Trying to convert VHS to DVD with a DVD recorder

[slayer202]

I have a toshiba (model slips my mind) DVD recorder which has a built in VCR player. I am trying to transfer the VHS to a DVD+r. I can not get it to work. Not sure what exactly I'm doing wrong. Is it even possible to do this, or do I have to be recording from a seperate VCR player?

I've tried recording on the DVD and hitting play on the VCR part, but the DVD fills up and is blank. I even tried connecting the recorder to itself from the output/input, but same result

 

[corkyg]

I have a Sony VHC-DVD player, and the procedure is spelled out in the manual. But - it will not work on commercial VHS tapes - they are copy protected. That is also detailed in the manual.

 

[slayer202]

They are home movie VHS tapes. and the manual doesn't say anything :/ all it explains how to do is record TV through a cable box

 

[Fardringle]

You'll have to find the exact instructions in the manual, or hunt through the menus until you find it, but there will be an option somewhere to "DUB" video automatically from the VHS tapes to DVD.

 

[corkyg]

Look at the drive - the model should be emblazoned on it. With that we can research the manual on line. My Sony manual calls it "Dubbing from a Video to DVD." (Page 89) It's very simple.

Using the <----Video button on the recorder:
1. Insert a recordable disc.
2. Insert a source tape.
3. Press <---Video. (Dubbing starts)

Using the TV Screen:

1. Insert a recordable disc.
2. Insert the source tape.
3. Press DVD to control the DVD recorder.
4. Press SYSTEM MENU while recorder is stopped.
5. Select EDIT and press ENTER.
6. Select DUBBING and press Enter.
7. Select VIDEO --> DVD and press ENTER
8. Select OK and press ENTER.

There are more selections available for recording mode and audio. But, each OEM has their own way. It has to be in the Toshiba manual. Look for DUBBING.

 

[slayer202]

Thanks for the info, i'll look into it

 

[Gooberlx2]

Originally posted by: corkyg
I have a Sony VHC-DVD player, and the procedure is spelled out in the manual. But - it will not work on commercial VHS tapes - they are copy protected. That is also detailed in the manual.

IIRC from back in the day, VHS "copy protection" was easily defeated by putting tape over the little square divots in the front of the cassette. It's possible that the OP moved the little plastic slider piece in his home VHS tape to the "protected" side, thus preventing it being recorded over, but also recorded from.

I could be remembering things wrong though...God it's gotta be 10 years or so since I last messed around with VHS tapes.