Do you have a bunch of videotapes and you don't know what to do with them? It's probably time to rewrite them to DVDs. Professional videotaping services are expensive, but you can do everything yourself with the right hardware and software.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using a video analog-to-digital converter
Step 1. Select a video analog-to-digital converter
It costs from 6,500 to 10,000 rubles. Popular models are:
- HDML-Cloner Box Pro;
- Elgato Video Capture;
- Roxio Easy VHS to DVD;
- Diamond VC500.
Step 2. Connect the device to the VCR via MMI cable
Now connect your device to your computer via a USB cable.
Step 3. Install the software for the device
It can be found on the device manufacturer's website.
Step 4. Run the program on your computer
Insert a videotape and rewind or fast forward to the point where you want to start recording.
Play the video tape. Its contents will be displayed in the pop-up window of the installed program. Then find the point where you want to start recording
Step 5. Click “Record” in the program window and then click the play button on the VCR
Make sure your software is in Capture Mode, otherwise the DVD will not have a few seconds of videotape content on it. This process depends on the software installed, but in any case, wait for the video to copy to your computer and then start burning the DVD.
Step 6. When the video is copied to your computer, open the video in any media player installed on your computer
Do this to check the quality of your video. If you want to edit a video, open it in iMovie or a free program like VirtualDub and cut out the unwanted parts.
Make sure audio and video are in sync. If not, select “Interleaving” from the “Audio” menu and enter a positive or negative number to delay the audio. When you've figured out how much to delay the sound, from the View menu, choose Audio display
Method 2 of 3: Using a DVD / VHS Combo Player
Step 1. Take out the VHS / DVD combo player
Although such a player usually does not support high definition and software, it is still the most convenient way to burn a videotape to DVD.
- The new combo player costs around 6,500-13,000 rubles, but prices in online stores are likely to be lower.
- Also, a simple VCR can be connected to a DVD recorder. This requires a conventional bi-directional audio-video cable. Connect the outputs of your VCR to the inputs of your DVD player and follow the rest of the instructions as if you were using a combo player.
Step 2. Clean the video cassette tape
Do this as a precaution or as needed, depending on the quality of the tape. If the tape is very old or dirty, it should be cleaned to avoid damage during playback in the combo player.
- Flip open the videotape cover to access the tape. While rotating the spool, move the tape and wipe it off with a soft cloth or cotton swab.
- If the tape is wrinkled or curled, gently flatten it with a cloth. Rotate the other spool to straighten the heavily twisted tape. Be very careful.
Step 3. Insert the videotape and blank DVD into the combo player
Check your player's specifications for DVD formats (whether you can burn DVD-R or DVD-RW discs) and make sure you have the correct disc.
Step 4. Press the Play and Record buttons
This process depends on your player model, but usually you need to press the play button on the VCR control panel and then the record button on the DVD player control panel. Sometimes, instead of two buttons, you just need to press one record button to start the copying process.
Method 3 of 3: Using a Videotape Digitizer Service
Step 1. Take the videotapes to a digitizing service
Do this if you don't want to buy additional hardware. In this case, you will not be able to edit the video or clean tapes, but all you have to do is bring and collect tapes. We also recommend using this service to digitize 8 mm film or Betamax cassettes.
The service for digitizing videotapes can be searched over the Internet. Remember that one DVD will hold two hours of video from a cassette
Step 2. Deliver the videotapes and explain what needs to be done
For example, if you want the service to rewrite all your daughter's birthdays on one disk, and your son on another, be sure to inform the service staff about this. Make sure all cassettes are labeled; we also recommend making copies of important tapes. Moreover, inform the service personnel of the damaged belts.
Depending on the service you choose, you may be prompted to edit the video
Step 3. Wait a couple of weeks and pick up the cassettes and discs
A digitizing service is a great option for those who have few cassettes and who do not want to spend money on discs, hardware and software. Online digitizing services are also available, but tapes will have to be mailed, which is not very cheap.
Advice
If you experience delays or other problems while copying a video on your computer, the thing is that the processor has slowed down to avoid overheating. The video copying process is very CPU intensive, especially on laptops. In this case, plug the laptop into an electrical outlet and place a cooling pad (fan pad) underneath it
Warnings
- Do not copy commercial content (e.g. movies, TV shows). This is illegal.
- Do not touch the video cassette tape. Doing so may wrinkle or break, which means that the tape cannot be played.