A little help for a tech dummy - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

bingbangbaby · 11-07-2007, 11:00 PM

Ok, I've decided I need to try to convert my hundreds of videotapes to dvd's because, among other reasons, the last time I moved those tapes took way too many boxes. So...
and you may laugh at me if you like, I won't mind...

what contraption do I need to do that, and is it a good investment at this time or is technology moving on to something else and I should wait for the next technological advance? My computer is a little slow and it has absolutely no special features whatsoever, so unless it's cheaper or better, I'm probably looking to do this through my TV. But please tell me if I should be thinking about using my computer instead. I'm looking for the cheapest and most effective way, but still a reliable brand. Anyone and everyone who can spin me around and give me a push in the right direction would be much appreciated.

Brieannas21 · 11-08-2007, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bingbangbaby

Ok, I've decided I need to try to convert my hundreds of videotapes to dvd's because, among other reasons, the last time I moved those tapes took way too many boxes. So...
and you may laugh at me if you like, I won't mind...

what contraption do I need to do that, and is it a good investment at this time or is technology moving on to something else and I should wait for the next technological advance? My computer is a little slow and it has absolutely no special features whatsoever, so unless it's cheaper or better, I'm probably looking to do this through my TV. But please tell me if I should be thinking about using my computer instead. I'm looking for the cheapest and most effective way, but still a reliable brand. Anyone and everyone who can spin me around and give me a push in the right direction would be much appreciated.

A VHS/DVD Recorder combo will do the trick.

OH Nuts! · 11-08-2007, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bingbangbaby

Ok, I've decided I need to try to convert my hundreds of videotapes to dvd's because, among other reasons, the last time I moved those tapes took way too many boxes. So...
and you may laugh at me if you like, I won't mind...

what contraption do I need to do that, and is it a good investment at this time or is technology moving on to something else and I should wait for the next technological advance? My computer is a little slow and it has absolutely no special features whatsoever, so unless it's cheaper or better, I'm probably looking to do this through my TV. But please tell me if I should be thinking about using my computer instead. I'm looking for the cheapest and most effective way, but still a reliable brand. Anyone and everyone who can spin me around and give me a push in the right direction would be much appreciated.

Thank you for posting this. I have the same dilemma too. I'm a real technological idiot-you are light years ahead of me most likely. But I too am sick of all my VHS's, which clink and clunk.

If anyone else has very specific advice that'd be great. Also, is there a way to convert commerical VHS's made of old shows. Some of these VHS's only have 2 eps on them. I've read there's coding on the tape that prevents copying. But I only want these for my own purpose and the same eps can't be found elsewhere. Any ideas anyone. Thx.

vtunie · 11-08-2007, 12:30 PM

Read this for a good intro, with specific models and prices mentioned:

http://www.consumersearch.com/www/el...rs/review.html

Ireneparalegal · 11-09-2007, 12:02 AM

I bought a DVD recorder/VHS combo abt two months ago. I have already converted my camcorder video tapes onto DVD's. It is worth it but you have to read the instructions very carefully and be patient.

treky · 11-09-2007, 02:38 AM

can you put VHS tapes on to DVDs using a VCR and a DV-R?

AB · 11-09-2007, 06:27 PM

I bought a VCR-DVD Recorder at Walmart for $99. You can record your old vcr tapes to dvd but its very time consuming and you have to read through the directions several times to understand it. I've only transfered about 6 tapes so far. A friend told me Sony has a machine out for around $300 that's suppose to be easy to use for transfering vcr tapes to dvd. I don't know what model it is though.

Ireneparalegal · 11-09-2007, 06:30 PM

Mine is a Panasonic and I paid almost $285 for it. It is supposed to allow you to do chapters (whatever that is) and to delete and edit things such as commercials if you record off your television. I can also edit if I record off my camcorder, but for the life of me I can't figure that crap out.

So, regardless if you paid more like me or less like you Ann, it seems to me it will be just as time-consuming and difficult as you pointed out. I read the instructions for recording from my camcorder AT LEAST SIX TIMES before I just decided to try it and finally got it to record. To be honest with you, I don't even think I did every little step the instructions stated. There must have been at least 8 steps to do the recording, I think I only did 5.

Either way, I got the stuff recorded on DVD.

AB · 11-09-2007, 07:05 PM

^ I know exactly what you mean, I get a headache every time I try to read the part about editing and making chapters. My 6 DVD's are just one long chapter. lol!

Ireneparalegal · 11-09-2007, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by annball1957

^ I know exactly what you mean, I get a headache every time I try to read the part about editing and making chapters. My 6 DVD's are just one long chapter. lol!

I know what you mean, so are mine.

I was transferring my niece's wedding from my camcorder to a DVD and I forgot I had some footage of my son's first day of kindergarten on there. Well, I didn't want her wedding DVD to have that footage but for the life of me I couldn't figure out how to edit that out, so I left it on the DVD. She didn't mind, she loved it.

bingbangbaby · 11-09-2007, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by treky

can you put VHS tapes on to DVDs using a VCR and a DV-R?

Does anyone know if this is an option? I already own two VCR's and I wouldn't be too keen on buying yet another one, even if it is what I need to transfer VHS to DVD. I wouldn't even have enough TV's to connect three VCR's to.

treky · 11-10-2007, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by annball1957

I bought a VCR-DVD Recorder at Walmart for $99. You can record your old vcr tapes to dvd but its very time consuming and you have to read through the directions several times to understand it. I've only transfered about 6 tapes so far. A friend told me Sony has a machine out for around $300 that's suppose to be easy to use for transfering vcr tapes to dvd. I don't know what model it is though.

I know what you mean. I had to read the instructions telling how to record on my DV-R at least 4 or 5 times before I FINNALY figured it out! (and it didn't help that they're printed in real small print!!)

AB · 11-11-2007, 01:19 PM

I found out the name of that recorder thats supposed to be easy to use to transfer your vcr tapes to dvd. Its called "Sony-Direct VRD-MC5" and can be found at sonystyle.com. My friend from work gave me the info.

Stormtracker TF · 11-12-2007, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

I know what you mean, so are mine.

I was transferring my niece's wedding from my camcorder to a DVD and I forgot I had some footage of my son's first day of kindergarten on there. Well, I didn't want her wedding DVD to have that footage but for the life of me I couldn't figure out how to edit that out, so I left it on the DVD. She didn't mind, she loved it.

I need one of these too. I hate VHS's.

Ireneparalegal · 11-12-2007, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stormtracker TF

I need one of these too. I hate VHS's.

Same here.

They take up too much room. I have a cabinet of Vhs tapes of movies that I need to get rid of, but I need to buy the movies on DVD's so I can do that.

11-07-2007, 11:00 PM	#1
bingbangbaby I see you!! Senior Member Join Date: Jul 15, 2007 Location: USA Posts: 1,070	A little help for a tech dummy Ok, I've decided I need to try to convert my hundreds of videotapes to dvd's because, among other reasons, the last time I moved those tapes took way too many boxes. So... and you may laugh at me if you like, I won't mind... what contraption do I need to do that, and is it a good investment at this time or is technology moving on to something else and I should wait for the next technological advance? My computer is a little slow and it has absolutely no special features whatsoever, so unless it's cheaper or better, I'm probably looking to do this through my TV. But please tell me if I should be thinking about using my computer instead. I'm looking for the cheapest and most effective way, but still a reliable brand. Anyone and everyone who can spin me around and give me a push in the right direction would be much appreciated.

11-09-2007, 12:02 AM	#5
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	I bought a DVD recorder/VHS combo abt two months ago. I have already converted my camcorder video tapes onto DVD's. It is worth it but you have to read the instructions very carefully and be patient.
	__________________ DALLAS COWBOYS ARE HERE AT TRAINING CAMP!!!

11-09-2007, 02:38 AM	#6
treky star trek fan Eternal Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Feb 25, 2002 Location: Conshohocken, pennsylvania Posts: 14,490	can you put VHS tapes on to DVDs using a VCR and a DV-R?
	__________________ the Clampetts are in a fancy Beverly Hills jewelry store. Granny points to a tray of rubies. Granny: "How much fer one o' them red diamonds?" clerk: "Madam, those are rubies." Granny: "OK ask her kin we buy one offa her." clerk: " The ruby I am talking about is not a lady." Granny: "Lissen, how she got them diamonds is her business. I'm just sayin' ask her kin we buy one from her."

11-08-2007, 12:30 PM	#4
vtunie Member Forum Regular Join Date: Oct 23, 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 592	Read this for a good intro, with specific models and prices mentioned: http://www.consumersearch.com/www/el...rs/review.html

11-09-2007, 06:27 PM	#7
AB Member Eternal Member Forum Icon Join Date: Dec 26, 2006 Location: The South Posts: 59,428	I bought a VCR-DVD Recorder at Walmart for $99. You can record your old vcr tapes to dvd but its very time consuming and you have to read through the directions several times to understand it. I've only transfered about 6 tapes so far. A friend told me Sony has a machine out for around $300 that's suppose to be easy to use for transfering vcr tapes to dvd. I don't know what model it is though.

11-09-2007, 06:30 PM	#8
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	Mine is a Panasonic and I paid almost $285 for it. It is supposed to allow you to do chapters (whatever that is) and to delete and edit things such as commercials if you record off your television. I can also edit if I record off my camcorder, but for the life of me I can't figure that crap out. So, regardless if you paid more like me or less like you Ann, it seems to me it will be just as time-consuming and difficult as you pointed out. I read the instructions for recording from my camcorder AT LEAST SIX TIMES before I just decided to try it and finally got it to record. To be honest with you, I don't even think I did every little step the instructions stated. There must have been at least 8 steps to do the recording, I think I only did 5. Either way, I got the stuff recorded on DVD.

11-09-2007, 07:05 PM	#9
AB Member Eternal Member Forum Icon Join Date: Dec 26, 2006 Location: The South Posts: 59,428	^ I know exactly what you mean, I get a headache every time I try to read the part about editing and making chapters. My 6 DVD's are just one long chapter. lol!

11-11-2007, 01:19 PM	#13
AB Member Eternal Member Forum Icon Join Date: Dec 26, 2006 Location: The South Posts: 59,428	I found out the name of that recorder thats supposed to be easy to use to transfer your vcr tapes to dvd. Its called "Sony-Direct VRD-MC5" and can be found at sonystyle.com. My friend from work gave me the info.