How to Convert VHS to DVD

Posted on December 31st, 2008 by Paul

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The DVD, the CD’s more powerful cousin, is currently the preferred form of file storage and platform for watching videos. These items are often stacked in places used to be occupied by its predecessor – the VHS. The VHS, being obsolete, may contain material that can’t be found on DVDs, such as old video files and old movies. Given the DVD’s current popularity, you might want to port some of the stuff found in your VHS into DVDs. It wasn’t possible before, but now modern technology has made it a normal endeavor.

Conversion Options

There are a couple of ways to convert the VHS to DVD. You can hook up a DVD recorder and your VCR to your TV then record. Another option is to download a VLC player on the internet, hook up a camcorder to your computer and record the VHS’ contents. Both options require some work, but with some technological savvy, you should have no trouble converting your VHS tapes to DVD format.

The DVD Recorder

The DVD recorder is a device that plays and stores streaming files or videos into a DVD. Advanced models can be hooked up to a computer, like an external DVD drive, for easy file storage. You can use it to play DVDs as well, when connected to the TV. It is sold on computer stores and shopping malls at about $150. If you have piles of cash to burn, you might as well purchase one, so you can finally store the contents of your VHS tapes into DVDs.

What to Do:

Purchase a DVD recorder at a computer store.
Set up your VCR and hook it up to your TV.
Connect the recorder to your VCR and your TV. Follow the instructions found in the recorder’s user manual.
When the connection’s have been completed, insert a blank DVD into the recorder. Place the VHS tape that you want to record inside the VCR.
Hit record on the recorder then play the VHS.
Press the VCR’s dub button, or check the recorder’s user manual for additional instructions for recording.
When the VHS has been recorded, you have the option of recording another VHS, given the DVDs high storage capacity, or to stop the recorder.
Check if you can view the DVD on your DVD player and computer.

If the DVD does not work, check the settings of the both the recorder and the VCR. You can also view the user manual of both devices, in case you missed a requirement or if the devices are not compatible. Summon a computer tech if all else fails.

The Camcorder/DVD Connection

The camcorder, used for recording stuff into a VHS tape, is more advanced than standard VCRs. Some people even use the device until now, especially the advanced ones. Modern camcorders can be hooked up to your computer, some of which are used to port videos. If you convert the VHS’ contents to mpeg files, you can place them in DVDs, care of your computer’s DVD burner. To make this possible, you need to download a file converter called the VLC player.

What to Do:

Open your computer and go to a reputable search engine.
Search for “download VLC player,” which will show dozens of websites offering the program.
Click on one of the sites and download the player.
When the VLC player has been installed, connect the camcorder to your computer through an RCA cable. Plug one of the cable’s ends in the “Line-In” port of your computer’s sound card. The other end of the cable is placed in the camcorder’s “Audio Out” port.
Connect the cable’s yellow and red plug ins to the corresponding color-coded ports of both devices.
With both devices connected, open the VLC player on your computer.
Click on File, then activate the “Open Capture Device.” A small screen will then appear.
Mark the box beside “Stream/Save.” Hit on settings right after, which pulls up another screen.
Mark the box beside “File” then click “Browse.”
Pick a location on your computer, where you will store the VHS’ contents-turned mpeg files.
Once you’re done with your selection, Click “OK.”
Play the VHS’ contents and save them using the VLC player.
After recording, get a blank DVD and insert it in your computer’s DVD burner.
Use a DVD ripping/burning/copying program to transfer the mpeg files into the blank DVD.

Aside from using a camcorder, you can also use an advanced VCR, as long as it can be connected to your computer. Follow the same procedure and you’ll convert all of your VHS tapes in no time.

A Repository of Memories Revisited

Knowing how to convert your VHS tapes into DVDs is a convenient way to preserve memories and things that you have previously forgotten. Aside from movies, people use the VHS to record significant scenes in their lives, including school presentations, birthdays, and other important celebrations. You can revisit anytime you want, once you have stored them in DVDs. At that point, you can say that your every trip to the living room or your room is much like a trip down memory lane.