VHS To DVD: A Little Preparation Goes A Long Way

To convert VHS to DVD, a certain amount of preparation is needed. My name is Marty Holthaus and I coordinated visual effects for Hollywood movies for more than ten years on over twenty feature films including Superman Returns and The Chronicles of Narnia. I love to share my knowledge on how to preserve and enhance old home videos and movies from yesteryear. In this article, I provide an overview of the basics and what equipment you will need.

VHS To DVD: An Outline For Preservation

1. First, you need to transfer old magnetic tape formats such as VHS to a digital format like DVD. If you are looking for superior quality then you will need to transfer them to a file format that you can preserve on an external hard drive or computer.
2. Second, make a second back-up of the files on an external hard drive or another computer and store it in a safe – and separate – location.
3. Third, if you choose to hold on to your original magnetic tape, store the cassettes in a cool dry place standing upright against each other – like books on a bookshelf.
4. Next, after you convert VHS to DVD or convert the analog signal to a digital file and store it on a hard drive, it is time to edit the video. This is when you will need to bring out the video editing software. Import the video files to your video software and use the software to edit, add transitions, and incorporate background music to your video.
5. Finally, once you have edited the video and have just the footage you want organized the way you want it, it is time to burn the video to DVD or Blu-ray.

VHS To DVD: What You Need

So, I have shown you what you need to do to get from VHS tape to DVD or Blu-ray disc. Now, what equipment will you need to get there? If you want a fast and easy way to digitize your footage onto DVD, then just get a VHS to DVD recorder. There are no bells and whistles – just the basics. You just push a button and the machine will transfer your VHS tape directly to DVD.

If, however, you want something more stylish, then you will need a computer-based method. Before you buy all of these items, do some more research (just click on one of the links in this article) – or ask a professional at a computer store. Here is a cheat sheet to get you started. Remember, do some more research to make sure you are not buying equipment unnecessarily. Your computer may already be equipped with some of this hardware and software.

• VCR – Any standard VHS player or recorder will do.
• Video Processor and Video Enhancer – These devices will help clean up the images, remove excessive noise, and adjust color and contrast.
• Computer – Any PC or Mac with enough RAM and disk space to handle large video files. Must be compatible with all of the other components you are using in your home “studio.”
• Video Editing Software – There are a lot out on the market. Spend more money to get better quality and have fewer problems later on. Make sure it is compatible with your computer.
• External Disk Drive – Get the biggest and best drive you can get to offload all of the video clips so as to free up your computer’s primary disk space.
• DVD Burner – Make sure the burner will work with DVD formats that match all of your other equipment including your TV.
• DVD Burner Software – This controls the burning process of the DVD burner. Make sure it is compatible with your computer.
• DVDs – Make sure the DVD format (DVD-R, DVD+R, etc.) will work with all of your studio’s DVD components – as well as your TV.