VHS to DVD via the mini dv

[junji98]

hi. i am a newbie with regard to digital video but i understand that one can convert one's old vhs tapes to dvd format by digitizing the media using the mini dv camcorder right (i have a canon zr 65 mc). i checked the manual but i cant understand the diagram too much. does this utilize the analog to digital signal conversion or something? what exactly do i need ? thanks very much.

[glenpinn]

hi junji.

just a quick reply, yes you can convert your analogue tapes to digital format and transfer to your pc.
find out if your dv camcorder has a firewire passthrough option (allows u to transfer analogue signal directly to pc via your camcorder) im thinking your canon doesnt support this option tho.

if u have firewire passthru on your dv camcorder, connect your analogue device to your dv camcorder using s-video or rca cable, then connect your camcorder to pc using your firewire cable. then open your capture program on your pc and start your capture.
the analogue signal passed directly thru your dv camera and is converted to digital format before it is recorded on your pc.

if u dont have the firewire passthru option on your dv camcorder, u can do it 2 ways.

1. if your going to do a lot of this kind of thing, get yourself an analogue capture card and put it in your pc case and capture using that by connecting your analogue device (vhs recorder or camera) to your pc directly using s-video or rca plugs.

2. another method if your not going to do much of this is to simply connect your dv camcorder to your analogue device using s-video or rca cable. playback your vhs tapes and record them onto a dv tape (set on SP-60min or LP-90min) then u can simply transfer/capture the dv tape to your pc via your firewire cable once you finish recording from your analogue device. this is a more time consuming method, and might require u to capture your analogue tape in 2 parts if its over 90min long, but this is the best option if your only going to convert a few vhs tapes to your pc, its not worth buying a capture card unless your going to do lots of this stuff. i can tell you this, i used to do it this way myself, and the image quality is dam good once you get it to your pc and burned to a dvd to playback on tv. i also keep the dv tape of the vhs contents as a hard copy for safe keeping, takes up lots less room than a vhs tape too.

you might need to check out your camera manual for details, or u can check online for more specific details.

good luck and see how u go.....GLEN

[rwilliams]

hola junji,

I suggest you have your VHS to DVD conversion done proffessionally. I tried converting mine using my PC and found it to be a very time consuming process. I eventually sent my tapes to Digital Conversions http://convertmymovies.com It was super easy, I ordered on thier website and they sent me a package with postage paid to send my movies to them.

[howndawg]

i suggest either having it converted professionally, or if you want to do it yourself, then perhaps look into the Ulead products. I dont know exactly what your camera can do, but if you can get a file onto your computer, then I believe a number of products including Ulead's will be able to take it from there (including burning to DVD)