now I find that it takes too much time and is really not worth the trouble. Until the tape is in questionable condition and as long as my VCR plays it so nicely.... why bother?

Good luck to you.

How did it cost you $700.00 The Plextor rig is about
$150.and a DVD burner is another $150.. or less. Is there something else needed.
By the way your advice was very helpful.

Kingferret