|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722 |
Based upon personal experience . . . Would anyone reccomend any software or source that I can use to convert old VHS tapes to DVDs?
Thanks!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,600
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,600 |
Best bang-fo-buck I found a couple years ago was DVDExpress DX2 Worked great in XP, haven't tried it in Win 7. Extremely easy to use. Play Video into convertor box; box sends USB video/audio signal to computer. Saves as mpeg2 (If I remember correctly). It does require the VHS player to have video out and audio out ports (yellow/red/white). Any device with these outputs can be used, including TV, camera, etc. The DVDExpress just converts to mpeg at proper frame rate. It's 8mm I'm struggling with!  Can't seem to find a player with video/audio outs. Trying to film the projector screen (with digital camera) loses a lot, no matter what settings I try.
Last edited by rharv; 02/26/12 03:46 PM.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 7,258
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 7,258 |
Have a look on Amazon Danny, chew through the reviews and go for what your budget allows.
The easiest way though maybe not the cheapest is to get a VHS / DVD recorder.
Not that expensive either. That way just bung in the tape & record direct to DVD !
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,365
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,365 |
rharv - the only way you're going to get better results with 8mm is with a professional tele-cine machine. These focus the image onto a CCD cell and output the result as VHS quality analogue which can be fed into your DVD Express. Unfortunately, they're not cheap.
ROG.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722 |
Thanks guys . . . I think I have decided to get the Toshiba DVR620 - DVDr/ VCR combo I'll let you know how it works out. Thanks again,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,449
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,449 |
Danny,
Just be a litle careful; I recently got caught when buying a DVD/VCR for my mother in law. Althought it says VCR (video casette RECORDER) it was actualy only a video PLAYER, and a DVD recorder.
I understand that you just wish to copy tapes to DVD, but if you need to record video, look carefully at the specs.
Cheers,
Keith
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722 |
Keith,
Thanks for the heads up I will check the checker upon your advice.
Thanks man!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
@rharv,
How about video cameras? My Sony 8mm handheld that I purchased around 1994 had a stereo mic, and it has a port on the side that has composite R/L/Video that is switchable between an input and an output. The model number is: CCD FX620
I didn't see any of these for sale on eBay. Mine is still functional, and yes, I should convert our tapes over - which I have yet to do.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 64
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 64 |
Even better than 8mm camcorders, I believe all Sony Digital8 camcorders are backwards compatible with Hi8 and standard 8mm videotapes and these camcorders automatically convert the older formats to digital and can send the video to your computer (usually via Firewire). I've been doing this for awhile, but I'm not sure if Sony is still selling new Digital8 cameras. Good luck.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,600
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,600 |
I doubt a handheld camera is going to play these ancient reels. They are not in cassette form, but actual reels with tape that is degrading over the years. One of the reels is about 10" diameter compiled of many smaller tapes from back in the day.
So far I have been able to set up the digital camera and record them, but you end up with the 'flutter' from frame speeds not matching. They never will since the tape speed is varying all the time and using a mechanical motor to move the tape. It's better than nothing and has preserved a couple tapes that ran for their last time as I recorded them. One of them has a guy walking in the background with an ice pick and a block of ice, heading to the house.. I'm guessing some of these are 60 - 70 year old tapes.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 191
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 191 |
Hi rharv,
FWIW, my brother in law had some 8mm tape on reels and he took them to a tape shop that had the proper equipment to convert and transfer to DVD. He was really happy with them, might be worth looking into.
All the best
yjoh
[i]Music...a joy for life.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987 |
If you don't expect to be transferring a bunch in the future, the cheapest route would be to have it professionally transferred. If you are talking your entire VHS collection then perhaps buying a machine would be prudent.
I had a terrible experience with a Phillips/Sylvania unit (all North American Phillips units are/were made by Symphonic/Funai. My service experience has been atrocious with them. Caveat emptor!
Just my dux loonies.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 22
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 22 |
Looks like I'm a little late to the thread. You didn't mention if you're on a PC or Mac. There is a cheap solution that provides excellent results for home use. The Hauppauge 1196 WinTV-HVR-1250 PCI-E x1 TV Tuner 1196 PCI board for $65 on Amazon. You can usually find better deals elsewhere. This device can take basically any analog signal and turn it into an .avi file. Then you can use something like Nero to convert from .avi to a DVD. This also works with turntable audio, but you'll need to strip the blank video signal off of it. Newer versions of RealPlayer have built in converters for this sort of thing.
Good Luck
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 75
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 75 |
Hello,
I own 2 VHS lessons from Robben Ford. I've tried to turn it on DVD but it seems to be protected against copying.
Has anyone a solution?
Thanks for your help.
François
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,365
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,365 |
Francois.
Hacking anything which is copy-protected is technically illegal, even if it's for your own use, so you may find people are reluctant to go public about how to do it.
ROG.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,191
Posts801,762
Members40,063
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean