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How to Convert Digital Video to DVD

Converting digital video to DVD is a simple process if you have the right equipment and know-how. By converting your digital video to DVD, you can play your recordings on most DVD players and computers. DVDs also allow you to scan through your recordings and jump between chapters in seconds. These functions are not easily accessible on digital video. DVD also provides a permanent form of storage for your recordings and frees up your digital video tapes so you can use them again.

Things You'll Need

  • Digital video camera
  • Cables
  • DVD recorder or computer with DVD burner
  • Blank DVDs
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the digital video tape you wish to copy inside your digital video camera. Cue up the tape to the spot where you want to start the copy.

    • 2

      Plug the conversion cable into the camera and your DVD recording device. This can be either a DVD recorder or a computer with a DVD burner. The cable must be an IEEE 1394 interface. This is known by several brand names. Sony calls it an i.LINK, Apple calls it a FireWire and Texas Instruments calls it Lynx. These come with either 4-pin or 6-pin connectors. Most cameras use 4-pin connectors, but check your camera and DVD recording device to be sure.

    • 3

      Put a blank DVD in the recording device. DVDs come in two formats, DVD+ and DVD-. They are not interchangeable when recording. Be sure you know which format your DVD recording device requires.

    • 4

      Press "Play" on your digital video camera.

    • 5

      Tell your DVD recording device to receive the digital video transfer. A DVD recorder can convert your digital video in real time. Some have hard drives that allow you to store the digital video, then convert it to DVD later. Most computers with video-editing software will store your digital video in a hard drive. You can then edit it before converting it to DVD. Both DVD recorders and computers with DVD burners require you to tell the device to start recording.

    • 6

      Allow your digital video tape to roll through all the video you want to convert to DVD. Tell your DVD recording device to stop recording.

    • 7

      Burn your DVD. If your DVD recorder or computer allows you to make edits, do them first. Once you convert your digital video to a regular DVD, it is permanent. Of course, you can always burn another DVD or use a DVD-RW that lets you rewrite on the same disc. Don't forget to finalize the DVD. This prepares it so it can be viewed on most DVD players.

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