Video Tape to Digital Conversion
The Sun City Texas Computer Club's equipment and procedures for converting analog video tape to
digital media (DVD) will be discussed here.
Converting VHS Video Tape to DVD
We have two different procedures that are available for this task. Your choice of procedure
depends upon what you want to do with the results and how much effort you want to contribute to the
process. It is important that you understand the limitations of the two options before you
begin.
The first and easiest process uses our Sony VCR/DVD Recorder to make a "copy" of your VHS tape
onto a DVD. This process is done in real time (the time it takes to view the material) and is easy
to do. The resulting DVD will then play on most newer entertainment DVD players. A major limitation
is that there is no opportunity to do editing, or to add titles, music, and narration during the
process or afterward. You can edit the title for each chapter of the DVD. A new chapter is created
each time you stop and restart the process.
The other more lengthy process involves first converting the material into digital format using
our Sony VCR, the Canopus ADVC-100 analog/digital converter and saving it to a hard drive as an AVI
format file. The AVI file can then be edited using a non-linear video editing program such as
Photoshop Premiere Elements either on the Lab PC or at home on your computer. You would copy the
saved AVI file to a data format DVD disc to transport it to your home computer. This process will
take several times as long to complete as the first one. It requires one real time to get to the
digital AVI file. Video editing will require several times real time depending on how much you do
and then the DVD must be burned. The total time required will be from 4 to 20 times longer than the
quick and easy process, but you will end up with a custom edited DVD that will be just what you
want. These DVDs will also play on most entertainment DVD players.
Members should carefully decide which process they want to use. Or, to be safe, do both. Do the
first quick and easy copy process now to be sure that the material is safe and then later do the
process that includes editing when time allows. But be sure you understand that you will have to
start over with the analog source when you do the second method. Editing options are very limited
when you start with a final MPEG2 coded DVD.
Commercially recorded VHS tapes with copy protection can not be copied with our equipment.
This is most likely to be the case with tapes from big movie house names such as Disney.
All of our DVD recorders will record onto DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW and DVD+RW discs. You will need
to do some research as to what types of DVDs you DVD player will play. This varies widely between
brands and models. The best choice will likely be either a DVD-R or DVD+R. DVD-RW or DVD+RW
discs are less likely to play on anything but the latest model DVD players. We will have DVD-R
blank discs available in exchange for a donation or you may bring your own. Some
recommended blank DVDs are Verbatim Data Life Plus, TDK, Maxell or Taiyo Yuden. The inexpensive
"store brand" DVDs are not recommended but they may work.
Converting VHS Tapes to DVD with No Editing
Equipment and procedures are available to do these conversions. Instructions for using the Sony
VCR/DVD Recorder follow. No workshop training is required. The equipment is located in the
Cybercenter Workroom (next to the Meeting Room). A sign up sheet is posted on the bulletin board to
the right of the door as you enter. You may sign up for one 3 hour session each week. We suggest
that you print a copy of the instructions for your use although one should be available in the
workroom. In addition to the procedures for using the Sony recorder for VHS tapes, there is
an additional instruction for copying from camera tapes. There is also a procedure for
testing your blank DVD disc before starting the conversion process. (Note: the procedure
documents are in PDF format; Adobe Reader is required.)
Instructions for copying from camera tapes
Instructions for testing a blank DVD disc
Converting VHS Tapes to DVD with Full Editing Capability
We have all of the equipment and written procedures for the more lengthy process described
above. Review of the procedures is recommended before you decide on this process. A
workshop is offered for this process and a sign-up sheet is on the counter in the
Cybercenter. (Note: the procedure documents are in PDF format; Adobe Reader is required.)
Instructions for Video Conversion for Editing & DVD Recording
Converting Other Format Analog Video Tapes to DVD
Members with video in other analog formats such as 8mm or Beta format can also use the
conversion equipment if they can provide a means of playing the tape. You can use your 8mm
Camcorder for this purpose or a Beta format VCR. We will attempt to borrow equipment to help those
who have tapes but no means of playing them.