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Copying video tapes to DVD without using my computer

Discussion in 'Video capturing from analog sources' started by wumply, Mar 1, 2004.

  1. wumply

    wumply Member

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    Tried to find questions answered here but failed. So if my question has been well-answered, please point me to the answer.

    Here's the question:

    There are computer-independent units out there that let me connect my vcr directly to the unit, whch then digitizes the video and put it on a DVD. Considering that I currently only have USB 1.1, no copying-digitizing transfer software and no DVD drive in my computer, would this be a recommended way to go? If so, which units would you recommend? (I do have a DVD player for my TV which is where I would watch any DVDs I made froml the videos.

    Or would it be more practical to get the DVD drive, the software, the USB 2.0 deal (does that come as a PCI card?) and the cables to connect vcr to my computer?
     
  2. DogBomb

    DogBomb Regular member

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    I will say this for the last time for newbies looking to do basic video conversion to DVD - GET A F$%^%& DVD RECORDER!!! I've seen the Gateway for below $300, and quite a few of the Phillips and earlier Panasonic models in the $300 range. I imagine you would have to spend at least $300 for the PC upgrades you'll need - big hard drive, video capture card, video software, etc. To the rest of you who fail to read this, tough luck. Suffer with crap like Studio 9 wasting many hours in your side profession as a video producer.
     
  3. wumply

    wumply Member

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    Dogbomb...thanks for your input. I had suspected that your point about the cost of upgrades might be the case! But being totally new to video to DVD, I could use a further bit of clarification. The DVD recorders you speak of...Gateway...Panasonic...I can connect my VCR to them and record my video tapes to a DVD disk? For that is what I want to do. I don't want to record TV programs actively or currently being broadcast...at least at the moment I don't.

    Or will have to use my computer as well...Windows XP, 1.7 ghz CPU, 37 free mb of HD space, USB 1.1?
     
  4. Gardener3

    Gardener3 Member

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    Wumply,

    I've watched the sales pitch on the Philips DVDR80 at Best Buy, and did a little side research on it. Besides burning a DVD in real time when you hook up an analog camcorder or a VHS player via composite video or a digital camcorder via firewire, it can also edit the tape (don't ask me how it does that). This DVD recorder (approx $400 via internet) and its predecessor, the DVDR75 (on sale now at Best Buy for $399) have had rave reviews for the quality of DVDs they produce, and the simplicity of the process. The DVDR80 has a built in VCRPlus-type feature, and other minor improvements over the DVDR75.

    Gardener
     
  5. wumply

    wumply Member

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    Gardener:

    Appreciate your post...good to know this. But I wonder if you have any suggestions re similar units that would have as good quality but be, perhaps, more basic and therefore less expensive. I don't want to edit, only copy portions of certain VHS tapes. Or is this as low as I'm likely find...till 6-12 months have passed maybe?
     
  6. wumply

    wumply Member

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    Gardiner: Hello again.

    Didn't realize my signature was too long for Afterdawn. It should have ended up "...I would be most appreciative. The address is www.metrocast.net/~wumply/exper-1.html
     
  7. wumply

    wumply Member

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    Gardener...a 2nd. Hello, but came across something that could be helpful for you to consider. I read 3 reviews of the Philips DVDR75 and 2 of the DDR80. All were highly negative. They were by users. The reviews were at www.pricegrabber.com; go there and type in "Philips DVDR75" and "DR80" in the searchs box if interested. There will be a "Read reviews" link. (wumply)
     

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