If you are like me, you have a bunch of VHS tapes that you no longer use, because everything today has been recorded for DVD players. But, you miss some of those oldies but goodies, and you hate to see so much money simply gathering dust. You need to know how to copy VHS to DVD.
For the beginner, you need to purchase, or borrow and external analog device. Audio and video cables are plugged into your VHS player and the same connections are made into your computer. Because VHS is analog, it has to go through the converter and then copied to your computer.
Once it is copied to your computer, you can edit out the advertisements that just take up space, and enhance the quality. Once you have the file the way you want, the time has come to burn it to a DVD. Fortunately, many of the new computers and laptops today come equipped with a DVD burner. If not, it may be worth the extra expense to make sure you have the capability next time you make a major electronic purchase.
Alternatively, you can buy a DVD burner in most computer stores. Depending on how computer savvy you are, you may have an empty space to add an extra drive to your computer or laptop at a later date; or, you can buy an external drive that will do the trick. However, you may have a problem if you have an antiquated computer. You need enough disk space and memory to hold a relatively large video file.
If you do not have the space, or if you are simply uncomfortable with the process, you can opt to send your tapes to a professional who makes money converting analog tapes to DVD discs. Naturally, it will cost some money, but if you have family videos or rare movies that cannot be replaced, you will have to determine whether it is worth the expense.
So, if you have precious memories or movies on tape, you may want to remember how to copy VHS to DVD and get the job done, before the capability to convert is a thing of the past. Soon VHS players may be hard to come by, and you will basically be up a creek without a paddle. Do not take the chance. Preserve the past for today, and enjoy the videos tomorrow.
