Cinebody is a user-directed video content software company headquartered in Denver, Colorado that empowers brands to create instant, authentic, and engaging video content with anyone on earth. He holds a BS in Finance from the University of Colorado, Denver. If you do convert your analog video to DV before putting it on DVD, don’t be shocked when you see the size of the DV file it captures to your computer. This software comes standard with Mac and most versions of Windows, and is also available for download. There are also more advanced versions that you can purchase, if you’re looking for more advanced movie-making features.On a Mac, this is iMovie. You can turn them into digital files with the right software. You can grab a separate DVD recorder that plugs into your VCR with analog cables, but I recommend using a VCR/DVD combo unit if you don’t have one already.
There also may be local shops in your area that perform similar services, so check Yelp or ask around to see what might be available. This method can get pricey quickly, depending on how many tapes you have, but it requires almost no work for you. If that means the job actually gets done (rather than sitting on your to-do list forever), it’s well worth it. If you’d rather not go through the hassle yourself—and are willing to throw a bit more money at the project just to get it done—there are plenty of professional services that will transfer your tapes for you.
If you have a VCR or camcorder with Firewire connections, you can get a DVD Recorder with Firewire connections and transfer tapes at a higher quality. Firewire ports look similar to USB ports, except they are flatter and tapered at the end. Most people will probably want to go with one of the above two options—they’re the easiest. But if you want to edit those old home videos on a PC, or store them as separate clips rather than two-hour-long chunks, you can hook your VCR up to your PC for more precise recording. Films at Home, understands the predicament the domination of streaming services has forced upon movie lovers. This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Jack Lloyd.
But that’s okay, because a free program called Open Broadcaster Software is very good, and should work with most of these types of adapters. Download OBS, install it, and start it up, using its default settings for recording when prompted. Those VHS tapes sitting in your closet won’t last forever. And if you don’t have a VCR anymore, those home movies are pretty useless. If you really want those tapes to stand the test of time, you should digitize them soon.
How to digitize VHS tapes
Read more about video to dvd conversion here.
Vintage Film Rolls: 16 mm, 8 mm, and Super 8
PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering lab-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.
You’ll also need to acquire an analog video-capture dongle. These have a USB connector on one end and audio and video inputs on the other, and they start around $13. Check the manufacturer’s specifications to make sure the dongle is compatible with your computer. Some, such as the Elgato Video Capture, also come with recording and editing software. As you probably noticed, there’s no television listed in the things you need earlier in this article. The VCR connects to your computer via the video converter, and you’ll see the videotape play on the computer screen.
These are some companies that we recommend for the service. At Costco you’ll pay $20 for up to 2 hours of VHS content. At Walgreens the cost is $35 for one tape-to-DVD conversion.
Well, it’s not a good idea to just throw them away, which is why we… Have come a long way, but there are still both high- and low-quality options available no matter what type you choose. “When it comes to music, I’m more of a looking-forward guy than a looking-back guy,” Hilton reflects. “But after I uploaded some of those files to YouTube, I reconnected with a lot of people from that time. We even got a little following. It was cool to remember that part of the journey.”