Converting from VHS to DVDs can extend the life of your recordings. Extreme fading will happen to VHS recordings after 15 to 20 years. Did you know that average DVD-RW and DVD+RW discs have an average lifespan of 25 years? In comparison to this fact, VHS recordings converted to DVD-R or DVD+R mediums can last about 200 years in recommended conditions. The same DVD-R and DVD+R discs will last nearly 30 years when stored in a warmer environment of 77°F (25°C).
Why Convert Home Videos to DVDs
Converting your VHS recording to DVDs can create movies and memories into higher resolution. HD recordings have a subset of benefits that make watching video recordings more pleasing to the eyes. Although, VHS film can deliver footage that is an average of 333 x 480P (pixels). Today, the average television with HD features can present on average 1920 x 1080p (pixels). By converting your video recordings, you will be able to enjoy more dynamic footage overall. The correct Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) will transform analog footage to digital. Analog film, especially VHS, can be saved onto a more durable format.
Ease of use is an important feature that can be yours when you are ready to view video recordings. When you use a VHS tape, you have the common options to rewind forward, rewind backward, pause, and play. However, when converting to DVD format, these features are elevated. For instance, you have the upgraded options that are faster when you are ready to view an exact scene again by the touch of a button. You will not have to physically rewind or forward the VHS film, and this can be time-consuming. Converting to DVDs will enable you to watch films that are more immersive and shared easily.
The Tools You Will Need to Make a Digital Copy
When converting your VHS film to DVD, there are a few tools you will need to complete the task correctly. As a side note, it is best to use DVD-R discs instead of the counterpart DVD-RW discs. The life of the DVD-R discs last longer and are better for general preservation. There are three general ways you can convert your VHS recordings to DVD-R discs.
The 1st way is to use a DVD recording system/ VCR combination unit. They are relatively cheaper if you can find one used and in good condition online. The following is a list of items that are needed to get started with a combo system.
Supplies Needed for Combination DVD/VHS Unit
- A DVD/VHS combination unit that is good condition.
- Blank and unused DVD-R discs.
- Analog VCR cable with three prongs video (commonly yellow) / left audio speaker (commonly white)/ right audio speaker (commonly red).
- Television with VCR adaptor
- Separate external VCR adapter for television (if your TV does not have it factory installed).
- The VHS tape(s) to be converted.
- Surge Protector.
Supplies Needed for Separate DVD and VHS Units
- Blank and unused DVD-R discs.
- 2 Analog VCR cables with three prongs video (commonly yellow) / left audio speaker (commonly white)/ right audio speaker (commonly red).
- Television with VCR adaptor
- Separate external VCR adapter for television (if your TV does not have a factory-installed adaptor).
- The VHS tape(s) to be converted.
- Surge Protector.
- VCR Player
- DVD Player
Supplies Need for VHS and Computers
- Desktop Computer or Suitable Laptop
- Blank and unused Blu-ray or DVD-R discs.
- 1 USB to Analog VCR cable with three prongs video (commonly yellow) / left audio speaker (commonly white)/ right audio speaker (commonly red).
- Television with VCR adaptor
- Separate external VCR adapter for television (if your TV does not have a factory-installed adaptor).
- The VHS tape(s) to be converted.
- Surge Protector.
- Blu-Ray Writable internal or external Drive (if transferring to Blu-ray)
How to Transfer Your VHS to DVD
There are several ways you can connect your VHS and DVD player to your television. If you have a DVD VHS combination unit, the process is similar. For VHS DVD combination units you will want to connect an analog cord from the unit to the television. The analog cord usually has three prongs on it. After you have connected the cord from the unit to the television, make sure that your television is set on the correct channel to receive the video recording coming from the VHS unit. After these steps, insert your VHS tape into the combination player labeled VHS. However, do not touch the play button yet. Place the DVD-R disc and its respected place label DVD player. Make sure that the DVD-R disc is correctly placed into the carousel and insert it into the player by placing the insert button or gently pressing against the DVD carousel. Press the record button on the DVD side of the unit, and then press play on the VHS side of the unit. Follow any instructions that appear on the screen.
At the end of the recording, the DVD carousel will slowly stop and/or eject the carousel automatically towards you to reveal the disc. Your recording is complete at the end of the VHS film or at the maximum time formatted on the DVD-R disc. If you are using separate VHS and DVD units, the process is basically the same. you want to make sure that your DVD and VHS players are both turned on at the same time. then, follow the instructions as for the combination unit.
Need Help? Contact a Professional Transfer Service
There are several steps that you can take to make sure you make the highest quality transfer from VHS to DVD. However, if you need help do not hesitate to contact us at A.R.S. Video Inc. We are a VHS to DVD transfer service that can transfer a variety of VHS film types to a more stable format such as digital format or DVD. Customer service is important to us and we have been in service since 1987.
