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vhs to dvd

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by mtribble

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this is probably pretty silly, but I am confused about the difference between a fire-wire and a tv/out video card. I want to copy my tapes to dvd's. I plan to use my vcr and connect it to my computer. My current video card is a year old, and as far as I know, doesn't have the connectopn I want. Sould I just get a recordable dvd player?

Also, if I make slide ahows of some of my phots (scanned and put on a cd, can yhis be played on a dvd plyer)?

27 replies

by mrafrohead

You're going to need a TV Tuner to get that to work.

Pretty much, this is what you're going to be looking for. A either new video card like the ATI All in Wonder RADEON 9700 Pro - about 400 bucks US - that will do exactly what you want and also has a nice vid card attached.

OR - you can get a seperate capture card. They're usually about 100-300 US depending on what you want. Personally I recommend you getting something PCI - and also getting something that is higher quality a little more expensive. That way you will be able to record your video at 720*480 resolution at least and also in stereo. If you get snazzy you can even record in DD 5.1.

Once you have it captured then you can use a DVD burner and burn it to your disk. Also - yes, you can add pictures to make a slide show.

Lemme know if you have any further questions.

Oh yeah, if you don't have a burner yet, I recommend the Sony DRU 500AX. It's pretty darned nice. And worth the extra hundred bucks from regular burners.

Mrafrohead

by mtribble

is a tv tuner or capture card what I plug my outgoing cables from mt y vcr in? (sorry - this is new for me) as for the separete video card- would I remove mt old one? Does it just snap in back like my modem or scci port?

and finally, do you know if the quality would be as good as say the phillips that records from one machine? You know the combo dvd recordable and
vhs? And since this technolgy is really moving faster than I can keep up, would you think if I waited six months there might be some new thing thats better? (I have win xp- It does have some sort of movies maker, but I was reading about Roxio and Adobe- what do you think of them?

thanks

by mrafrohead

Alright, looking at your last post, I am under the assumption that you're relatively new to this type of thing.

So to start, i would say this much. If you get yourself a DVD burner - the Sony for instance, it will come with adequate software to get you going. It's PERFECT for beginner/intermediate movie makers. I actually think that you will like it a lot better than the Windoze XP version that you currently have on your box.

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start;sid=H0ypRBhwcVqpYSbN_KejT1d-KztbdKvqhCg=?CatalogCategoryID=KCwKC0%2eN_u8AAAD1tFrx3AxA&ProductID=Km0KC0%2eNb9cAAAD1lZjx3AxE&Dept=cpu

This is what I would recommend for a burner for you. It works with both DVD +/- R. Very nice and the bundled software will be perfect for you.

As for a capture card - http://mirror.ati.com/products/pc/aiw9700pro/index.html that's what I would go with if you have the money.

OR - There's also a TV Wonder PCI - but they appear to be missing that from their site at the moment, and it's probably 150 bucks.

The capture card, you will connect your VCR to it with the composite cables. Those are the RCA cables. You'll have the red/black/yellow for stereo audio and yellow for video.

If you wait six months, you'll probably be able to get a faster style burner than is available now, and maybe a better capture card, though you will always experience that. Technology increases at such a fast rate, if you wait for something better, you will always be waiting.

If you were to use the seperate video card, you would actually be removing your current video card, inside of your computer, and replacing it with the new one. More than likely it will go into your AGP port inside your box. Although if you go with a strictly capture card, then that will go into the PCI bus of your machine, again inside the box.

Mrafrohead

by hal 9000

Instead of getting a PCI Video Capture Card there are USB Video capture devices available I can't find a US Site but for your reference have a look at

http://www.storeonline.com.au/prod3535.htm

It will give you an idea of whats available and you won't have to open the case if that is of any concern to you but I agree with {sorry but I can't remember his name} the sony is one of the best DVD burners available and currently it is one of the few that will be compatable with most other DVD readers but that could change in a very short time as this technology is developing fast and things at ther moment are in a state of flux with new and different coming out all the time.

But as a general rule a high quality PCI video capture card will perform better than a USB device but again things are changing fast and this may not still hold true for any length of time. I havent tried the USB devices so I can't coment on them but they are all new technology and have only recently been realesed so they should be better than what was previously available.

But just remember that at the moment a standard for DVD hasn't been settled upon by the industry so there could be a different standard out within a few months/years and that could mean that any DVD's that you creat with a burner that you have bought now may not be readable on the newer readers.

Also there may be developments that go beyond the 4.7 Gig limit that currently applies to recorder DVD's but at present the DVD recorders are realitively cheep and the media is cheep as well so you don't really have much to lose by buying now as if you chose to wait you will never get anything because there will always be price changes or new technology developments comming some time soon.

by mrafrohead

colin has a very good idea, but the reason I recommended the pci is because I have USB. I can say that yes, there is a GREAT ease of use. BUT - you lose quality and later on you'll be kicking yourself that you didn't do it right the first time.I got the usb because I didn't realize that there was a performance hit by using it. I thought that they were all the same. Unfortunatley they aren't.

As for burner standards. The -R standard will probably make the big stick. Though, I wouldn't bet my first born on it:)

And the newer burners that were referenced to that are larger than the 4.7 are the Bluerey drives. They are currently on sale, though they are probably out of the price range of all of us on this forum. They are starting at about four grand US to begin. They will burn I believe 27G per disk to start with the potential to increase up to the 100+ G.

Other than that, i can't think of anything else at this time that is pertinant and that will help out. Lemme know if either of you guys have any further questions or comments or the like:)

mrafrohead

by hal 9000

I do agree with your coments about the USB devices as from previous experience they wern't as good however I don't know about the lattest generation of USB capture devices surely they must have improved them by now?

I also didn't think to talk about VCD's as I thought that this person wanted to burn DVD's rather than the less clear VCD's but it is a good point.

Cheers

Colin

by htacoma

Hey mtribble@cape.com,

<< this is probably pretty silly,[...snip...] >>

There are no silly or dumb questions except the ones that don't get asked! :-)

<< I want to copy my tapes to dvd's. [...snip...] >>

I think mrafrohead and colinluck@quicknet.com.au have provided excellent suggestions. To the product "Aver External USB TV tuner, USB powered", I would look at AverMedia Products -- http://www.aver.com/products/, these people are in California, but they may have outlets in the east coast as well?

Another product that is not a card, just cables is the Belkin USB VideoBus II -- http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Product_Id=88962 -- a bit too rich for my taste.

<< Also, [...snip...] be played ona dvd plyer)? >>

I suspect your scan would have produced Mpeg files and while you would be able to see them on your computer, you will not be able to see them until you transform them into a VCD (usually 2.0) format.

The title of this reply is"Take your time". You have entered into an extremely rewarding field which is vast. Both mrafrohead and colinluck@quicknet.com.au have hinted at the pace of change in technology and technical details and I would recommend you join:
"DVD/R Help Newbie: beginners guides and articles"
http://www.dvdrhelp.com/newbie
They have a section "Latest updated Capture Cards"
http://www.dvdrhelp.com/capturecards, where you can find a lot of information.
Also join:
"GNU VCDimager Forums"
http://forums.vcdimager.org/index.php
"VCDEasy official site"
http://www.vcdeasy.org/index.php
"lists.m4if.org Mailing Lists"
http://lists.m4if.org/mailman/listinfo/
where you will find so much information that at first you'll feel turned off (like I did myself) and after the _overwhelmed_ feeling goes away you will realize how much *fun* this stuff is!

Cheers!
--
Han Tacoma

~ Artificial Intelligence is better than none! ~

by htacoma

Earlier I wrote:
<< I suspect your scan would have produced Mpeg files and while you would be able to see them on your computer, you will not be able to see them until you transform them into a VCD (usually 2.0) format. >>

The term Mpeg should have read Jpeg. I got carried away with the biz of motion pictures :-), but the rest still remains accurate. There is software (freeware) available to convert JPG files into MPG files which you will need to eventually have a VCD format that'll play inyour DVD player (...let me qualify that, there are DVD players that'll play VCDs and others won't -- you can check if yours will in the forums I suggested.)

Cheers!
--
Han Tacoma

~ Artificial Intelligence is better than none! ~

by mrafrohead

I failed to think of vcd's.

Yes, if you use vcd - you can actually just use a standard cd-burner and save yourself about three hundred bucks.

If you use VCD's you will get what you want at a nice price. The only catch is the quality will not be as good as that of a true DVD, but it will be a hell of a lot less of a hit on your pocketbook.

And as for being overwhelming in teh beginning. hell yeah it can be. I've been encoding video for years now, but I still remember the start of it,and it was a lot of LONG nights with pounding headaches from thinking so hard;) but it was more than worth it!

now i'm an encoding junkie!

Mrafrohead

by bryan james

Dazzle has a number of devices that can doe this depending on the quality you want I have a USB device and it seems to do fine.

by osapuk

using your computer to re-copy from vcr to dvd's did your computer accept the vcr machine attached to it? it only becomes easy to transfer when u have aquired a card which is called a tv/radio card as it is only when u have this card that you can transfer from your VCR to your Computer and then from your computer to DVD Machine.

If you copy your pictures into a Cd you can not play it on a VCD machine cos it dos not recognize the copied materials as VCD machines can only recognize what is call Wave format and MP3 format and a video file format.

Thanks

by mrafrohead

I think that they're limited by design, unless you go with USB 2.0. I think that it's teh 11mbps that can't allow enough data through to get a truly nice capture. Which blows for me, because my TV encodes could be better if I was using different equipment:)

BUT - it does work and it's VERY easy to use.

The neat thing about VCD, though definately not as clear, is that it will work in most newer DVD players on the market.

Mrafrohead

by mtribble

so a vdc is sort of like a dvd, but I can burn photo (j-pegs) and if my dvd player is copatible with that, I can play my " slide shows on my dvd player?

I have the dvd burner stuff down- but as a capture device, I need a video card with tv (radio), ot that dazzle thing (I have seen that in store? - Now is my dvd player does play vcd will the quality be the same at least as my tapes? And are some of the tape I purchased copy protacted? BUMMER? And the UBS TV tuner- my vcr hooks on to that?

Thanks- you have been so much help:)

If I have things wrong, or you have more to add, please let me know

by mrafrohead

A VCD is sort of like a DVD, in theory. It is actually burned onto a regular CD-r disk and not a DVD. The quality will more than likely be less than that of a VCR tape. But, it will work:)

I am not sure if you can burn the jpegs into the VCD though like you can with a DVD. But I'm ignorant on this topic. But I don't think that you can.

Some of the tapes, will be copyprotected, but that's fine. There's nothing that you can't fix digitally. Just remember, if you are copying tapes, MAKE SURE THAT YOU OWN THEM FIRST! Don't just start borrowing or renting tapes. According to Fair Use, you are allowed to make a backup copy of your purchased copyright protected material. Nothing else.

Yes, your VCR will hook into the TV Tuner card whether it be a PCI card or a USB card.

Lemme know if you have anything else you're curious about.

Mrafrohead

by htacoma

Hey Mrafrohead,

On 5/12/03, you wrote:

more answers

<< A VCD is sort of like a DVD, in theory. It is actually burned onto a regular CD-r disk and not a DVD. The quality will more than likely be less than that of a VCR tape. But, it will work:) >>

...and the good news is there are ways to make SVCDs as well 780x480.

<< I am not sure if you can burn the jpegs into the VCD though like you can with a DVD. But I'm ignorant on this topic. But I don't think that you can. >>

...surprise :-)
How to make a still pictures VideoCD (v1.0)
http://www.vcdeasy.org/modules.php?name=_Guides&id=SimpleStills

<<[...snip...] MAKE SURE THAT YOU OWN THEM FIRST! Don't just start borrowing or renting tapes. According to Fair Use, you are allowed to make a backup copy of your purchased copyright protected material. Nothing else. >>

Jury still out, Macrovision on some tapes can be defeated -- most DVDs have it and that's why they tell you not to plug it serially to your VCR

Cheers!
--
Han Tacoma

~ Artificial Intelligence is better than none! ~

by mtribble

gigen me a lot to think about- will check out some of the web site you suggested-

would like an external dvd burner- I have a zip drive in my thirt slot- I have a fourth slot but I don't think I have the wires inside to connect- of course I could always get a combo dvd/rw/cd/rw drive- but I like the idea of usinf my ubs slots for the burner and tuner- Did I understand right- that if I own my tape- that they can be copied? And how much would i lose in sound and quality? Is it possible to retain stereo sound?

Thanks so much

by hal 9000

As they are just better, but if you want to produce VCD's they can be made but will lack the clarity of a true DVD. The combo DVD/RW/CD/RW isnt a good idea as they arn't as good as a proper DVD Burner and anyway you can still burn CD's in the DVD burner so you arn't gaining anything with the combo unit and actually I'm not sure that they make that type of thing anyway, as the only ones that I've seen where CDRW that could play DVD's but not record them they where just DVD players.

About recording in stereo it all depends on what software you are using it is legal to copy stuff that you own even copies of VHS tapes that you have bought just like recording CD's to tape so far it's legal and provided you arn't making money from copying bulk copies of whatever you won't have much of a problem simply because it isn't in the interests of the major players to jump on the little guy it costs them too much with no return.

There is a program called something like DVD coppier available which copies DVD's without loss of quality as I've never used it I don't know how it works or what its actually called but I'm sure that someone here will know of it. I believe that there has just been a court case over this peice of software and the big guys lost.

As far as using the USB capture device you would have to look into what they are capable of as I don't know and I would advise you to avoid a combo Video card/capture card as these are at best a compromise go with a proper video capture card that goes into a PCI slot you will get better quality most times and won't have a bulk of stuff hanging off the computer anyway. You have to start worring about power consumption when you start adding a lot of USB devices.

by hal 9000

As I live in Australia I can't offer you advice on where to buy or what the price is as our current exchange rate means that $1.00 US is worth about $1.95 AU so it's all a bit messy there but I'm sure that some of the others will point you in the right direction about what price and where to buy or at least have a look see.

by mrafrohead

Alright, you're missing a few things here..

When you buy an internal burner, you can remove your old CD Burner. A DVD burner will burn DVD's AND CD's. If you get the Sony that I mentioned above, you can actually burn in all existing formats outright now, except DVD-RAM. And you don't want DVD-RAM anyhow. It's super expensive and a dying technology.

To retain all of your quality that you have on those tapes, you will require getting yourself a GOOD Capture card. Go with PCI. That's the best method as of now, and will deliver Professional results. And yes, if you get the proper card, you will retain stereo.

Mrafrohead

by mtribble

adobe, ulead or dell picturemaker studio?

Don't have a camcorder- so it would just be photos (at least for now?) What is your experience with these programs or do you have any others to recomend?

Thanks again

by htacoma

What kind of camera are you using, digital or film? If the latter, will you be scanning prints or direct 35mm, 120/220 negatives or slides?

Cheers!
--
Han Tacoma

~ Artificial Intelligence is better than none! ~

by htacoma

BASIC PROGRAMS For those who want something inexpensive and easy to use, even if it lacks some features.
Jasc Paint Shop Photo Album 4 $50 Simple to use, yet fairly complete organization/presentation program. Versatile printing options. Drawing tools are very basic. Online print partner: Shutterfly.
Microsoft Picture It! Photo 7.0 $30 Very easy to do basic tasks. Friendly, iconic interface. Online print partner: Fujicolor.
ACD Systems ACDSee 5.0 $45 Primarily an organization and presentation program; includes a full-featured, linked editor called PhotoCanvas Lite. Works with both Windows and Mac OS. Online print partner: Ofoto.
Apple iPhoto 2.0 $0 For Mac OS X only. Included with operating system. Not a serious photo editor (you can't set JPEG quality, for example), but good for organization and sharing. Online print partner: Kodak.
Roxio (MGI) PhotoSuite 4 Platinum $50 Tries too hard to be "friendly," hiding features behind obscure sequences of text-labeled button-presses.Found navigation inconsistent.
IrfanView 3.80 ? Basic, free, downloadable photo editor (www.irfanview.com). Few organizing tools but good features for enthusiasts.
Polybytes PolyViewVersion 3.88 30 Limited, but easily downloaded with purchase optional (www.polybytes.com). Buttons for basic operations and slide shows.

Cheers!
--
Han Tacoma

~ Artificial Intelligence is better than none! ~

by htacoma

ADVANCED PROGRAMS For ambitious amateurs.
Microsoft Picture It! Digital Image Pro 7.0 $90 Very easy-to-do basic tasks, yet full featured. Friendly iconic interface. Adds advanced tools, artistic effects, and filters to the basic version, above. Online print partner: Fujicolor.
Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0 $100 Simplified, yet full-featured version of Photoshop, below. Omits little-used professional tools. Hints and how-tos ("recipes") ease the learning curve. Works with both Windows and Mac OS. Online print partner: Shutterfly.
ArcSoft PhotoStudio 5 and PhotoBase 3 ? Creator-editor with photo features. Many Photoshop-like tools, but not as sophisticated. Bundled with scanner. Also retails for $100.
Jasc Paint Shop Pro 7 $90 Serious creator-editor with photo features. A Photoshop wannabe that's daunting and complex. Even red-eye removal is a manual process.
Ulead PhotoImpact 8.0 $80 Complex, full-featured editing-drawing program. Flyouts and pop-ups make even simple tasks appear tricky. May be too much for novices. Separate Album program. Online print partner: iMira.

Cheers!
--
Han Tacoma

~ Artificial Intelligence is better than none! ~

by htacoma

PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM For artists who want it all, but has steep learning curve.
Adobe Photoshop 7.0 $600 The photo-editing standard, but too complex for casual users. Slower to launch than most. Lacks presentation features. Needs newer computer with latest operating system. Works with both Windows and Mac OS.

Cheers!
--
Han Tacoma

~ Artificial Intelligence is better than none! ~

by mtribble

have win xp
training and worked as graphic designer- am literate in most software programs eg: photo shop

will be scanning- don't have a digital camera yet- am waiting ???

by jmbonny

dear mtribble, the solution to your problem may be easier than expected. All you need is a video card which provides "Video IN" entries, as well as "Video out". Then you can go on http://www.magix.com, a site on which you can find several programs designed to copy your old and favourite VHS tapes on your hard disk, analyse them, eliminate tape hiss, video noise, solve colour problems (too much blue, or red etc.). Then you have the choice to copy them back on VHS, VCD, SVCD, DVD or even DV format.
Price around 50 USD.
Yours sincerly.

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