Hi , to all ! Im new here and Im woundering if anyone can give me the following info.Im studying martial arts and I have a rather large collection of instructional tapes,some or most of which are copywrite protected. Im not selling these but I would like to copy and preserve my investments. I curently own a Emerson DVD-RW/R (recorder)which is designed to record tv stuff.Its NOT attached to the computer. It has a front and back s-video attachment. I also own several 4 head VHS players/recorders sanyo/emerson/ect. and a Hp Pavilion ze 4400 laptop with dvd player. I have a Compaq Presario model SR1123WM (desktop)with DVD writer.I also own a JVC digital compact camcorder model# GR SXM730U It has video cables with it.Ive never used them though. Ok, now my question ! WHAT IS THE EASY WAY FOR ME TO CONVERT MY VHS TO DVD. Im Very new to capturing and all that stuff!!! Can I attach the VCR to DVD recorder and just record or will I have to use a different technique.I dont mind spending some money to make it work but not too much. I also am worried I'll buy something to do this conversion and never figure out how to actually convert these tapes. Thanks MAX
Hi max_1967, This comes up now and then so I'll give you some basics. You will also find more info using the search feature. It comes down to basically running the video out of your VCR to the video input of your stand alone dvd recorder. The problem as you know is the copy protection on the tapes. You need a Macrovision remover box in the middle of the video line between the VCR and DVD recorder. Those boxes run anywhere from $50. to $100. Here is a link to one I have heard works well but I haven't used it. The audio is a straight run from VCR out to DVD recorder in. http://www.dimax.com.ua. Jerry
Is it true that the sima-pro scc-2 will also work ? They are on ebay for approx. $129.00 Anyone have an opinion on this , which one should I get ?
I looked up the Sima in Google and found it for $10. less than Ebay. It is listed as a color corrector for tape copies. It claims to stabilize the video but doesn't come right out and say it removes macrovision. It may work but I'm not sure. Here is another one off Afterdawn's ads. http://www.stardevelopment.com/index.htm Jerry
Another option is to add some sort of analog-to-digital converter to your desktop PC (like a TV Tuner card). If you do this, you can compress the video tapes, using several compression techniques, and store them on CD format. You can search on TV tuner and find lots of recommendations. I have done some development work with Canopus, who has the best analog-to-digital converters which will give you the best, sharpest picture. The ADVC50 will cost around $130 at Studica.com. Then you can get the software compressor of choice, I bought Dr. DivX and with these old eyes, when I play back the divx encoded video using my TV out of my notebook on the TV, it looks every bit as good as the original VHS tapes. You'll still need the Macrovision remover, some good deals are on Ebay as well as the link in the other reply. And of course, if you choose the Canopus, you'll need 1394 into your desktop. Jim
Thanks Yes thats true.Right now I just want to record from VHS FROM MY VCR to DVD RECORDER. This will keep me busy for awhile with all the tapes I have. Some day I'd like to learn how to record some of the video's Ive downloaded off ARES. I dont have any save but saw some Gracie combat fighting Id like to have on there. So, after all the options we've spoke about ,which one would you guys go with ,the dvd red or the item you just mentioned or does it even make a difference? One advantage of everything going to dvd is that you can now buy vhs really cheap then convert to dvd and resell for what you paid or close anyway.Just something to think about. Corse Id never do such a thing!!!
Well I have exchanged messages with people that purchased the RED box and say it worked great. I just looked at the STAR box today for the first time and it looks good. The Star has both RCA and S Video input-output connectors which is a good feature. Their shipping is kind of high at $12. So you end up with $71. for the cheaper version which should be all you need. Unless your tape quality isn't too great then you may want to go with the more expensive box. The RED is around the same price with shipping included but I think you would need an adapter to go RCA to S-Video. I built my box many years ago to copy tapes, but if I was buying one right now I think I would try the $59. Star unit. It has a 30 money back feature which is nice. Jerry
The best but most expensive choice is to get a full frame TBC. The recommended ones are the Datavideo TBC-1000 or the AV Tool AVT-8710. TBCs not only remove macrovision completely but also stabilize the video input making the result better then the original. One upside to these TBCs is that if you decide not to keep the TBC when you are done you can sell it on eBay for the same and sometimes more then what you paid. The best prices can usually be found at B&H Photo Video (sometimes lower then eBay especially after most sellers’ exorbitant shipping fees).
