Solved Copy VHS tapes to DVD

[anjou2]

I need to copy a few tapes to DVD. I have a VHS player/recorder, there seem to be a variety of bits and pieces for sale, would appreciate guidance on the best buy etc.
Aspire 5742Z. 6GB DDR3. 640 HDD

 

[Zepher]

Do you need to do any editing to the videos prior to putting them on DVD?
If not, then I'd recommend using a stand alone DVD recorder to save time and headaches since it will be done in real time.

If you do need to edit the videos, then you need to purchase a video capture device, Pinnacle makes a few external USB capture devices and they usually come with some form of editing program and dvd authoring software.
Converting a 2 hour VHS tape could take as long as 5 hours from start to finish when using the computer.
A stand alone recorder takes 2 hours.

 

[anjou2]

Thanks Zepher, I have just come across a Liteon LVW-5005B in my loft (don't ask !), this would seem to be the easy way out, following your advice. Don't know if I can find the manual but at least it's a start no need to edit the tapes before-hand either.

 

[fireberd]

The standalone DVD recorder is the best option. If you want to do it with a PC, you need an interface that will allow connecting the audio and video from, for example a VCR player, along with a program to "record" to the hard drive. Then you need a program to properly create and finalize the DVD's. It will also tie up the PC for however long it takes to "record" to the hard drive. Too much of a hassle.

 

[Zepher]

Thanks Zepher, I have just come across a Liteon LVW-5005B in my loft (don't ask !), this would seem to be the easy way out, following your advice. Don't know if I can find the manual but at least it's a start no need to edit the tapes before-hand either.

Here is the manual,
http://www.uglybloke.co.uk/user guides/LITEON 5005 English for EU.pdf