Radified Community Forums

Radified Community Forums
http://radified.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl Rad Community Technical Discussion Boards (Computer Hardware + PC Software) >> PC Hardware + Software (except Cloning programs) >> VHS tape transfer to computer file http://radified.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1304824359 Message started by Dirk B on May 7^th, 2011 at 10:12pm

Title: VHS tape transfer to computer file
Post by Dirk B on May 7^th, 2011 at 10:12pm

Does anyone have experience with transfering old VHS cassettes to computer files? I'm trying to move my junk, including hundreds of VHS cassettes, to a smaller storage space, and would like to do this in order to get rid of them all together.

Title: Re: VHS tape transfer to computer file
Post by Brian on May 7^th, 2011 at 11:17pm

@ Dirk B

By far the easiest way is to use a DVD hard drive recorder. Copy the tape direct to a DVD or copy to the DVD recorder HD and make a DVD later. You can convert the DVDs to ISOs and store them on a HD.

We also looked at video capture cards and they were a disaster.

Title: Re: VHS tape transfer to computer file
Post by Dirk B on May 9^th, 2011 at 12:21am

a DVD Hard Drive recorder??? I'm not familiar with such a device. I've looked at software solutions, but too many bad reviews @ Amazon.com. I'm now looking at the Canopus ADVC100 device. Is this what you mean by a 'video capture card? I like that it will convert to digital file direct to HDD. Not sure I want hundreds of dvd's. I could just by a 3TB drive at Costco, and keep the files there.

Title: Re: VHS tape transfer to computer file
Post by Brian on May 9^th, 2011 at 12:48am

Dirk B wrote on May 9^th, 2011 at 12:21am:

a DVD Hard Drive recorder???

My latest is....

http://www.panasonic.com.au/Products/DVD+and+Blu-ray/DVD+-+Players+and+Recorders/DMR-XW380/Overview

You don't need to spend this much if you just want to transfer VHS tapes to a HD. I've heard of some that will transfer from tape to a USB HD. There is no internal HD in the device.

Title: Re: VHS tape transfer to computer file
Post by Dirk B on May 9^th, 2011 at 8:56am

Hmmmm.... so you hook your VCR up to this machine and it converts it to a digital format onto it's internal hard drive, then you can burn a DVD, is that how it works? It would seem to have a Canopus type device built in to do the conversion? What sort of file type is generated? How much disk space per hour is used? How much time can you burn to a DVD? Do you know of a website that addresses these types of questions?

Title: Re: VHS tape transfer to computer file
Post by Brian on May 9^th, 2011 at 4:29pm

Dirk B wrote on May 9^th, 2011 at 8:56am:

so you hook your VCR up to this machine and it converts it to a digital format onto it's internal hard drive, then you can burn a DVD, is that how it works?

Yes.

Dirk B wrote on May 9^th, 2011 at 8:56am:

What sort of file type is generated?

No idea. There is no way of knowing.

Dirk B wrote on May 9^th, 2011 at 8:56am:

How much disk space per hour is used?

2 GB per hour of video.

Dirk B wrote on May 9^th, 2011 at 8:56am:

How much time can you burn to a DVD?

About 10 minutes. You can then convert the DVD to an ISO and store the ISO on a HD. It sounds time consuming but you are only present at the recorder for a few minutes each tape. We had no success with video capture cards. Tried a few and gave up.

Title: Re: VHS tape transfer to computer file
Post by NightOwl on May 11^th, 2011 at 9:16am

@ Dirk B

Quote:

Does anyone have experience with transfering old VHS cassettes to computer files?

Can't say I have personal experience--but I've seen this product in the US market: http://www.pinnaclesys.com/PublicSite/us/Products/Consumer+Products/Dazzle/

You could Google it and see what type of reviews it has. Seems like it would meet your needs--if it works as advertised.