How to Convert a VHS to a DVD in iMovie

Preserve VHS tapes by converting them to DVD using IMovie.

IMovie is a video-editing program designed for Mac computers. Use the program to capture video clips, trim footage and add effects to create movies. You can protect home movies by using iMovie to transfer your VHS tape recordings to DVD. Import VHS tapes using the pass through mode on a MiniDV camcorder or digital converter. This will convert the analog signal form the VCR into a digital signal the computer can use. Keep in mind that capturing video files takes up large amounts of hard drive space.

Things You'll Need

• VHS tapes
• VCR
• MiniDV camcorder or digital converter
• Video and audio cables
• Blank DVDs

Instructions

Preparing to Transfer to the Computer

1. Connect the video and audio cables to the VCR's output.

2. Connect the video and audio cables to the input on the MiniDV camcorder or digital converter. Set the MiniDV camcorder to "Pass Through" mode.

3. Turn on the computer and launch iMovie. Open a new project in iMovie.

4. Connect the MiniDV camcorder or digital converter to the Mac computer using the "FireWire" jack.

5. Turn on the VCR and MiniDV camcorder or digital converter.

Importing the Video to iMovie

1. Click on the camera-shaped "Import" button in iMovie.

2. Press play and check the VCR's tracking to ensure you capture the best possible picture quality.

3. Watch the VHS tape playing in the iMovie monitor to see what you are capturing.

4. Press the "Import" button again to stop capturing. iMovie will automatically convert imported video to a series of clips that are 2GB in size.

5. Edit your video. Be sure to reassemble all the clips in order. Editing options include adding photos, transitions or sound and trimming out bad scenes.

Creating the DVD

1. Click on the "Create iDVD Project" button after you are finished editing your movie. The iDVD program will launch and import the movie.

2. Edit the DVD project by customizing the menus.

3. Click on the "Preview" button to test your DVD project.

4. Double-click the "Burn" button.

5. Insert a blank DVD and allow the program to complete burning and encoding.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the VHS tapes for quality prior to transferring.

• To guarantee you have enough storage space, use an extra hard drive to store your video.

• Before you begin, consider how you will organize your video clips to create your movie.

• You can add more than one movie to a DVD project by clicking on the "Customize" button in iDVD.

• Burning a DVD is memory intensive. It is best to not burden your computer with any other tasks while it is burning the DVD.

• It is impossible to recover a deleted movie clip except by importing the video again.

References

• MacWorld.com: From VHS to DVD
• Ischool: iMovie Tutorial

Resources

• Apple.com Support: iMovie