Why You Should Convert VHS to DVD and How to Do it Easily

The transition from VHS to DVD marked a significant shift in home entertainment technology. VHS, or Video Home System, was once the dominant format for recording and watching videos at home. However, with technological advancements, DVDs, known as Digital Versatile Discs, emerged as a more efficient and superior format for storing video content. Converting the content on VHS preserves precious memories and ensures that they remain accessible and usable in the digital age. It's a way to safeguard irreplaceable content for future generations while embracing the benefits of modern technology. That is why you must have a VHS-to-DVD converter and learn how to use it here!

Part 1. VHS vs DVD - Which Has a Superior Quality, Compatibility & Popularity

Before we teach you how to transfer VHS to DVD, let's first take a glance at why you need to convert your VHS into a disc such as DVD.

1. Which Is Better Quality, VHS or DVD?

VHS: VHS, or Video Home System, is an analog format that typically offers lower resolution and poorer image quality than modern digital formats. VHS tapes have limited resolution, usually around 240 lines, leading to softer images, color bleeding, and visible graininess, especially noticeable on larger screens.

DVD: DVDs or Digital Versatile Discs significantly improve quality over VHS. DVDs are digital and offer higher resolution, usually 480 or 576 lines, clearer images, sharper details, vibrant colors, and better sound quality than VHS tapes. They support various aspect ratios and can provide enhanced viewing experiences, especially on larger screens.

Verdict: DVD offers superior quality in terms of resolution, clarity, and overall viewing experience compared to VHS.

2. Which Has a Better Compatibility, VHS or DVD?

VHS: VHS tapes are compatible with VHS players and older analog television sets. However, as technology advances, finding functional VHS players becomes increasingly challenging, so more people are looking for ways to turn VHS into digital. They are only compatible with modern digital devices with additional conversion equipment.

DVD: DVDs are compatible with DVD players, computers, gaming consoles, and modern TVs with DVD drives or players. Additionally, DVDs can be easily converted to digital formats, making them compatible with various digital devices.

Verdict: DVDs are more compatible with modern devices and systems compared to VHS tapes.

3. Which is More Popular, VHS or DVD?

VHS: VHS was once the dominant format for home video entertainment from the late 1970s to the early 2000s. It was widely adopted for recording and watching movies, TV shows, and personal videos.

DVD: DVDs gained immense popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, eventually surpassing VHS sales. They offered superior quality, additional features like special menus, and a more compact form factor.

Verdict: While VHS had its era of dominance, DVDs eventually became more popular due to their superior quality and added features.

In summary, VHS vs. DVDs generally offer superior quality and compatibility with modern devices, eventually gaining greater popularity than VHS tapes. It could also be why you need to convert it because of the advantages in the modern era.

Part 2. Preparation of Converting VHS Videos to DVD

You have 5 things to prepare before you want to copy VHS to DVD. Without any one of them, it's impossible to convert the video from the VHS videotape to DVD.

5 Things to Prepare Before Converting VHS to DVD

When preparing to turn VHS to DVD, gathering the necessary items and setting up the equipment for a successful conversion process is essential. Here's a list of things you'll need to prepare:

Functional VHS Player: Ensure you have a working VHS player to play the tapes without issues. Check that the players' heads are clean to avoid distortions during playback.

Blank DVDs: When you convert VHS videos to DVD, a DVD disc is necessary. High-quality blank DVDs are compatible with the DVD recorder for recording the converted content. Ensure the DVDs have sufficient space to accommodate the content from the VHS tapes.

VHS-to-DVD Recorder or VHS-to-DVD Converter: Use a DVD recorder with VHS to change VHS to DVD or a standalone VHS-to-DVD converter device. This device will transfer the content from the VHS tapes to the DVDs.

Cables: Obtain the cables to connect the VHS player to the DVD recorder or converter. Depending on the devices' compatibility, you might need RCA or S-video cables for better-quality transfers.

TV or Monitor: A TV or monitor connects the VHS player and DVD recorder/converter to monitor the playback and recording process.

Part 3. 2 Ways to Convert VHS to DVD Easily

With all the hardware prepared, you also need a VHS to DVD burner on your PC or Mac, such as Tipard DVD Creator or Roxio VHS to DVD converter. If you can't prepare all the items above, you can turn to a VHS-to-DVD service near you for help.

Change VHS to DVD at Home

Copying VHS to DVD can be done at home, especially if you have the converter. To know how to do it purposely, follow the general steps we have added here.

With a converter, you can easily convert VHS videos to DVDs at home. Maybe you consider it not professional, but there are many advantages if you choose to transfer VHS to DVD yourself.

Step 1Connect the VHS player to the DVD recorder/converter using RCA or S-video cables.

Step 2Insert a blank DVD into the DVD recorder.

Step 3Play the VHS tape and record the content onto the DVD using the recorder/converter. Follow the device-specific instructions for recording.

Step 4Finalize the DVD to ensure compatibility with other players.

Why Convert VHS to DVD at Home?

Quality Settings: Some DVD recorders or converters offer options to adjust the recording quality. Higher-quality settings typically result in better video and audio output but might consume more space on the DVD.

Editing Capabilities: Certain devices may provide basic editing features such as trimming, adding chapters, or even inserting titles before finalizing the DVD.

Menu Creation: Some DVD recorders allow users to create menus for the recorded content on the DVD. This feature enhances the viewing experience by providing navigation options.

Scheduled Recording: Advanced DVD recorders have scheduling capabilities, allowing you to set a specific time for recording, which is useful if you're converting multiple tapes.

Use Commercial Conversion Services Available in Your Local Area or Online

If you are looking for a professional way to convert VHS to DVD, then these are the options you can choose from local services and online. Learn the process by reading the tutorial below.

Local Services:

Step 1Find a local media conversion or duplication service provider.

Step 2Bring or send your VHS tapes to their location.

Step 3They'll convert the content to DVDs and may offer additional services like editing or adding titles.

Step 4You'll receive the converted DVDs along with your original tapes.

How Much Does It Cost?

Local media conversion or duplication services might charge per tape or hour of footage. On average, prices may range from $10 to $50 per tape, depending on the length and additional services like editing or labeling.

Online Services:

Step 1Choose an online conversion service and follow their instructions for mailing your VHS tapes.

Step 2They'll convert the content to DVDs and mail them back to you.

Step 3Some services may provide digital download options.

How Much Does It Cost:

Online conversion services often offer package deals based on the number of tapes or minutes of content. Prices range from $10 to $30 per tape or $15 to $50 for a two-hour tape, including conversion and shipping costs.

Part 4. The Best Way to Create DVDs from VHS Videos

When you want to edit the converted VHS video, you should resort to a VHS-to-DVD burner program. With it, you can edit the video and write It on a DVD easily. The overall best program is Tipard DVD Creator. It offers many DVD video formats and allows you to create DVD menus and lists easily.

Key Features:

• ● Easily adjust the audio, video, and subtitle tracks for your DVD disc.
• ● Offer practical video and audio editing features, like trimming, cropping, etc.
• ● Support DVD and Blu-ray creation with various video formats.
• ● Easily convert the VHS video to a DVD video format.

Step 1Download Tipard DVD Creator and launch it. Choose DVD Disc and click the Add Media File button to add the converted VHS videos.

Step 2You can easily adjust the audio and subtitle tracks. For example, you can add a new subtitle or disable the unwanted tracks. Then, click the Next button.

Step 3You can adjust the DVD menu for the converted VHS videos. There are also many beautiful DVD menu templates supported. Then, click the Burn button to copy VHS to the DVD.

Part 5. FAQs on How to Convert VHS to DVD

Conclusion

VHS DVD conversion marks a pivotal shift in preserving cherished memories and adapting to the digital age. The transition from VHS to DVD ensures longevity, accessibility, and enhanced viewing experiences. Whether through DIY methods using converters or professional services, the process safeguards irreplaceable content, providing a convenient means to relive moments in superior quality.