VHS to DVD

[Meatball]

Im woefully ignorant as to how this works - i know there are SO many different DVD formats.

All i want to do is take my VHS collection - old family videos, sporting events ive recorded, other live events that i have on VHS tapes..and record it onto DVD so it will last forever and i can make room (VHS tapes take up so muhc space).

whats the best way to do this? Combo VCR DVD reecordable? plain DVD recordable patched into my VCR?

how much do these units cost?
i was even thinking of renting the unit because after a weekend of transferring everything over, or hiring someone to do it for me..i wont ever need the unit again so buying it seems a waste.

please advise.


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[The Nature Boy]

The different formats of DVD which you speak, I assume is the region coding. North America, Europe, Asia and I believe 3 other regions all feature coding on DVD's so that a Region 1(north america I believe) can only be played on a region 1 player(unless you buy an All-Region player from an overseas dealer).

As for transfering, it's a bit more complicated than hooking up two VCR's. I investigated, but for copywright reasons, the powers that be have made it a real bitch. I'll scour for some hard facts, but I know it involves some fairly expensive gear no matter which way you go. Otherwise, there is always a professional transfer house, which is actually probably a reasonable investment, given the start up cost of much of the gear.

Bon Jovi Fan Since Day ONE!

[HordeKing1]

Nature Boy - Regional coding isn't an issue, as MEATBALL isn't planning to move overseas. He's just wants to transfer old videos onto dvd, so it will be playable with current equipment.

Having said that, nothing lasts forever. In fact, the DVD recorder wars are far from over. There are three different formats and all use different type of DVD's. For example, a DVD-RW will not play a DVD+RW. Same with DVD-R and DVD+R. There are advantages and disadvantages to each.

Take a look at the PC Magazine website. Last I was there they reviewed 2 combo units that plays all 3 formats. That way no matter which becomes standard you'lll be covered. Of course you'll pay a premium for this (about $350) as opposed to $250.

You can attach your VCR to a DVD recorder, or get a combo unit. Unless you want to wait, till the major companies slug it out, you're best off getting the DVD recorders that work with all formats.

I imagine that a combo DVD recorder/VCR would be more expensive than a DVD recorder. You already have a VCR so unless you really need the space, save the money and buy a separate DVD Recorder/player.

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