Copy VHS to VHS or Digital - Is it possible?

[JAG]

Dear all,

Whilst on holiday recently, one of our group was really into U/W videoing. The end result is that I have a video that includes footage of me and of two really good dives.

I’m looking at two things if possible:
1. Getting it copied to other VHS tapes to send to family members.
2. Getting it digitally copied to either .avi or mpeg format.

Anyone know if this is possible, I don’t really want to buy another video recorder though.

Many thanks,

Ian

[sch]

I'm pretty certain the answer is yes to both of those - it depends on what format the video you have is in and what equipment (video & PC) you have.

Basically there are going to be several options depending on what kit you've got - these could be things like

1. Video <-> Video - needs 2 recorders or 1 player/1 recorder
2. Video <-> Video Camera - record from video to camera and back again. Depends on the camera and video
3. Video <-> PC. Needs appropriate bits and pieces, a lot easier if you've got a digital video cam with DV in/out.

[Andy Phillips]

Very definitely possible, the problem is if you do it at home via two recorders you can introduce errors. Most specialist shops offer a service which is not hideously expensive. The pro recorders have error correction in them, I have a couple in the office. As for putting it into digital form, this is no issue and can be done at home with the correct software and card for the PC. I tend to use Pinnacle Studio at work, not THE best software but has a very simple interface and good error correction when brining the data in off tape. As for the DVD, any DVD burner can give you the movie back.

The best, easiest and get the best result answer is to go into a shop and get them to do the VHS to VHS copies.

Andrew

[JAG]

Thanks for that guys.

Andy - fancy earning some easy money ??

[Andy Phillips]

I have no problem doing it for you mate, it is a question of getting the tape to me, me doing it and getting it back to you. I am out of the loop next week as I will be in Newcastle and Edinburgh, but the week after is possible.


Entirely up to you, but the shops are pretty resonable. Check them out, if you still want me to help, let me know and I will.

All the best,

Andrew

[Ted]

The shops tend to charge between £10 and £20 to convert it to digital and then burn it onto a disc. I use a Dazzle converter to take analogue film from a camera or vcr to put onto the pc and then edit it and record it back onto a video tape (no dvd burner yet).

So after all that unless your planning to do a lot more I'd go to a shop and get it done. A quick search on the net brings up quite a few.

[Lee B]

Just give me a Pm and I can do it for you, I could make it into a DVD. Only take an hour, Could edit it for you and add some sound tracks if you like. Good practise for my Job.

[daz]

Just about anything can be achieved with the right equipment.

I do have a DVD recorder with a TBC built in so could convert from VHS video to DVD. Subsequent DVD copies are a doddle.

Daz