VHS tape to DVD The Capture Hardware
I Recommend Roxio to Convert your VHS tape to DVD
I have used several different capture devices to capture tape to DVD over the years and they just keep getting cheaper and easier to use. I currently have opted for Roxio‘s easy VHS to DVD. It comes with software and the connectors to do the job and its super easy to use. I picked up one of these for about $40 but the average price seems to be around $80.00. You can also get it from their website for $60.00. It really does make converting VHS tape to DVD very easy.
I have another capture device that was top of the line in 2004 and cost a small fortune back then but is a royal pain to install. When I installed “easy VHS to DVD” I was a little apprehensive about how smooth it might go. However with this little beauty it was very easy. I just followed the instructions in the quick install guide and it worked like a charm the first time. I understand there are several different versions of the software. Some older ones may need to have the service packs installed (free from Roxio’s website). My version was the latest (2010) and needed no updating.
Follow the instructions in the Roxio Easy VHS to DVD Creator install guide.
Plug the hardware adapter into an available USB port and connect it to your VHS player or camera. You will notice that it has several plugs to connect a video device to. If possible you will want to connect the “s-video” connector to your VHS player if it has one. It provides better video quality than the composite RCA jacks. For a clearer understanding of the connections involved check out the images below.
- Capture tape to DVD with Roxio’s Easy VHS to DVD
The kit does NOT come with the audio or video cables, so you will need to supply your own. Once you have installed the adapter connect the audio (red and white connectors ) to the audio on the tape player (also red and white).
Tape to DVD Vcr connections
Next connect the video. You can either connect the yellow RCA (composite) connector to the same on the tape player or camera. However if your play back machine has an s-video connector, use it instead. It gives a slightly better quality picture.
After everything is connected you are ready to start capturing your tape to dvd.