Checklist for equipments/ things needed to convert VHS tapes to DVD:
1. VCR
2. Personal Computer/PC
3. Digital video camcorder
4. IEEE 1394 Firewire cable or USB (video capture devices)
5. DVD
6. Desktop video editing software
7. RCA cable
8. Video file formats and codecs (MPEG-2)
For information and listing please see http://www.fileinfo.net/filetypes/video
9. MiniDV
10. Old VHS tapes (for transfer)
11. Authoring software
Three options for a video card:
1. Transferring video without installing a card by use of Dazzle
Dazzle video creator is an inexpensive easy-to-use video capture card. The device is commonly called as Dazzle. This is an all external set up. One may plug this to the USB port of the computer and connect the digital video camcorder or the VCR to it. Dazzle is sometimes bundled with the software needed to produce digital frames like MPEG-1, Real Video and Windows Media. This option absolutely does not require opening of the computer and installing a card. The interface allows uploading of videos via USB port or A/V composite inputs. USB is fairly fast and works nicely with Dazzle Video Creator.
Drawbacks and Limitations of Dazzle Video Creator:
a. The biggest movie one may produce is 352 x 288 dpi only since USB and A/V ports are not up to the task of moving large frame videos.
b. Speed is slower. Uploading via USB or composite cable takes longer than Firewire.
c. Suffer generational loss that is noticeable.
2. Uploading video with the use of video card
A video card installed in the computer determines the large image and text quality on the screen and number of colors used. Video cards may cost more but provides quality 3D images and several other options enjoyed by computer graphics and video hobbyists. The most important thing is to balance one’s choice between what is needed and what one can allocate to spend for the conversion process.
3. Firewire
Firewire cards are not video cards. It serves to hook up the computer monitor and provide connectivity to devices like digital video camcorder, hard drive or scanner. Firewire represents the best high speed interconnection standards. It was developed as a low cost high speed data transfer. In this process we are going to use Firewire card. Firewire communication is fast and easy between the computer and other peripherals. Transfer occurs without decompression or recompression. Videos were maintained in its exact digital copy or its original form during storage and manipulation.