How to Convert VHS to DVD

 Are all your old time favourites, or much loved recorded TV shows still on the old VHS system? And you can't fork out the money on an expensive DVD recorder or camcorder? Then this Instructable is for you! I'll show you how to convert your old tapes into DVD's!

Note: The quality of the new DVD will still look like the old VHS, so don't expect superb results. All we are trying to do is archive the movies so they can still be playable in 10 years time (that is to say that Blu-Ray hasn't taken over yet).

Step 1: What you'll need...

 Now there are many different ways of converting tapes to DVD's but this is my way. 

• First you'll need an old VHS player. It doesn't have to be fancy or anything, just something that will play tapes. If you've just taken it out of the cupboard and it's caked in dust (as mine was), I would suggest running a cleaning tape through it first. A cleaning tape is an ordinary tape but with a fabric tape inside, and usually you use a cleaning solution with the tape.
• An AV cable
• A capture device (will explain later)
• Ulead VideoStudio 11 (Now called Corel VideoStudio)
• Lots of Time
• DVD burning software (I used Windows DVD Maker)
• Tapes and blank DVD's

Step 2: EasyCAP

I wanted a cheap capture device that could be as straight forward as possible. That's where the EasyCAP comes in. I got it off eBay for $16, and it was a great purchase. It comes with a driver disc and the Ulead VideoStudio software. Its as simple as plugging the AV cords into the EasyCAP!

Step 3: Let's get ripping!

Now assuming you have installed the Ulead software and drivers, and plugged in the EasyCAP and the VHS player, we are ready to go! First open up the software and you will be greeted with a welcome screen asking whether you want to use the VideoStudio Editor or the Movie Wizard. I'm using the Movie Wizard because it's the most straight forward method to use.

Then the Movie Wizard pops up. You want to click 'Capture'.

Now all the googly bits. This is where you can preview the video, select which capture device to use (if you have more than one), and the format. This part is crucial! In 'Format' select 'DVD'. This will record the video in the same resolution as a DVD.

Right we are ready to go.....NOT! See where it says 'Options'? Click on that and select 'Video and Audio Capture Property Settings...'. This is where you can select which inputs (Composite or S-Video) you are using and what TV system (PAL/NTSC/SECAM) you are using.

Then click on the 'Capture' tab and make sure that in the bottom box it says: 720 x 576 25.00 fps

Now you may put in your tape, press 'Play" and click on 'Capture Video'

The video in the Preview Box may be a little bit laggy; this is normal. The end result will not lag (hopefully)

Step 4: Wait

Self explanatory

Step 5: Burn baby Burn!

Now that the fruit of your labors have payed off you should be stuck with a video file. You can choose whatever program you want (e.g. Windows DVD maker), but because I like DVD's without menus (waste of time) I just burn it straight to the DVD and when you insert the DVD into a DVD player, you should be able to just press play.

Enjoy reliving your old favourites!

Comments

[jess.chinn]

i can't make my audio work either :( p.s. you seem interesting to me (reference to your profile)...you figured out this darn video thing and i've got a 4 year diploma in new media!

[onemoroni1]

I tried this with a knock off EZcap like yours and it didn't work at all. Be careful of bad stuff sold as original.

[jj.inc]

 Or you could just play it right into your dvd player without the record thing

[deathsmileyinc]

you mean a dvd recorder, almost everyone has a regular dvd player that doesnt record

[newtonn2]

 I have an EasyCap like yours, and it's not possible to record the audio properly. There is an annoying background sound.
Do you have the same problem?

[possum888]

 Hmmmm, strange. Some of these cheap input devices have terrible audio. Try buying an RCA to 3.5mm cable, then plug the RCA end into the audio plug of the VCR, and the 3.5mm plug into the Line-In socket on your sound card. Just change the audio device in whatever program you're using from 'USB Audio Interface' to whatever your soundcard is.

Hope this helps!

[newtonn2]

 Thank you for answering so quickly. 

I already try that, but my laptop has not line in, only mic in. So the sound is even worse when connected to the mic.

Thank you.