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How to Copy a Video Tape to a DVD

If you have ever owned a tape deck, you are probably familiar with the concept of dubbing, such as dubbing from audio cassette to audio cassette. In order to transfer your videotape to DVD, you will basically need to do the same thing--except, instead of dubbing from audio cassette to audio cassette, you will be dubbing from a VHS cassette to DVD disc. To accomplish this, you either need a VCR and DVD recorder or a computer with VHS-to-DVD video-editing software, and a USB audio and video adapter.

Things You'll Need

  • Blank DVD-r disc
  • Computer equipped with a disc burner
  • VHS to DVD video editing software
  • USB audio and video capture adapter
  • OR
  • DVD Recorder / VCR combo
  • Television
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Instructions

  1. Copying from Videotape to DVD Using a Computer

    • 1

      Purchase and install your choice of VHS to DVD video-editing software on your computer (you can use either of the editing software programs provided in the resource links, or shop around for another brand).

    • 2

      Set your VCR on a table, stand or chair in close proximity to your computer's hard drive.

    • 3

      Connect the USB audio and video capture adapter. Plug the end of the adapter with the RCA cords into the RCA output jacks on the back of your VCR. Match the color of the plug to the color of the jack--red to red, white to white (or black) and yellow to yellow. Plug the USB end of the adapter into the USB port on your computer.

    • 4

      Place the videotape you would like to copy from into your VCR. Place a blank DVD-r into the disc burner on your computer.

    • 5

      Open the video-editing application on your computer. Depending on the software you have, there will be a different set of automatic prompts that will walk you through the process of copying your video tape to DVD. Follow the prompts. For example, you may be asked to select a source. Choose "VCR" or "Analog," whichever option is given. You might also be asked to set a recording speed. Just like recording on a VCR, the higher the speed, the higher the quality will be. As you follow the prompts, you will also be given the opportunity to cue your videotape to the spot where you would like to begin dubbing.

    Copying from Videotape to DVD Using a VCR / DVD Recorder Combo Device

    • 6

      Connect your VCR / DVD recorder to your television set.

    • 7

      Insert the videotape you would like to make a DVD copy of into the VCR compartment of the VCR / DVD recorder. Insert a blank DVD-r into the DVD tray.

    • 8

      Arm the VCR side of the VCR / DVD recorder. Cue your videotape to the spot where you would like to begin dubbing.

    • 9

      Open the menu options for your VCR / DVD recorder (there should be a "Menu" button on your VCR / DVD recorder remote control). Find the option for "dubbing" and select "VCR to DVD." Exit the menu. Press "Dub" on your VCR / DVD recorder remote control to begin copying your video tape to a DVD. Press "Stop" when dubbing is complete.

    • 10

      Open the menu options for your VCR / DVD recorder. Find the option to "Finalize" and select it. This will finalize your DVD-r disc so that it can be played on any DVD player. If you fail to finalize the disc, you will only be able to play your new DVD on your DVD recorder.

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