subject: How To Convert Your Vhs Home Movies To Dvd [print this page] As the technology behind recording, storing, and viewing videos has changed, the world of VHS format is fast becoming obsolete. If you're like most Americans who have owned a camcorder anytime in the past couple of decades, you undoubtedly have hordes of precious home videos on VHS. While this may work for now, VHS tapes don't last forever.
Luckily, there are many methods that you can use to quickly and easily convert your VHS home movies to DVD.
Why Convert?
One of the most important reasons to convert your VHS tapes to DVD is to avoid the potential for damage. VHS film can fall apart and slowly deteriorate over time - in fact, a VHS tape can start failing in as few as three years. If you have home movies that have been shelved for a decade or longer, it might be time to pull them out and do an inspection.
Another reason you may consider converting is that VHS technology is becoming obsolete. VCRs take up valuable space in your media cabinet and are becoming harder to find if you need to purchase a new one.
At-Home Conversion Options
There are many options for at-home conversion. Some require equipment purchase, which may be a viable option if you have a large quantity of VHS tapes to convert. And some require equipment you may already have such as camcorder, VCR, and computer.
Regardless of how many tapes you plan to convert, the following methods can be used for at-home conversion. Combination units have both DVD and VHS players built in. If yours has a record button, you're in business. Some items you probably already have like a camcorder with composite video cables, VCR, and computer or DVD burner can be used in conjunction with one another for conversion. You can also use a computer with an analog-to-digital converter, or purchase an external DVD burner for around $100 to connect directly to your VCR.
Video Production Services
If you don't have the time or patience to tackle converting your VHSs yourself, consider enlisting the help of a company that provides video production services. A video production company uses hi-tech equipment to convert a VHS to DVD, as well as many other formats including miniDV, DVCam, or VCD.
One thing to consider is the fees involved with hiring a video production company. If you only have a few VHS movies to convert, it may be worth the money to ensure it is done properly by a professional. Most video production services charge around $10 for a simple VHS to DVD conversion.
Another pro to using a video production company is the additional services they often provide, such as duplication, editing, tape repairs, and often even production services such as wedding videography.
Whether you decide to convert at home or hire a video production company, there are many options for converting your VHS home movies to DVD.
