How to convert VHS to DVD

Having films trapped in VHS format need not be the death of your family memories or Disney classics. All you need is to convert your VHS to DVD, and depending on your preference, requires little more than an analogue to digital converter cable. If you would like to convert the actual film to DVD, there are more options available, some improving the picture quality.

Method 1
With an analogue-to-DV converter (such as a DV/Digital 8 camcorder or standalone converter) you can capture the VHS images onto your laptop or computer. You then need to encode it to MPEG-2 and author a DVD. This takes time but gives you more editing options, such as adding scene transitions and music. Each hour of video can take up to several hours of work.

Method 2
Many hardware capture devices exist to convert VHS directly to MPEG-2 onto your computer. Ordinarily a one-hour video is captured and compressed in one hour. This process is less time consuming but doesn’t give you as many options for editing. In fact you’ll only be able to cut the film. You will still, though, have the ability to create DVD menus. Sometimes, however, this method does add artifacts to the DV version which lowers the quality of the playback.

Method 3
By connecting your VHS VCR or camcorder to a DVD recorder you can just write a DVD while playing the VHS in much the same way as you would record a show on TV. This means that you get the realtime DV conversion of your tape without the menus and flexibility. This method however, requires almost zero know how and less time. A DVD VCR with Firewire connections enables a DV/Digital8/DVCAM camcorder or VCR to be plugged into it delivering a higher quality conversion.
Whichever method you decide yo use, make sure that the VHS version has as few flaws as possible as these are exaggerated when converted to MPEG-2 – DVD format.