Best way to convert VHS tapes to DVD or transfer to the computer?

[Legend-I-Aint]

I'm not really into all the techie stuff. The wife wants to convert some old VHS tapes either to a DVD or dump the stuff onto the computer. What would be a few ways to accomplish this goal? Someone said they sell VHS/DVD combos that will do this for you. Is there some other device that you can put the tape in and plug it into the USB port on your computer and dump it onto a hard drive?

Any help or advice would be appreciated.

 

[viking611]

there is a device that you ask about....i have one and used it with an old hi8 video camera but would be much better to just get a home dvd burner with the one touch vhs button. The hook up for the computer takes forever to convert it over.

 

[honzie]

there is a device that you ask about....i have one and used it with an old hi8 video camera but would be much better to just get a home dvd burner with the one touch vhs button. The hook up for the computer takes forever to convert it over.

A few years back I got one of those cheapo hardware converters and you're right, they take forever. Just did a couple and that took a lot of time plus results were not great. Good to have in a pinch I guess but getting a home burner w/vhs is the way to go as you suggested.

 

[Legend-I-Aint]

I've pulled up a couple of these here units and them seem really expensive for what she wants to do with them. A DVD/VCR combo starts at about $200 and the reviews for most of them aren't good. Either they break or the sound isn't synched up properly. Hmmm.....

 

[chick'sfridge]

Bought a Sony for $200 a year ago. Have converted many VHS and Hi-8 (can use camera or video 8 player) tapes to DVD. No problems. Resolution has been identical to original copies. Like saleman stated...garbage in garbage out...as we have become spoiled with digital, but old VHS is what it is. FWIW

 

[wolfie_cr]

ok so, getting hardware for JUST this stuff would be silly IMHO

what you need is to plug your vcr into your computer's video card and capture the input

how to do this exactly? Impossible for me to tell you because it depends on video card and most importantly on the software that came with it

what you want is to record the input to the videocard and get it in AVI format

Once you have the tapes in that format.......its very easy to put them in a standard dvd