How to Copy VHS to DVD

The VHS is more or less obsolete nowadays, and a majority of the people prefer to store data on DVDs. Using DVDs is fine if you want to watch or store prerecorded movies. But what if you want to watch your memorable moments which were stored in the past on VHS tapes. You have the option of watching them on a VHS player. But because VHS tapes are inconvenient to carry and handle, you would certainly not opt for them. Instead, you can copy VHS tapes to DVD. Moreover, if you keep using the tapes in VHS players, the film will tardily degrade, reducing the video quality and clarity. Many people have a misconception that copying VHS to DVD is a difficult task. But in reality, it is not, as you simply have to use some software, tools, and techniques to get the job done. Below are some methods that will enable you to copy VHS tape to DVD.

Guidelines to Copy VHS to DVD

Using a Combination DVD/ VHS Equipment
If you use a combination DVD/ VHS device, it would be very easy for you to copy from a VHS to DVD. Ensure if the DVD component of the device has a recording function. If it does have such a function, insert a blank writable DVD or a DVD-RW into the DVD tray of the device. Also insert the VHS tape that you need to copy the video from, into the VCR facility of the device. You may start the recording process by referring to the instructions in the DVD/ VHS device's instruction manual. In this particular method of copying VHS to DVD, you would not be able to change or modify the menus or chapters of the video. You need to use a different copying method if you need to modify the video.

Using a Digital Video Camcorder
Even a digital video camcorder can be used for converting video in VHS tapes into DVD. For this purpose, you would be required to connect the video camcorder to the VCR using composite video cables. You cannot carry out the copying process if you do not have the cables. You can purchase them from any electronic store. Insert the cables' plugs in the VCR's video-out socket and in the video-in socket on the digital video camcorder. The connection ports and procedures may vary depending on the camcorder's make, so you need to read the instruction manual carefully. Follow the instructed steps, and you have the VHS tape video on the camcorder. You may then transfer the video from the camcorder to a DVD by connecting to a PC or a DVD recorder.

Using an Analog-to-Digital Converter Software
In this procedure, you would need an analog-to-digital converter application to act as a middleman between the computer and the VCR. This software will transfer the VHS video into a video format which can be easily read by the computer. There are a variety of such software available in the market, and you need to determine which would be the best one for the video conversion. Moreover, you would also need a DVD writer on the computer for the burning purpose. This is one of the most appropriate ways to convert VHS video to DVD.

Using a VHS to DVD Conversion Service
If you do not want the hassle of wires, complicated connections, and buttons to copy VHS to DVD, there are many DVD conversion services available which would do the job for you for a nominal fee. The fee normally ranges from $10 to $30, depending on the services you ask for. These services also copy protected VHS to DVD without hampering the video quality and clarity.

If you have any VHS tapes that hold past memories, it is recommended to copy them to DVD as early as possible before the video quality deteriorates. I hope by now you would have an idea of how to copy VHS to DVD.