Converting tapes to DVD ..

[steveox]

My father teaches and has many different videos on tape. It becomes a hassle for him when he is traveling to lug 40 extra lbs of video tape. He wants me to convert it to DVDs for him and I was wondering what the best thing out there is for it. Simplicity is important although if it's a little in depth I can handle, I'm just also very busy. I know there is the dazzle thing that allows you to hook a VCR into your computer. Also some video cards have ViVo (however mine doesn't). What is the best option? I am looking at upgrading to an X800XT if they are available anytime soon so will that work out ok? I don't want to lose much quality and I heard the dazzle isn't very good with that. Also I've heard of a terrapin deck, but they seem to be discontinued and I can't find it. Thanks in advance and sorry if you read this whole thing .. I realize it's a lot.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Get a DVD recorder if you want convenience -- attach the VCR, pop in a disc, press record on one and play on the other. Walmart has a mediocre one for $149.

If you want to use a PC, the best choice is a TV card with hardware MPEG2 encoding like the Hauppage PVR-150 or 250 (not the white box or "mce" versions) for $80 - 150.

If you want more opinions, you can search "DVD" and "tape" here and in Software (both recent and archived threads) for a few more threads on this.

 

[tornadobox]

I did this with my Panasonic DVD recorder (attached to my tv). Play on the VCR, record on the DVD recorder...couldn't be easier.

 

[Ioo]

Originally posted by: steveox
I am looking at upgrading to an X800XT if they are available anytime soon so will that work out ok?

Unfortunetly, ATi's video recording system is VERY sensative to Macrovision and other copy protection systems. Even if your trying to record home-made camcorder video, ATi will often identify it as macrovision protected and prevent you from copying. Pissed me off when i tried to digitize some video from my Brothers high school football games.