

You want the best possible result that you can get. If you are planning to copy a lot of videos, it is worth your time and effort to find out what kind of processing the machine does to the analog signal from the videotape before it converts it to the digital signal that gets recorded in DVD format. It does the same thing as the previous option without needing to connect any cables. The second option is to purchase a combination DVD/VCR recorder. These devices stabilize and improve the quality of the analog video as it is fed to the DVD recorder and can greatly improve the resulting images that you get on the DVD.

If you choose this option, consider purchasing a video processor called a proc amp or a time base corrector. Then while the video plays, it is also recording. You simply connect your VCR by cable to the DVD recorder. The first involves buying a DVD recorder that allows input from another source. So in order to save time and effort, you can copy the tapes to a DVD without the use of a computer. However, the process can be quite slow because you have to transfer the file twice: first from the video to the computer and then again from the computer to the DVD. Depending on the burning software that you use, you might be able to add a menu or other special features. This method takes some time, but it does allow you to make changes to the video, like special effects or music, before you burn it to the DVD. The file gets compressed into MPEG-2 format before being burned onto a DVD. It requires copying the video to a digital file on the computer using an analog converter.

The computer-savvy among us will use their computer to transfer their videos to DVD. However, if you have tons of videos to convert, over time you'll save money by doing the conversions yourself in the convenience of your home. First, you could use a VHS to DVD conversion service that will do the transfer for you. So the question becomes, how do I convert my videotapes to DVDs in order to preserve them for my future enjoyment? There are several options.
