If you are tired of having stacks of VHS tapes but still want to have copies of your favorite movies to watch, converting them to DVD can save shelf space and allow you to view them repeatedly without worrying about deterioration or a tape breaking. With a good DVD recorder and the right setup, you can transfer your collection and make the transition to the digital age.
DVD Recorders
DVD recorders are relatively inexpensive, depending on the model and features, and fairly simple to use. Connect composite video cables from the VCR's output to the recorder's input and connect another set from the recorder to the TV to record a DVD as it plays on the VCR.
TV and VCR
You'll still need your VCR, at least long enough to connect to the DVD recorder and play your videos as they're being recorded. And, of course, you'll need the TV to monitor the process and watch the DVDs on later.
VCR/DVD Combos
To avoid having two separate pieces of hardware and one more set of cords to deal with, purchase a VCR/DVD combination unit. Connect it to the TV and follow the directions to transfer directly from VHS to DVD.
DVDs
A few types of blank DVDs are available--DVD-R and DVD+R allow for a single recording, and DVD-RW and DVD+RW can be re-written up to 1,000 times. Look for dual-layer disks if the movie being recorded is over 2 hours long.
Software
Another option is to purchase a software program and USB adapter that lets you save video from VHS to a computer before burning it to DVD. This saves the cost of purchasing a DVD recorder, though your computer must have a DVD burner drive and ample hard drive space to save the videos.
Notes
The picture and sound quality of the recorded DVDs will only be as good as their source, and won't have the HD video or surround-sound audio of studio-produced movie DVDs. And, store-bought tapes may have copy-protection built in that makes for a bad transfer.
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