02nd Feb 2010
Transfer VCR To DVD – An Introduction on VHS to DVD Conversions
Image: Francesco Marino / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Hello. My name is Marty Holthaus. Welcome to DVD VHS Transfer. If you want to do a film to digital conversion or a VHS to DVD conversion for old videos and home movies, I may have some helpful info for you.
Whatever format you wish to transfer to DVD or digital files, whether it be magnetic tape (VHS, Super-VHS, VHS-C, Betamax, Video8, Hi8, Digital8, or MiniDV) or film (16mm, 8mm, or Super 8), you have to face one simple fact – all of these media formats have images that are deteriorating in quality – even now as you read this sentence. Almost any website you Google on this topic will testify to this. Most of the experts say magnetic tape lasts between 8 to 12 years depending on the quality of the tape and various environmental factors. You may want to view your magnetic tapes before you transfer them just to make sure it is worth the time and expense.
But how long will DVD and computer hard drives last? The Council on Library and Information Resources reports that DVD-R and DVD+R discs will last 100 to 200 years while DVD-RW may last as little as 25 years. Temperature, humidity, light levels, amount of use, and improper handling play a big part in this. Product quality is important. For instance, DVDs with Phthalocyanine will last longer.
The nonprofit organization of expert film archivists called the Center for Home Movies use their website to promote the following 3-tiered plan:
- Transfer old media to DVD for viewing (i.e. a Super 8 transfer, a VHS transfer, etc.).
- Preserve all film originals.
- Make duplicates of film originals.
Conventional DVDs hold static charges that attract dust and cause playback and recording errors. Discs with a protection guard feature better anti-static, anti-dust properties, making the discs far less susceptible.
Verbatim DVD-RW discs with “VideoGuard” protection are 40 times more resistant to scratches than the standard DVD. Delkin Archival Gold DVDs with Scratch Armor is even tougher.
Whether you are interested in video archival, film archival – or both – you can see what a big job a digital transfer can be. Whether you are trying to transfer VCR to DVD, VHS to DVD, miniDV to DVD, or even Super 8 to DVD, there is a certain amount of time involved as you face the required learning curve. You will need to learn some general ideas and, perhaps, some hands-on tasks to get the job done. It won’t be easy but with a little time, patience, and careful review of your goals and film and video material, you will be able to make the right choice for you in regard to preserving your family history.
Read on to learn more about the most common transfers (Super 8 to digital and VHS to digital) as well as other information that will assist you in your search. Good luck!
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