[brewski13]

I'm just curious what is the best way to transfer a VHS to DVD? First of all, let's be clear - I'm talking about home movies. I have a computer (obviously) and I have a VCR, so what else do I need, software or cable wise? How is this done?

[mjd420nova]

There are number of USB devices that allow you to input composite video into your PC. Then it can be burned unto the DVD of your choice. There are also a number of stand alone units that will play a VHS tape and make an exact copy onto a DVD. I've used both and have had excellent results. Some of the newest PCs can have a video card installed that will input and output HDMI signals but that would be for the HD type formats.

[LincolnSpector]

Another possibility:

If you don't have a lot of cassettes to transfer, you can bring them to a service that does this. I'm not sure at what point buying your own hardware is cheaper.

Lincoln

[LiveBrianD]

Generally, you can get a video capture card (you just need composite video - that's all most VCRs have), and use that to get the video onto your PC. Then, use some DVD burning software to, well, burn it to a DVD.

[mjd420nova]

Walmart has just rolled out a new service to do just what you're looking to do. I haven't checked their price because I already have my own system setup to do this. It seems that it would be qute expensive but for the one time event might not be that bad of a deal. for me, it is an ongoing project and the family members have taken to providing the materials I'd need to do theirs for them. The biggest problem is getting any system with the proper software to play nice with all the other programs and hardware already in the system.