Video to DVD

[SteveD]

How can I copy video tape recordings to DVD?

[Ethel]

Have you got a dvd recorder cnnected to your tv and vcr?

Are the videos copy protected?

[SteveD]

No. I have a VCR and a DVD player. The time will come when the VCR "dies" and I will no longer be able to view video tapes of the kids, holidays etc.

We are perfectly happy with the current equipment and will invest in a DVD player/recorder in due course when it becomes necessary.

I was just wondering what "domestic" equipment (either mine or a neighbours) would be required to copy video tapes to DVD.

[Ethel]

I have a hard drive dvd recorder hooked up to the tv and vcr.

I copy videos by setting the dvd manually to record channel EXT2 - that records whatever the VCR is playing.

This records in real time, so can be a slow process - I usually start it just as I am going out, or going to bed. Everything switches itself off afterwards.

But it only takes minutes to then 'burn' the recording to a dvd disk.

It is easy, and the recording is as good as the original video recording.

[SteveD]

Thanks, Ethel. That doesn't seem to be too problematic. I'll just wait untill we get a DVD recorder. What make and model is yours?

May I now go off at a tangent and ask another question? Our TV cable company here in Belgium is "going digital" in September so, if we want to receive digital channels, we will have to get a decoder. Am I correct in assuming that, If I am watching one digital channel it is not possible to record another digital channel at the same time?

[Ethel]

I have a phillips hdrw720 - I've had it 2 years now so there is probably better models out there. But I do like Philips.

It is possible to record two different digital channels at the same time, but only with special equipment, which is currently very expensive.

A cheap alternative is available however. As you get your tv through cable tv you have a spare television aerial, I assume.

[Ethel]

You could buy a cheap set top digibox (In the UK they are called freeview) which is subscription free.
By setting the set top box to a different channel than your cable tv you could record two different digital channels at the same time.

I do not know that you have a free equivalent to the UKs freeview however.

(In two parts as it wouldn't post as one)

[stevie21]

If the only channels at all that you can view are digital then yes. If you can view digital on one channel and council telly on another than you can choose between them.