VHS tapes and DVDs

[Guest]

Wow, I am completely and totally overwhelmed by the amount of information
here, it's scarying me. Even the mere act of putting this thread into the
correct discussion group was beyond me, so I just opted to be safe and go
with "general". Sorry....

What I'd like to do is:
My friend has many, many old VHS tapes, of recorded sports events and other
things. I'd like copies of his tapes, and told him that since we're going to
go and copy fourty odd tapes anyway, why not covert them to a better format?
You know, tapes go bad over time, etc.

So, I'd like to copy these VHS tapes to DVDs. I'd also like to edit them,
to perfectly cut out all the commercials, while leaving the events themselves
intact. Also, if possible (I have NO idea if it is possible), I'd like to
improve the quality of the videos. So, covert to DVD, cut out all
unnecessary stuff like commercials, and if possible, make even better quality.

The problem is, I am almost totally computer illiterate. I tried looking
around this forum for the same question, and I found it several times.
Unfortunately, many people were responding to the questions with acronyms,
which I didn't understand at all. Anytime someone uses an acronym, I am just
like "huh?" and become confused. Again, sorry.

Can anyone explain this to me, part by part? Please explain as if you were
talking to a small child, with overbearing amounts of details. I'm assuming
I'm going to need to buy several different things to do this, but I don't
know what, obviously. Some sort of hardware for turning the VHS into
computer data I'd guess, but I don't have ANY idea what hardware that would
be, which brands are best, etc. Money isn't so important, I'd rather buy
something high-quality that records the VHS perfectly. Aside from that, I'm
assuming I'll need some kind of program to actually edit the data once it's
on my computer (for cutting out the commercials and such). Again, don't know
which program is best. I've been hearing people mentioning something called
Movie Maker, but I don't know what that is, or if that is what I want.
Finally, after transfering the VHS to my computer and editing them, I need to
burn them on to DVDs, right? Of course, again I don't know what hardware I
need for that. Like before, I'd like to buy the highest quality hardware, so
the DVDs turn out at the highest quality that they possibly can. Which brand
would be ideal for this?

I guess you can divide my quest into three parts - VHS to computer, editing
data, computer to DVD. Any help people can give is greatly appreciated.
Stepping me through it slowly and thoroughly would leave me unspeakably
happy. Thank you all for your time. Also, sorry I wrote such an absurdly
long post..... I guess I wanted to be thorough explaining everything.

Oh, a small thing - I keep hearing that VHS tapes take up crazy amount of
space. Some of these sporting events, even with commercials out, will be
hours long, I'd wager. Is it possible to put the entire event on a single
DVD? Do any sort of "super-DVDs" exist that hold more data or something?

Thank you so much!
From,
Chrono1st

 

[kurttrail]

Chrono1st wrote:

<useless rambling snipped>

Blah, blah, blah!

If you want help, try helping yourself first, and state your query as
succinctly as possible.

--
Peace!
Kurt Kirsch
Self-anointed Moderator
http://microscum.com
"It'll soon shake your Windows
And rattle your walls
For the times they are a-changin'."

 

[Malke]

Wow, I am completely and totally overwhelmed by the amount of
information
here, it's scarying me. Even the mere act of putting this thread into
the correct discussion group was beyond me, so I just opted to be safe
and go
with "general". Sorry....

What I'd like to do is:
My friend has many, many old VHS tapes, of recorded sports events and
other
things. I'd like copies of his tapes, and told him that since we're
going to go and copy fourty odd tapes anyway, why not covert them to a
better format? You know, tapes go bad over time, etc.

So, I'd like to copy these VHS tapes to DVDs. I'd also like to edit
them, to perfectly cut out all the commercials, while leaving the
events themselves
intact. Also, if possible (I have NO idea if it is possible), I'd
like to
improve the quality of the videos. So, covert to DVD, cut out all
unnecessary stuff like commercials, and if possible, make even better
quality.

The problem is, I am almost totally computer illiterate. I tried
looking around this forum for the same question, and I found it
several times. Unfortunately, many people were responding to the
questions with acronyms,
which I didn't understand at all. Anytime someone uses an acronym, I
am just
like "huh?" and become confused. Again, sorry.

Can anyone explain this to me, part by part? Please explain as if you
were
talking to a small child, with overbearing amounts of details. I'm
assuming I'm going to need to buy several different things to do this,
but I don't
know what, obviously. Some sort of hardware for turning the VHS into
computer data I'd guess, but I don't have ANY idea what hardware that
would
be, which brands are best, etc. Money isn't so important, I'd rather
buy
something high-quality that records the VHS perfectly. Aside from
that, I'm assuming I'll need some kind of program to actually edit the
data once it's
on my computer (for cutting out the commercials and such). Again,
don't know
which program is best. I've been hearing people mentioning something
called Movie Maker, but I don't know what that is, or if that is what
I want. Finally, after transfering the VHS to my computer and editing
them, I need to
burn them on to DVDs, right? Of course, again I don't know what
hardware I
need for that. Like before, I'd like to buy the highest quality
hardware, so
the DVDs turn out at the highest quality that they possibly can.
Which brand would be ideal for this?

I guess you can divide my quest into three parts - VHS to computer,
editing
data, computer to DVD. Any help people can give is greatly
appreciated. Stepping me through it slowly and thoroughly would leave
me unspeakably
happy. Thank you all for your time. Also, sorry I wrote such an
absurdly
long post..... I guess I wanted to be thorough explaining everything.

Oh, a small thing - I keep hearing that VHS tapes take up crazy amount
of
space. Some of these sporting events, even with commercials out, will
be
hours long, I'd wager. Is it possible to put the entire event on a
single
DVD? Do any sort of "super-DVDs" exist that hold more data or
something?

Since you say you are not computer-savvy, the smartest thing to do would
be to look in your local Yellow Pages for a company that converts tapes
to DVD and just let them do it for you.

If you still want to do it yourself, then start by reading the
information at some of the links this Google search turned up:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=convert+VHS+to+DVD&btnG=Search

Malke

 

[Guest]

Thank you for your kind response.
I don't know anything about computers or what the best way to describe my
situation is. Glad you were tolerant with me...

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

You'll need to purchase Plus! Digital Media Edition to accomplish your goal.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/plus/dme/dmehome.asp

This document is a downloadable version of the Help that accompanies
Microsoft Plus! Digital Media Edition. This document explains how
to use the Plus! Digital Media Edition features with photos, digital music,
home movies, and portable devices:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/plus/dme/help.asp

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User
Microsoft Community Newsgroups
news://msnews.microsoft.com/

---------------------------------------------------------------------------­----------------

:

| Wow, I am completely and totally overwhelmed by the amount of information
| here, it's scarying me. Even the mere act of putting this thread into the
| correct discussion group was beyond me, so I just opted to be safe and go
| with "general". Sorry....
|
| What I'd like to do is:
| My friend has many, many old VHS tapes, of recorded sports events and other
| things. I'd like copies of his tapes, and told him that since we're going to
| go and copy fourty odd tapes anyway, why not covert them to a better format?
| You know, tapes go bad over time, etc.
|
| So, I'd like to copy these VHS tapes to DVDs. I'd also like to edit them,
| to perfectly cut out all the commercials, while leaving the events themselves
| intact. Also, if possible (I have NO idea if it is possible), I'd like to
| improve the quality of the videos. So, covert to DVD, cut out all
| unnecessary stuff like commercials, and if possible, make even better quality.
|
| The problem is, I am almost totally computer illiterate. I tried looking
| around this forum for the same question, and I found it several times.
| Unfortunately, many people were responding to the questions with acronyms,
| which I didn't understand at all. Anytime someone uses an acronym, I am just
| like "huh?" and become confused. Again, sorry.
|
| Can anyone explain this to me, part by part? Please explain as if you were
| talking to a small child, with overbearing amounts of details. I'm assuming
| I'm going to need to buy several different things to do this, but I don't
| know what, obviously. Some sort of hardware for turning the VHS into
| computer data I'd guess, but I don't have ANY idea what hardware that would
| be, which brands are best, etc. Money isn't so important, I'd rather buy
| something high-quality that records the VHS perfectly. Aside from that, I'm
| assuming I'll need some kind of program to actually edit the data once it's
| on my computer (for cutting out the commercials and such). Again, don't know
| which program is best. I've been hearing people mentioning something called
| Movie Maker, but I don't know what that is, or if that is what I want.
| Finally, after transfering the VHS to my computer and editing them, I need to
| burn them on to DVDs, right? Of course, again I don't know what hardware I
| need for that. Like before, I'd like to buy the highest quality hardware, so
| the DVDs turn out at the highest quality that they possibly can. Which brand
| would be ideal for this?
|
| I guess you can divide my quest into three parts - VHS to computer, editing
| data, computer to DVD. Any help people can give is greatly appreciated.
| Stepping me through it slowly and thoroughly would leave me unspeakably
| happy. Thank you all for your time. Also, sorry I wrote such an absurdly
| long post..... I guess I wanted to be thorough explaining everything.
|
| Oh, a small thing - I keep hearing that VHS tapes take up crazy amount of
| space. Some of these sporting events, even with commercials out, will be
| hours long, I'd wager. Is it possible to put the entire event on a single
| DVD? Do any sort of "super-DVDs" exist that hold more data or something?
|
| Thank you so much!
| From,
| Chrono1st

 

[Guest]

Thank you for your help!!
One thing that complicates my situation a little bit is that I live in
Japan. I speak some Japanese, enough to get by in basic coversation, but
explaining everything I want to a computer guy in Japanese might be a little
difficult. Still, with a dictionary in hand, worth a shot, right? It's a
good idea, to just ask pros to do it. Meanwhile, I'll also browse Google.
Thanks again!!
Chrono1st

 

[Guest]

Thanks for your help!
I just purchased Plus! Digital Media Edition. I guess I also need to look
for the physical devices that I'll need for my transfers. Any direct
suggestions as to reliable companies and good products that would suit my
cause? The more specific the recommendations, the better. You can consider
me having Plus! Digital Media Edition now, since I'll have it installed soon.
Thanks so much!!
Chrono1st

 

[Bob I]

Start here
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=VHS+to+DVD

 

[kurttrail]

Thank you for your kind response.
I don't know anything about computers or what the best way to
describe my situation is. Glad you were tolerant with me...

I was.

Seven paragraphs for a one sentence request?! That's why you've mostly
gotten Google search links in reply, except from the MicroSalesmen
Carey.

--
Peace!
Kurt Kirsch
Self-anointed Moderator
http://microscum.com
"It'll soon shake your Windows
And rattle your walls
For the times they are a-changin'."

 

[Cymbal Man Freq.]

Thanks for your help!
I just purchased Plus! Digital Media Edition. I guess I also need to
look for the physical devices that I'll need for my transfers. Any
direct suggestions as to reliable companies and good products that
would suit my cause? The more specific the recommendations, the
better. You can consider me having Plus! Digital Media Edition now,
since I'll have it installed soon. Thanks so much!!
Chrono1st

I've got a large VHS/S-VHS video collection, and since the tapes are 6.2 to 8.3
hours long, I'm waiting for Blu-Ray to see if that format can handle the hourage
on one disc at the highest sampling rate available that would be useful for
tapes. Where is that Blu-Ray stuff? Is it even affordable?

 

[Guest]

Hello,
Use Google and keep queries to 3-4 words (convert vhs to dvd).
Here are a few links that may assist your endeaver:
http://www.lnkworld.com/dvd.shtml
http://www.mrbass.org/
http://forum.rpc1.org/portal.php
http://www.videohelp.com/
http://www.signvideo.com/conv-v-to-d.htm
Try newsgroups that specialize in DVD information.
You may want to inquire at a local (english speaking sales people) computer
store concerning the hardware needed for your project, starting with the type
of computer and following up with the software needed.
The Japanese in my experience are helpful to a fault, considerate and
willing to spend time in assisting others. It has been over thirty years
since my last visit so there may be social changes, hope not.
take care.
beamish.

 

[Guest]

DVDs are NOT as permanent as you may think. Fact is Magnetic media will
last longer than most DVDs. DVD-RWs will start to ROT in just 6 months. What
does that mean? It means that the dye that is embedded between the reflective
film and the plastic will start to decay and the media will become unreadable.
Go to google and do some research on DVD media. It isn't as permanent as
one would like. The best out there is Made in Japan, MIJ and is by a company
called Yuden. Before investing a lot money and hopes in your new venture, do
a little research first.
VideoredoPlus has a Great and inexpensive progam out that will allow you
to edit commercials, cut unwanted parts to a single frame and then join the
cuts back together or save them seperately. It is a great utility and works
extremely well and easy.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

So, I'd like to copy these VHS tapes to DVDs. I'd also like to edit them,
to perfectly cut out all the commercials, while leaving the events themselves
intact. Also, if possible (I have NO idea if it is possible), I'd like to
improve the quality of the videos. So, covert to DVD, cut out all
unnecessary stuff like commercials, and if possible, make even better quality.

So why not simply trundle on down to your local Wal*Mart or other
discount store and purchase a VHS/DVD Combo Recorder/Player? Thes
devices are rather inexpensive these days and are specifically designed
to be able to do what you want. Why bother trying to use a computer for
a task for which it wasn't designed? (Unless, of course, you foresaw
this chore when you ordered the computer with the special addapters,
cabling, video controller, and software that's needed?)


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

 

[Jonny]

Wow, I am completely and totally overwhelmed by the amount of information
here, it's scarying me. Even the mere act of putting this thread into the
correct discussion group was beyond me, so I just opted to be safe and go
with "general". Sorry....

What I'd like to do is:
My friend has many, many old VHS tapes, of recorded sports events and
other
things. I'd like copies of his tapes, and told him that since we're going
to
go and copy fourty odd tapes anyway, why not covert them to a better
format?
You know, tapes go bad over time, etc.

So, I'd like to copy these VHS tapes to DVDs. I'd also like to edit them,
to perfectly cut out all the commercials, while leaving the events
themselves
intact. Also, if possible (I have NO idea if it is possible), I'd like to
improve the quality of the videos. So, covert to DVD, cut out all
unnecessary stuff like commercials, and if possible, make even better
quality.

The problem is, I am almost totally computer illiterate. I tried looking
around this forum for the same question, and I found it several times.
Unfortunately, many people were responding to the questions with acronyms,
which I didn't understand at all. Anytime someone uses an acronym, I am
just
like "huh?" and become confused. Again, sorry.

Can anyone explain this to me, part by part? Please explain as if you
were
talking to a small child, with overbearing amounts of details. I'm
assuming
I'm going to need to buy several different things to do this, but I don't
know what, obviously. Some sort of hardware for turning the VHS into
computer data I'd guess, but I don't have ANY idea what hardware that
would
be, which brands are best, etc. Money isn't so important, I'd rather buy
something high-quality that records the VHS perfectly. Aside from that,
I'm
assuming I'll need some kind of program to actually edit the data once
it's
on my computer (for cutting out the commercials and such). Again, don't
know
which program is best. I've been hearing people mentioning something
called
Movie Maker, but I don't know what that is, or if that is what I want.
Finally, after transfering the VHS to my computer and editing them, I need
to
burn them on to DVDs, right? Of course, again I don't know what hardware
I
need for that. Like before, I'd like to buy the highest quality hardware,
so
the DVDs turn out at the highest quality that they possibly can. Which
brand
would be ideal for this?

I guess you can divide my quest into three parts - VHS to computer,
editing
data, computer to DVD. Any help people can give is greatly appreciated.
Stepping me through it slowly and thoroughly would leave me unspeakably
happy. Thank you all for your time. Also, sorry I wrote such an absurdly
long post..... I guess I wanted to be thorough explaining everything.

Oh, a small thing - I keep hearing that VHS tapes take up crazy amount of
space. Some of these sporting events, even with commercials out, will be
hours long, I'd wager. Is it possible to put the entire event on a single
DVD? Do any sort of "super-DVDs" exist that hold more data or something?

Thank you so much!
From,
Chrono1st

Basically, the process you're speaking of consists of converting analog
video and audio to a strict form of mpeg2, then converting the mpeg2 to a
file format that works with DVD movie format. Then burn these files to DVD
with a program that understands DVD movie format. Some may use a program
for each step, or, a program that does all. Of course, you'll need this
software. ULead videostudio 7.0 or higher can do all of this including menu
creation and commercial removal as one example.

Hardware needed is a PCI card with RCA inputs for video and audio for the
PC. Or, similar SVHS connector for input to the PC. Haaupauge and ATI are
examples of makers of these. And, you'll need a DVD burner. Dual layer for
double the amount of data.

VHS tapes don't take up that much space. Its conversion from raw video to
avi file format that eats up your hard drive space. Remember there's ~4GB
file size limit if using FAT32 file system as well.