(Kameko here, if anyone remembers me...got bored and got my ID changed...thanks TJ. ;))

I need help. I have a bunch of ultra rare stuff on video tape, some of which are my prized possessions. The only trouble is I'm scared STIFF of playing these tapes in my VCRs because I'm terrified of the tape being eaten or somehow damaged. So I barely ever play them and when I do I sit in fear. Not fun. I want to be able to ENJOY this stuff with zero worry and as it stands now I don't even watch it.

So I was thinking, I REALLY need to get with the times and learn how to transfer these episodes on to VCD. I need these things to last because I have not a hope in hell of getting hold of them again if the tapes get eaten or whatever, so I figured this was the way to go...

However I don't have a CLUE how to do it. I'm guess one needs to hook the VCR up to their computer...but then what? I'm totally stuck, and I really need someone to explain this to me in the most easy-to-understand "geek" language possible because I'm a real dummy when it comes to this kind of thing. :p

I'm in the UK if that might make a difference as to how this is done, btw. Much thanks in advance to anyone who replies to this! :)

Since you come from the UK, you would have the PAL format on your VCR/DVD player.

I do not know what your marketplaces sell, but I can offer you some advice.

I too have some ultra rare stuff that I am dying to put on DVD. Forget VCD, since it is a grade lower than videotape.

I put something on VCD once, and I would have rather transferred the content onto another videotape than put it on VCD.

Here in America, DVD recorders are falling in price. If I were you, I would look for those in your area as well.

The quality is good too. I have seen some transfers recently and you cannot tell. I want to put some old home movies from the 1980's on DVD, as well as my Perfect Strangers shows I taped throughout the years. Those things can also be used as a goldmine as well.

I know that DVD recorders can record in different speeds like VCR's (2 hr., 4 hr. , 6 hr. , etc.). If you are transferring VHS tapes to DVD, what setting would be best to get the maximum amount of programming onto a DVD without having a worse quality copy than the VHS?