Vhs - dvd

Pycroft

Hi all...

I know I've asked this before, and actually found someone to help (Thanks Vlam) but I have since moved and did not take advantage due to the circumstances of my move.

I have tons of bootleg VHS of various professional rehearsals/concerts that I would like to keep and transfer to DVD. I have NO IDEA what I need or how to do it. If there is someone in the Eastern PA area (I live in the Lehigh Valley, 18045) that's willing to help, or if someone can explain what I need and how to do it, it would be much appreciated.

James

maximillian

I have used a few methods:

1) Standalone DVD recorder. There are some that have a built in VHS player. When you press play (or record, can't remember which) the copy process starts automatically. Just a plain DVD recorder will do as well. Easiest method but quality is so-so.

2) analog to DV video converter. I have a Canopus advc-100 DV bridge that I have used for long recordings. Never an audio sync issue. Needs a firewire interface in your computer. Then you can edit and burn the DV file. You can also add titles and chapters using this method. This is the best quality transfer but the most work.

3) Av capture card in a PC. has the benefits of #2, but the ones I have used in the past have always had audio sync issues. There might be better versions out there these days.

cnh

Hi James,

I have a good friend who lives in Bethlehem who used to do video and film work for a living and is trained as a software engineer. Might be worth a call or e-mail exchange. He's pretty busy with work right now. But he could "easily" tell you what you need and how to go about doing this.

Could PM you an e-mail address and cc him as well?

Also, what Max... suggests above would work. I've done some video capture as well using a USB unit with L/R and Video inputs to USB into my computer and some cheap software than runs the module. All you need to do is "digitize" the VHS by feeding it through this onto your HD then burn the files to a CD or DVD using the appropriate software. It's a "tedious" process since it's done in real time.



cnh

Pycroft

Thanks guys...

The VHS are concerts or rehearsals, some up to 3 hours long. They aren't the best quality as VHS, but am hoping to not make them worse I would love to get an e-mail from your friend cnh - feel free to forward me his e-mail. Thanks so much.

I guess I'll also keep an eye out for the equipment you've mentioned on craigslist.

James

Pycroft

Can someone please take a look at this?

http://allentown.craigslist.org/ele/2820753018.html

This seems like it would work. Is it a good product? Worth the money? What should I offer?

Thanks so much,

James

Joe08867

This would be easier and probably sound better. All in one from Panasonic.

http://allentown.craigslist.org/ele/2913017461.html

maximillian

I think the issue is how much post-editing and authoring you want to do. How is the quality of the recordings? Do they need to be cleaned up? Do you want chapter divisions and menus? All the non-computer based recording devices have limited chapter and menu options. Post editing and authoring is easier on a computer, but will take time. But if all you want to do is transfer the recording to a DVD then any standalone DVD recorder will work. Here are a couple more options:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Toshiba-DR430-DVD-Recorder/16617614
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Toshiba-DVR620-DVD-Recorder-VCR-Combo/16617608

Both have DV input so you can do digital transfers which is nice if you have a firewire device. The DVD/VHS combo might have some nice cue-ing option like I mentioned above.

The only issue with an integrated DVD/VHS unit is that you can't copy macrovision protected tapes. If the two are separate then you can purchase a "video stabilizer" for about $60 that will remove macrovision. Personally this doesn't make sense to me since macrovision is for commercial tapes and it's better just to re-purchase a new DVD so you can get better quality video. Unless of course the movie is so old the DVD is not available.

Pycroft

The videos are usually between 2 and 4 hours long - full rehearsals and concerts. In the perfect world, I would be able to make track lists, but truthfully, I probably wouldn't have the time to do so, so one long 4 hour track will work The recordings are around 10 - 15 years old, and were recorded on a plain old VHS camcorder - so quality isn't the highest. I have e-mails out to the link above, as well as the Sony link to see if they can give me specific model numbers. I'm still waiting to hear from both, so will update. Thanks much for the input and advice.

James