How to Use Video Recorder Software

Having your own home movies on DVD is not only a more convenient storage option than VHS, but also tends to make a clearer picture as well. Since most video cameras now have some type of digital recording feature, it is now possible to copy to a DVD using some type of video recording software. Here is how to make the most of your video recorder software.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with a fast processor, at least 1GB of RAM and about 10GB of storage
• Video recording software
• Video camera with digital recording capability

1. Beef up your computer system. If you don't have at least 1GB of RAM and at least 10GB of storage, you may have to consider getting a new system. Video segments take up an incredible amount of storage space and getting those segments off your video camera requires a good bit of processing as well.

2. Check your video recorder software compatibility. Most software is compatible with PCs, but if you have a MAC, check with the software manufacturer for capability with your system.

3. Learn the "capture" feature on your software. This will enable you to copy segments of your tape to your computer. This is like recording the recording. In most programs, you simply play the tape and hit a button to start the "capture" and hit another button to stop. This makes it easy to edit things out like the 15 minutes of lens cap footage.

4. Add text and titles to your home movie. Even the most basic video recorder software allows you to set a time segment for a title to show before your clip. You need to select a background and type text into your video edit software, then select how long you want the title to be viewed.

5. Copy the whole thing to a DVD. For this you will need to have a computer with a DVD burner. There are options such as adding a menu for the DVD player to select from as well.