digitalFAQ.com Forum - Newbie: Where to begin converting VHS tapes to digital ?

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Originally Posted by kd19 (Post 19406)

Hi, Just joined!

Welcome! And thanks for becoming a Premium Member. :)

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I'm looking for advice on putting my old vhs tapes and some old Disney tapes on my computer.
There's so much info out there... way too confusing... figured I would join to get accurate info for me.

Very understandable. So let's see what I can do to help un-confuse this process for you...

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One thread I read said to go back to the tape... my tapes are all in pretty good shape... old (early 90's), a couple may have flickering (not sure that's the right term)... there are horizontal lines running up the screen. The only vcr I have is a sony slv n700.. just a basic vcr.

What you've observed is most likely due to the VCR being a cheap consumer grade VCR. The VCR is the primary fail point, when it comes to tape quality. Ideally, you'd want to upgrade to one of the VCRs suggested for converting tapes: http://www.digitalfaq.com/forum/vide...ing-guide.html. Most of these VCRs have average prices in the $200-400 range, for a well-maintained quality unit. All high-end VCRs are used now -- there's nothing new available in stores. (What is found in store is pathetic, and you don't want those.)

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Budget is low range = $200

Tape conversion workflows generally require three main pieces:

The VCR, to play the tape at the best possible quality, to extract as much video signal off the tape as possible, while not also creating noise in the process.
A device to remove signal errors that prevent the digital conversion process -- aka, an external TBC.
More on that topic here: http://www.digitalfaq.com/forum/vide...time-base.html. These are often in the $200+ range.
A quality digital conversion device, be it a good standalone DVD recorder (a good one! not just any old "name brand" junk), or a good computer capture card. A good card is usually $50-100 used; most new cards are not good for VHS-to-DVD work.

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Computer is Dell d630 windows xp and an Imac 2.4gh intel core duo mac osx 10..
I don't even know where to begin.... which computer would be better to use?

The Windows machine. Macs are weak in many areas, and video capturing is one of them. Trying to capture video with a Mac is like trying to walk a cat on a leash. It may happen, but it's going to be a huge ordeal to get that far.

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Do I need to upgrade my memory or software?

How much RAM does it have? (Memory)
How much disk space does it have? (Not memory, but some people still call disk space "memory".)

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Should I be looking at getting a converter? advc110 or 300 seems to be mentioned alot.

This isn't a very good device. It's massively overpriced for what little it actually does for you. If you search the forum for information on the Canopus ADVC, you'll find extremely detailed answers on why these converters are far from ideal for converting VHS to DVD.

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Time based converter? Will that allow me to edit the flickering?

TBC = time base corrector. It doesn't convert anything. Both a TBC and a better VCR will work to remove the various flaws and errors you see in your video. Flickering will most likely be removed.

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Any help is appreciated.

Another option is to buy the Disney movies/shows you want on DVD -- the retail DVDs will look much better than the VHS tapes you have converted to DVD with a homemade method. Consider even buying used Disney movies from Amazon.com or eBay.

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Thanks! :)

Glad to help. And we'll keep going for as long as it takes to help you get the project moving.

Since I think some other non-Premium members may have some good input for you, I'm moving this to the video project workflows sub-forum. :2cents: