Windows 7: VHS to DVD quality

What programs do you use to convert VHS tapes to DVD that give very good quality on the playback on a TV ??

When I capture the VHS to the PC, the file plays great with excellent clarity (just as good as the original tape).

Yet, when I use software to put the file to DVD (for example, Windows 7 DVD maker, Pinnacle Studio 12, VHS2DVD,... ) they all create a lot of artifacts and distortion in the DVD... which wasn't in the original file played on the PC.

So, anyone have any ideas or leads?

Thanks a bunch!

Althought I edit all my HD video from my camera on my PC. I found the very best way to convert VHS to DVD was to actually use a console DVD recorder. Record each tape to a DVD. Then I have the raw, DVD "source" Then copy the DVD contents to my PC and edit if I want or backup. But since Tape is 1:1 playback speed only anyway, it's just far easier to record realtime straight to a DVD-R deck.

[edit]One problem with digitizing the VHS then converting to DVD is that you are goinf through two compressions which loses quality. The tape to DVD method one only compresses once directly to mpeg2 (DVD format) [/edit]

I used ArcSoft ShowBiz 2 which came with my USB Video Grabber. I went from an 8mm video tape camcorder to PC and burned it with ShowBiz just fine in 480p (using the S-Video connection - it also has a composite RCA connection available).

The program is $100, but the site has a trial version ShowBiz DVD 2 — The easiest way to edit your home movies and create custom DVDs although you can get the USB unit and software from Monoprice.com for $26 + shipping if the software works well enough for you HDMI Cable, Home Theater Accessories, HDMI Products, Cables, Adapters, Video/Audio Switch, Networking, USB, Firewire, Printer Toner, and more!

Thanks for the info !!!

Here, take a look at this from sony.

VRD-MC5 | DVDirect® DVD Recorder | Sony | Sony Style USA

It's simple and and easy to use and works with just about any vhs player or camcorder on the market.

Thanks! I'll check into this....

Hi there

You don't need to spend 100 USD -- any video capture card (or USB device) will work so long as it has a composite video input.

If you have a TV card then these often have a composite input as well plus all the recording / capture software. I've got a Hauppage HVR 900H USB device which also has composite input.

Set the WinTV program up as AUX IN and you are in business.

if you can use the S-Video out on a VHS recorder to an S-Video in on to a capture type card then the quality will be a lot better than standard "Composite" input.

For European Video recorders - there's usually a SCART output on the Video recorder.

Get a SCART==>composite adapter (also as the round s-video connector between the Red and Yellow slots) and use this as input to yourt video capture card.

Of course don't forget that as the VHS is an ANALOG recording you can only capture it to your computer in "Real Time".

Here's a pic of the adapter. The s-video is the circular "slot", the composite are red, white yellow(video) slots.



Cheers
jimbo