Transfer Videos to DVD using VHS-DVD Combo Recorder

Many of us have some priceless memories captured in Video Home System (VHS). However, the tape design and cassettes involved in VHS do not have a good longevity. A VHS would last only till the outer plastic casing and the magnetic tape are in proper condition. A good way to save your priceless videos to get completely degraded with the degradation of the VHS with time is to convert them to DVD. A combo player can help you to transfer the videos to DVD easily. All you need to have to carry out the conversion is a VHS-DVD combo recorder, an adapter of analog-to-digital type and two separate boxes.

Steps to convert VHS to DVD:

1. If you do not have a VHS-DVD combo recorder, purchase one.

A good quality player would cost around $100 to $200. Beware of purchasing a cheap alternative, since it may not work properly and affect your videos adversely. It is advised to go for a reputed brand like Toshiba DVR620, priced $190 or Magnavox VD225MG9, priced $90. Check out the local stores to find something more cost effective. A combo player can be used to get old home movies transferred to DVD too.

2. Select a VHS tape.

You need to choose the VHS tape to be converted to DVD before proceeding ahead. Select the video and rewind or fast forward it to reach the beginning of that portion of video that you wish to transfer to DVD. It is advised to select those videos which lack severe degradation and noise to make sure the recordings have a high quality.

3. The VHS tape should be cleaned and the VCR should be tested.

Though not extremely important, still it is good to clean the video cassette tape. The tape deck should also be tested to make sure it would not ruin the VHS. There are different types of cleaning methods and some are quite effective among them. One easy way of cleaning is to open the encasing of the cassette and remove any potential dirt or dust carefully, with the help of a cotton swab or soft cloth. The heads of the VCR can be cleaned with the help of VHS head cleaner. Thy can be cleaned manually too.

4. Insert a blank DVD and the VHS tape.

Ensure that the inserted blank disc is compatible with the DVD recorder. Some of the players have the ability to read only particular formats like DVD+RW or DVD+R. So, prior to attempting the conversion, it is good to check out the specifications of the combo player.

5. Carry out the conversion.

Finally, you can convert the VHS to DVD. The process of conversion can vary on the basis of your machine, so, it is important to read the instruction manual included. You can also go through the website of the manufacture to gain more information related to the initiation of the dubbing process. Typically, there is a record button for converting the tape directly to the blank disc.

This information would give you an idea on how to proceed with the conversion. A combo player employs advanced technology which can help you to transfer your videos easily into DVD. DVDs are far more resistant to damage and degradation over time. So, you can be certain that your videos would have a high quality for a large number of years, after getting converted to DVD.

Author Bio: Joana Hall is an avid writer who likes to write blogs on Technology. She has written many articles on old home movies transferred to DVD. In this article she is providing the readers some valuable information on Transfer Videos to DVD using VHS-DVD Combo Recorder.