How to Convert Encrypted VHS Tapes to DVD
While most movies are available in DVD format today, there might be an old movie on VHS that you own that never made it to DVD, which you want to watch on your computer or mobile device. But commercial VHS tapes are protected so that a copy will be problematic to watch. The solution is not only to have a device that can transfer VHS to the computer as a digital file, but to include a video stabilizer in the copying to keep the image looking good.
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Things You'll Need
- Macintosh or PC computer
- Easy VHS to DVD video capture device
- Video stabilizer device
- DVD burner drive
- Blank recordable DVD disc
Instructions
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Converting VHS to DVD
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1
Bring the VCR player and the stabilizer device over to the computer and plug them both in for power. Insert the VHS tape into the VCR.
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Attach a composite or S-Video cable from the VCR's output to the video input on the stabilizer device. Attach the same kind of cable from the video output of the stabilizer into the corresponding video input of Easy VHS to DVD.
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3
Attach the left and right audio outputs from the VCR to the left and right audio inputs of Easy VHS to DVD.
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Plug the USB plug of Easy VHS to DVD into the computer. Use the Macintosh version of Easy VHS to DVD if the computer is a Macintosh; if it is a PC, use the PC version of Easy VHS to DVD.
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5
Run the Easy VHS to DVD software and follow the menus to set up recording the VHS tape to the computer's hard drive. Pick "Plug and Burn" if using the PC version of Easy VHS to DVD and set menus for splash screens and other choices as per personal preferences. The settings will be simpler if using the Easy VHS to DVD software on a Macintosh since it only saves the digital file. Start the VCR playing to check that the VHS image is showing in the preview window of Easy VHS to DVD before beginning to record.
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Rewind the VCR to the tape's beginning. Start it playing and then start the Easy VHS to DVD software recording. Stop the Easy VHS to DVD software when the tape has finished playing and save the digital file to the hard drive if using a Macintosh. Tell the software instead to burn the digital file to the DVD if using the PC version.
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Check how the digital version of the VHS tape now looks by playing the digital file if on a Mac or viewing the finished DVD made from the PC version. If the quality seems dubious, adjust the settings on the video stabilizer and try making another copy by starting the process again from the very beginning.
Making a DVD on a Macintosh
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Run the Toast software that is included with the Macintosh version of Easy VHS to DVD. Select the "Video" tab at the upper left of the program and then select the "DVD-Video" submenu.
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Drag the digital file made from the VHS tape from the Macintosh's hard drive to the open space to the right of the Toast software program's window.
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Press the red "Record" button at the lower right of the Toast program.
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Insert a blank recordable DVD into the disc tray. Press the "Close Tray" selection in the Toast pop-up window to close the disc tray.
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Eject the disc after the burning is completed and quit the Toast program.
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Tips & Warnings
Using the S-Video output of the VCR will result in a better picture than using the Composite output. The cost of a video stabilizer can vary wildly, so it's best to compare prices before buying one, or even consider getting a used model. If the computer has a video capture/TV tuner card built in, there is no need for Easy VHS to DVD and instead this can be used with the video stabilizer. There will, of course, need to be software that works with the video capture/TV tuner card.
Although commercial VHS movies are copyrighted, making a copy for personal use is a well accepted practice. However, do not make additional copies for sale or to give away as that is breaking the copyright law.
References
Resources
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