How To Convert VHS Tapes to DVD Using a Computer with a Video Capture Card

If you have analog home videos, either VHS tapes or analog camcorder tapes (Hi-8, etc.), to convert into DVDs and your computer has a video capture card, this article will assist you with that process. To view other options to convert analog tapes to DVDs, read How To Convert Your VHS and Analog Camcorder Tapes to DVD first.

What You Need

In order to convert your analog tapes, you need to have the following:

• A VCR or an analog camcorder
• A computer with a video capture card with suggested minimum requirements: Pentium 4 or equivalent, 512M memory, 20G disk space (you will eat it up fast, especially if you convert at a high resolution)
• Video editing software - Windows XP comes with Windows Movie Maker, newer Mac's ship with iMovie. Check your computer and do some investigation before you purchase a video editing software package.
• A DVD burner
• Blank DVD media

The Process

At a high level, the process consists of playing the analog (VHS, Hi-8, etc.) tape through the VCR or analog camcorder, converting it to digital format through the video capture card in the computer, and then storing the digital formatted video file on the computer. This file can optionally be edited using video editing software (such as Windows Movie Maker on the PC or iMovie on the Mac) and then burned onto a DVD for playing in a DVD player.

Make the Connections

First, determine the video and audio inputs on your video card. Your card should have a composite and/or S-Video input as well as an audio input (probably 1/8" line in plug) . If you are not sure where your video card is on your computer or what these types of inputs look like, refer to your owner's manual or manufacturer's website.

Next examine your VCR or analog camcorder for the outputs it supports. If you have an S-Video connection on both this device and the computer, you should use that video connection as it will produce the best quality, if not use the composite (yellow RCA) connection. For audio, you will need a 1/8" stereo plug to Left/Right (white/red) RCA accessory cable available at any electronics store. Connect the 1/8" plug to the line in on the computer (on the sound card, not the video capture card) and the white and red jacks to the VCR or camcorder's audio output.

Perform the Conversion

1. Turn on the computer and the VCR. If using a camcorder instead of a VCR, turn it on by putting it in 'play or vtr' mode.


2. Start the video editing software on the computer if it already is not started.


3. The video editing software should recognize the video device that is connected to it. If not, recheck your connections and ensure all devices are turned on properly as described.


4. Check your resolution for the video capture. Make sure that you have enough space on your computer for the length of the tape. Usually the software will give you hints about how much disc space video will take up. If not, experiment first with different resolutions before editing a whole video.


5. Check your format settings for the video capture. When capturing the video, the file(s) created will be in a specific video format which varies based on the software being used. Make sure that the format used can be burned onto a DVD in a format your DVD player can support (usually the default setting for editing software).


6. Rewind the VHS tape (or analog camcorder tape) to the appropriate place where you want to begin capturing your video.


7. Hit the play button on the VCR and the record button on the video editing software simultaneously.


8. You are now capturing the video and it should appear on your computer screen. Some software also plays the sound while capturing, but others do not so don't be alarmed if there is no sound coming out.


9. Let the tape run through to the end of the video, then stop recording. The software should sense the end of the tape autmatically so you don't need to wait around for the tape to end if you don't want to. You might also want to try and capture 10 second clips initially just to get the hang of how your software works.

Video editing software will vary in how it splits up the captured video into 'clips'. Some software will find the breaks automatically and turn them into separate clips that can be edited easier. If this is not available automatically, you may want to create your own clips as you find natural breaking points in the video tape.

Edit the Video

Now that your clips are in the editing software, you can create a custom video to burn onto a DVD. All software has different features for creating the video, so you will have to read the user's manual or just experiment while creating the video.

In the simplest case, if you don't want to edit the video at all by adding pictures, music, etc., just drag all of the video clips in sequence to the 'filmstrip' portion of the software (usually located near the bottom of the window).

If you want to add pictures and music, all you have to do is to drag MP3s or JPGs to the same film strip area. You may have to import them into the software first, but that is usually fairly straightforward. You can also add in DVD chapters if your software supports it.

When complete, play the video in the software to see how it look. If you are satisfied with the results, go ahead and burn the DVD.

Example of PC Video Editing Software

Burn the DVD

The final step in the process is to burn the movie onto a DVD for play in your DVD player.

1. Insert a blank DVD into the DVD burner. Most computer recorders purchased in the last couple of years will record both DVD -R and +R formats, but individual models may vary. If using a diffent DVD player for playback, be sure it supports the format of the recordable media by looking in your DVD player user manual. For more information the types of blank DVD media available and what's right for you, read Understanding The Different Types of Recordable DVDs.


2. Start the DVD burning software. This may be the same as the video editing software or may be a completely different program. For instance, on the Mac, iMovie is used to create the video, and iDVD, which can be launched from iMovie, is used to burn the DVD.


3. If the DVD is intended to be compatible with other players, it will need to be recorded in a specific manner. Whatever DVD recording software used should have a setting to accomplish this. Blank discs in the -R/-RW formats will need to be finalized before they will play in other players.


4. Select the 'burn' button, to begin burning the DVD. The time required to burn a DVD varies widely based on several factors including how fast your DVD burner writes to DVD, the speed of your computer, and the size of the video itself.


5. When the burn is complete, the DVD should eject.

The DVD is now ready to be played in your DVD player. Enjoy!