VHS to DVD via PC editing........

[kevb0444]

Hi i have some VHS vids/home movies (not dirty one's i might add) that i want to put on to DVD (i have a DVD recorder) but i want to do some fancy video editing stuff (via my PC) to them before i put them on DVD. Is there an easy (and cheap) way to do it? So far the only way i found that sort of works is copy tapes to DVD via DVD recorder then rip DVD on to PC (but it normaly vips to the wrong file type so i have to then convert to wmv) then edit then burn to DVD via WinDVDcreator Gold.... there must be an easier way or is that about it.

[ll_billym]

The simple answer it to get a new graphics card that has a coaxial "TV in" port on it. It may come with, or you will be able to buy some software to record directly yo your hard disk in the format you want.

Gotta laugh at the way you were doing it before though dude, you must have wanted to do this so bad.....

[Nemesis9]

There are a large number of programmes that will allow you to connect your VHS player to your PC, and copy the tapes into a format of your choosing (I would avoid wmv, as this just adds an unnecessary conversion step, degrading the overall image).

If your looking for a 'free' solution, I would either recommend installing a 'trial' (or limited use) piece of software from someone like 'Pinnacle' or 'cyberlink' (I found that PowerDirector is a good starter package for novice video editing), or searching for a free solution like 'Editstudio' (google search for a free download of there basic package).

These programmes will allow you to 'capture' the files on to your hard drive (I would opt for MPEG2 - the dvd standard) prior to editing, and give you the option of including: transitions, titles, a soundtrack, effects and voice over narration etc.

Then its a simple matter of burning.

Let me know if you have other queries, and the best of luck.

Nemesis

[ll_billym]

Here's one to start you off. Looks like it comes with some recording software that rips to AVI. WinDVDcreator or your editing software should be able to take in AVI formats, read the help.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00004VU5G/202-1829556-0515011

[Nemesis9]

I forgot to ask, but am assuming your PC has some form of video card, you'll probably need to get a a scart adapter that will convert the signal from your VHS scart into three coloured plugs (Red, White and yellow), and then run these leads direct into your PC (red and white are the audio, yellow the video) most electrical stores sell them, cost around a couple of pounds.