Alright, I have been researching things for a few weeks now and have a few questions. We have some home videos on VHS from the late 80's onward and I am always worried that something may happen to them. I would like to not only burn them onto DVD as a backup, but would like to create my own professional-looking DVD's, menu and all (but that is a different question I will post in the Nero forum). My question is this -- what exactly would this process entail? I presently do not have an external DVD burner (I assume this is the same as a recorder??), nor do I have a DVD burning drive on my PC. I assume I would need to purchase an external burner if I want to hook it up to my VCR downstairs to obtain the VHS movies? How does that process work exactly and what kind of cable(s) would be required? Also, any recommended models? I appreciate you helping this newbie out. Jason
I have limited exp with DVD recorders but I just bought the Lite-On LVW-5005 from Newegg.com 2 weeks ago (This is all you really need). I paid $119.00 plus $9.00 3 day ship. Now they upped the price another $10.00. Below is link to recorder. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16882101305 So far I like it. It's real easy to use. It works alot like a VHS but alot better picture. I've been recording VHS home vids since I got it. I went to WalMart and bought a Maxell 25 pack of DVD+R's (That's what was suggested here the only thing is you can't record over them, you have to buy DVD-RW for that.)I bought a couple of them to but I'll use them to record TV shows. Hope this helps.
Thanks for the reply! I'm curious, so why not buy DVD-RW then? I would like to have the ability to erase if need be, but is it not suggested you use DVD-RW for creating DVD's of your VHS home movies? Or is it just more expensive?
Yes, RW is more expensive because you can re-write over them thousands of times w/out losing quality resolution. So I'm told. That's why I plan on using RW for recording TV shows. BTW: If you have a camcorder with a 4 pin IEEE-1394/Firewire input you will need a cable. Go to ebay you can buy them for $6.00 shipped. Look for F/wire 6ft or longer cable with 2 - 4 pin ends they come in diff lengths.
Sorry I thought you knew about S-video and RCA cables. It comes with the RCA cables and just like the firewire you can get the S-video cable (One you want has 2 male ends on it) from ebay and in diff lengths about same price as firewire. You will have to check the back of your VCR to see if it has a S-video input. If you want to see how easy the LVW-5005 works download the manual here. http://www.liteonamericas.com/us/download_dvd.htm
