convert vhs to dvd ?!? HELP Needed !

[AlterBridgeD]

hi , igot a couple of 1st gen video bootlegs around here and would like to convert them to dvd. i do not have a stand alone burner so the way via pc is necessary. if someone could tell me which cables i need ,where to plug them and which software to use ,i would really appreciate it !
thanks a lot for your help !!!

[Five]

I'm not a video expert, but I can tell you some places to look:

videohelp.com
doom9.org

[AAR.oner]

THE GOOD WAY--For transferring from VHS to the computer, you'll need an Analog-to-Digital converter for A/V...you'd run yer VHS deck into the A/D converter [using a Composite cable between the two, or for better results optical or S-Video]. Then run the A/D converter into yer computer [usually via USB or Firewire].

To the best of my knowlege, you won't be able to get good results without an A/D converter...Canopus has a few decent models, but they run a few hundred dollars [there might be cheaper models, but i've never used any of them] Also, for seeding purposes, I recommend only transferring using *high-end* equipment, as a regular VCR gives shoddy results.


THE *GHETTO* WAY--you can run yer VHS out to a MiniDV camcorder [usually using a Composite cable]. You can PLAY the VHS source while RECORDING on the camcorder. Once done recording, you can then connect the Camcorder to yer computer [via Firewire or USB] and capture the *new* source footage [MiniDV] using whatever video editing software yer using. ***I would note that you "went this route" in yer info text though, as some people might want to know you used this methd for transfer ;)


Here's an example of the setup I used for transferring some older VHS shows to digital recently:
VHS(M) > Panasonic AG-1980P [S-Video] > Sony DVMC-DA2 [Firewire] > Final Cut Pro HD [capture] > DVD Studio Pro [DVD build]

PM if you have any more ?s...

[nibbles]

I'm getting ready to do some transfers myself, and I would like to know what
people feel about DVD-R/VHS combo recorders that do the transfer internally,
directly from VHS to DVD-R. Any detailed info would be helpful. I figure the
whole thing hinges on the quality of the internal A/D, and the bitrate. Do some
recorders do this better than others? Does VBR help or hurt?

thanks,
nibs

[AAR.oner]

I'm getting ready to do some transfers myself, and I would like to know what
people feel about DVD-R/VHS combo recorders that do the transfer internally,
directly from VHS to DVD-R. Any detailed info would be helpful. I figure the
whole thing hinges on the quality of the internal A/D, and the bitrate. Do some
recorders do this better than others? Does VBR help or hurt?

thanks,
nibs

i can *sort-of* answer yer ?...

yes, the quality of the A/D converter is very important...as to VBR vs. CBR, there has been some debate...i like variable bit rate better, BUT you must have a *high-end* converter to handle it properly...sometimes, "consumer" equipment can introduce issues when attempting VBR...again, much debate.

as to specific models, i have no idea...never looked at or used the VHS>DVDr standalones for comparison...try www.videohelp.com maybe...

anyone with a more detailed answer/opinion?

[nibbles]

I did some research over at videohelp and found a couple of good articles.
The first one covers the basic hardware chain for VHS -> DVD,
and the second post covers the details of the external hardware.

http://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=259614
http://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=239205

Thanks for your help. :wave:
nibbles

[New Homebrew]

Any detailed info would be helpful. I figure the
whole thing hinges on the quality of the internal A/D, and the bitrate. Do some
recorders do this better than others? Does VBR help or hurt?

If you are using a standalone unit you are encoding directly to mpeg-2 which is burned on your DVD. The standalone will have several modes (SP, LP, EP, etc) which have a predetermined bitrate and audio codec. There are some "hard drive" standalone recorders that are better quality and more flexible. Panasonic makes one.

If you are capturing to a PC, bitrate is irrelevant to capture. You capture as uncompressed avi which has a fixed massive bitrate. Then you encode that mpeg-2 using software. The only reason to use VBR when encoding is if you are trying to squeeze extra material onto your DVD at submaximal bitrate. Otherwise, encode at max CBR, which will get you about one hour on a DVD5.

Save yourself the the time and expense and pay someone to do it.

[Five]

and keep the pcm wav audio if at all possible. sometimes this will add an extra disc but everyone appreciates it.