Copy home VHS to DVD via iMac

I have an iMac using Mac OS 10.6.8. I have a VHS player. I would like to copy all my home made VHS to the Mac, edit the contents, copy them to my Mac and Time Capsule and burn DVDs for my family. What is the best and simple way to convert the VHS analog contents to digital, what unit will work (VHS to Mac) and is iMovie the best tool to edit and what is best to use to burn DVDs. I Googled this quandary and I get so many options, I am somewhat bewildered. Who out there has done this. Thanks.

I have done lots of that.
To get your VHS video into iMovie, use the Grassvalley ADVC300 (much better than the roxio easy vhs to dvd). With the ADVC300 Audio and Video go in, FireWire comes out. It also comes with a nice Macintosh application that works flawlessly with iMovie 06 and iDVD 09/11 (I have used it a few times with iMovie 11).
The program that comes with the ADVC300 has some nice filters that can improve video and audio of the source material. The ADVC300 will take Audio and Video from any source (VCR, Tivo, Satellite Receiver) and convert it to FireWire (iMovie will treat it like a camera).
http://www.ebay.com/ctg/Canopus-ADVC-300-Converter-/138717476
I would use iMovie 06 with iDVD 09/11, why?
iMovie 09/11 uses 'single field processing' meaning every other horizontal line of the video is thrown out, which reduces the sharpness of the footage. iMovie 06 uses ALL of the image to form the video.
If your primary workflow is editing DV clips and making DVDs, iMovie '06 is better suited. Your movie will arrive at iDVD in DV format, which is an ideal match for making a DVD: same resolution, same pixels aspect ratio, and original quality. If you share your movie from iMovie 09/11, it gets re-rendered at 640x480 or less, and then iDVD upscales it back to 720x480. The end result is obviously not as good.
iMovie 06 and iDVD 11 is a "lossless" combination.

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Copying a previously made DVD with iMAC

I have tried to copy a previously made DVD (on my same computer) but when I put the disk in, it immediately starts playing. I turned off the the immediate start up in preferences but it still starts playing. Therefore, I cannot get to Disk Utility to start the process. Any suggestions? Thanks, Gerry

Hello Gerry,
stop the playback in DVD Player, then quit the app. This should do the trick.
hope this helps
mish

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I have been trying to figure out a way to transfer my inlaws' home videos from VHS tapes and HI8 8mm tapes to my computer to burn them to DVD. I have been unsuccessful so far. I thought about just taking them to a transfer place, but there are roughly 30 tapes and I need 6 copies of each one. Any thoughts, recommendations, or links to helpful threads would be appreciated.
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Can I copy from VHS/TV to DVD?

I have some recordings on VHS tape that I would like to get put onto a DVD. How can I get this into my computer so I can copy it to a DVD? I have a VCR connected with my TV - Sony 60" Wega rear projection High Definition TV. What kind of connections do I need to copy it from the VHS tape to my computer????? I'm illiterate at this type of thing so need some simple directions. Is there a program I can edit it in? Like iDVD or iMovie??? Any and all help is greatly appreciated! THANKS! Gary

I have copied over VHS and DVD material into my computer for editing, and it isn't hard. What IS required is a digital recorder/camcorder (now less than $300, and anybody playing with video editing really ought to have one). First, record your old material onto a DV tape (I use Digital8, but any format will work), using whatever inputs exist on the recording device (I've used both the S-Video and composite connections). The reason for doing this is digitize the video (and audio). Once you've done this intermediate step, you can import your material via firewire into iMovie or Final Cut, or whatever editing software you use.
The VHS and DVD footage I've used is all home movie material. There are copyright issues involved in most commercial video out there, but that's another topic. I haven't noted any major degradation to the original video quality.

I'm looking for software for my iMac to use to copy old VHS movies onto DVD and old records (digital turn table) in CDs. Recommendations please?

I'm looking for software for my iMAC to use to copy old VHS movies from a VCR into DVDs and records from my digital turn table into CDs. Any recommendations?

For the VHS movies, try googling Elgato - they make a number of USB devices that are supposed to be able to do this, but check what formatting options they offer : you will want a device that converts directly into .MOV files (to play in QuickTime), or into H.264 for iTunes / iPods, etc.
As for the vinyl records - first you need a device that will convert the analogue output (phono) into a digital form and will connect via FireWire or USB. The Griffin iMic is one such USB device (if still available?). From there you can use the free Audacity download to read in the signal and convert to a suitable format, e.g. MP3. (You will need to use SysPrefs / Sound to switch to an external audio device, instead of your Mac's built-in mic.)
(Wait - you said "digital turntable" - software already on your Mac? How do you use a virtual turntable to play vinyl?? Unless what you really mean is an analogue turntable that has a CD writer in it, or a USB connection to connect the turntable's DAC output to a computer?? In which case, either use your turntable to burn CDs, or connect via USB and the free Audacity software to convert the signal to music tracks and output as MP3.

Need to copy home movies using Insignia dvd/vhs recorder

I have been attempting for 4 years now to copy my vhs home movies onto dvd. I purchased an Insignia dvd/vhs recorder for this purpose. I finally have been successful in recording the dvd where it will play back on the Insignia machine I copied it on but when I send copies to others or try to test the dvd in another player, it will not play the video. I have tried several types of DVDs as I was told it matters. I though the DVD-R was the correct one to use because it reads that it will play back in video players. At least I can play these back on the recorder but I need them to be able to play for those others I have copied them for and for down the road when we the children no longer have this particular recorder. The dvds finally play back on the recorder but not on my sons dvd player. Everything I have read says dvds must be finalized but when I go to menu and then dvd, the menu will not let me arrow up to the finalize part. What can I do? This is so frustrating and I feel an urgency to get these home movies onto dvd.

Your DVDs do need to be finalized in order to be viewable on other players.
Suggest you sit down with the manual for your unit and read it. It should tell you, step by step, how to record and finalize the disc.
If you find my post useful or informative, please click the icon below with the plus sign and star to give kudos. Thank you!

How to transfer vhs home movies to dvd with my new IMac

I'm looking for suggestions from people who have been successful with any product that is not too difficult to use that will help me get my old home movies (vhs) to dvd and hopefully be able to do some editing in iMovie.

I have done lots of this.
You need, an Analog to Digital converter, iMovie, and iDVD. (You don't need a DVD player, just a VCR.)
VCR -> ADVC300 -> Mac. (DVDs come out of the Mac.)
To get your VHS video into iMovie, look at the Grassvally ADVC300. Audio and Video go in, FireWire comes out. It also comes with a nice Macintosh application that works flawlessly with iMovie 06 and iDVD 09/11 (I have used it a few times with iMovie 09 and 11).
The program that comes with the ADVC300 has some nice filters that can improve video and audio of the source material. The ADVC300 will take Audio and Video from any source (VCR, Tivo, Satellite Receiver) and convert it to FireWire (iMovie will treat it like a camera).
http://www.grassvalley.com/products/advc300
For maximum quality here is my procedure: ADVC300 > iMovie 06 > iDVD 11
I would use iMovie 06 with iDVD 09/11, why?
iMovie 09/11 uses 'single field processing' meaning every other horizontal line of the video is thrown out, which reduces the sharpness of the footage. iMovie 06 uses ALL of the image to form the video.
If your primary workflow is editing DV clips and making DVDs, iMovie '06 is better suited. Your movie will arrive at iDVD in DV format, which is an ideal match for making a DVD: same resolution, same pixels aspect ratio, and original quality.
If you share your movie from iMovie 09/11, it gets re-rendered at 640x480 or less, and then iDVD upscales it back to 720x480. The end result is obviously not as good.
iMovie 06 and iDVD 09/11 is a "lossless" combination.

I want to transfer lots of vhs home movies to dvd, need advice on how to do that.

i was looking at a roxio vhs to dvd product for mac, but i'm not sure it's compatible with the new imac i just bought. Any advice?

Rather than the Roxio product, I would recommend that you look at the products from El Gato.
I used the EyeTV Hybrid and it worked great. It attaches to the Mac via USB and attached to the VHS deck through composite cables (rca jacks). The EyeTV Hybrid will import your VHS, but it will also turn your Mac into an HD TV if you add a rabbit ears antenna. You can record and edit TV shows.
If you use this option, you can import the VHS into the EyeTV software. You can them import it into iMovie if you like to do editing. Then transfer to iDVD to burn a DVD.
El Gato makes the hardware (but not the software) for the Roxio product. They also make their own version of the VHS capture product with their own software. I have no opinion on whether it is any good or not, but I have seen posts by others who had a difficult time with it.
El Gato EyeTV website.
If you go up a few hundred dollars in price, a company called Grass Valley makes some Digital Analog Converters which will also capture VHS. You attach via RCA cables to the VHS deck, and attach to Mac via Firewire, so make sure your Mac has Firewire. People have tried the ADVC 300 and the ADVC 110 with good results.
One more thing, if you have a brand new iMac, it may not come preinstalled with iDVD. You may need to purchase iDVD or Toast from Roxio to be able to make DVDs. You can also buy Compressor from Apple to make DVDs. The Roxio option includes a basic version of Toast.
Finally, here is a movie I made after capturing with the EyeTV Hybrid so you can get a feel for the quality. It is not great, because the quality of a VHS is not even as good a standard definition TV, but it still came out pretty good. I would not expect it to look great on a big screen TV, though.

I am trying to make a DVD of my old home movie with a new iMac

I have been un-sucessful at creating a DVD of some older 8mm tapes.
I pick-up the Roxio VHS to DVD capture software.
I connected my Sony Video 8 VCR and captured the 120 min Video.
I am not sure what to do next.
Roxio captured the video, but put it in Quicktime format (.MOV)
Should I import the file into iMovie?
Should I import it into file conversion software?
Do I need a burner Software?
Any help would be appreciated.
Carl
[email protected]

So if the video is now in a .mov file, yes, you can import it into iMovie to edit if you'd like, add titles, or whatever. When finished, please use the export using Quicktime function under Share in file menu and use the highest quality settings you can under Options (depending on the size of your video - is it widescreen (probably not coming from VHS), etc. - you may need to experiment for the best settings. The other options in Share are not as customizable. These are what I use (but that is with video shot in full HD):
When it's done exporting, you will need a burn software to get it on a DVD to play in a DVD player. The best would be iDVD which is part of the retail iLife 09 or 11 suits, available at Amazon, ebay, and other online sellers. Or you can buy Roxio Toast, excellent software, but doesn't have the cool customizable menu options iDVD has. Or there are free options like Burn - just basics.
Edit: is yours one of the brand new iMacs? If so, you don't have a Superdrive/optical drive built in, so you'll need an external burner.

After using video capture device to copy VHS to DVD, burnt DVD will play on computer but not

After using video capture device to copy VHS to DVD, burnt DVD will play on computer but not on DVD player. Tech support for the VCD said my HP DVD burning software has to burn "DVD Video and not DVD data" and to check with HP. How can i check myself.

Grahamster, welcome to the forum.
I recommend trying CDBurnerXP for burning video CD's. I have been using it for years without a glitch. I use it mainly for burning ISO's, but have used it for all types. Please let us know if it works or not.
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I used Roxio VHS to DVD for Mac (have iMac with Snow Leopard) and the audio does not synch with the video when playing in iMovie. Any suggestions to fix?

I used Roxio VHS to DVD for Mac (have iMac with Snow Leopard) and the audio does not synch with the video when playing in iMovie. Any suggestions to fix?

Thanks for the reply. I tried playing with detaching the audio in iMovie, but with 20+ hours of video to correct, it would take too long. After 28 hours, Corel/Roxio tech support replied that it is a known bitrate mismatch problem and they have no real fix. I strongly suggest not to buy this product.

Can I convert my VHS tapes into DVD using iMAC?

How can I convert my VHS tapes into DVD by using iMAC?

From VHS to DVD
http://www.macworld.com/article/1030972/fromvhstodvd.html   <<< click here.
How to Convert a VHS to a DVD for Mac OS X
http://www.ehow.com/how_6515774_convert-dvd-mac-os-x.html   <<< click here.
Roxio unveils VHS to DVD converter for Mac
http://www.macnn.com/articles/09/05/26/roxio.vhs.to.dvd/   <<< click here.
How to Convert VHS to DVD on Mac OS X
http://www.daniusoft.com/tutorial/burn-vhs-to-dvd-on-mac.html   << click here.

I have many hours of home movies copied years ago to DVDs. Can I edit them using iMovie? All the Help instructions assume that you will be transferring info from cameras.

I have many hours of home movies copied years ago to DVDs. Can I edit them using iMovie? All the Help instructions assume that you will be transferring info from cameras not from DVDs.

See my User Tip here.
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3951

I am trying to get a good copy of my home video on DVD using IDVD. On editing the video all the viewing screens show the video perfectly in HD. When I burn the video to DVD all the end results are buzzy with squiggly lines. Any fix? Thanks?

I am trying to get a good copy of my home video on DVD using IDVD. On editing the video all the viewing screens show the video perfectly in HD. When I burn the video to DVD all the end results are buzzy with squiggly lines. Any fix? Thanks?

Hi
There are several layers to this Q
A. There are no HD in DVD - DVD is as standard only SD-Video what ever tools used to produce it !
iDVD or DVD-Studio Pro or Roxio Toast™ - will only make SD-Video on DVD
B. DVD can be better or worse
• Using "Share to iDVD" is no good way - Better is Share to Media Browser and as Large (NOT HD as result will be worse)
• Using iMovie'08 or 09 or 11 - are not tools to chose if highes quality is of importance - iMovie up to HD6 or FinalCut any version is far better as they send over all lines to iDVD and not only every second one.
• Using Right encoder quality depending on movie and Manu duration is very important
• Use of high quality brand of DVD - is important - I use Verbatim DVD-R
• Type of DVD - DVD-R plays on more DVD-Players (even old ones)
• Burn speed - I set it down to x4 - resulting in less burn errors - plays on more players
• I secure a minimum of 25Gb free space on Start-Up Mac OS hard disk as iDVD and Mac OS needs this and it can not be taked from other hard disks - has to be here.
• What You feed iDVD does matter
Video codecs
Audio file formats
Photo file formats
Yours Bengt W

I'm not very techy, so be gentle! i am using midvd app to burn home movies to dvd from iMovie '11 version 9.0.9. It now burns the dvd but there is nothing on the disc. its not recognised by the iMac or any other dvd player.

I was using midvd app(i never had idvd) to make home movies on dvd from imovie '11 version 9.0.9 with no problems before xmas 2013. ive just tried to make a new one today and it wont work.
It seems to burn to the dvd (you can see a mark on the back of the dvd as if it has some info on it) but it wont play on imac (just says blank disc) or any other dvd player.
I have tried reinstalling midvd app and also tried 2 other dvd creator apps and the same thing happens the app says its burning and the external superdrive whirs like its doing something but it wont play.
The only thing i have done since xmas is all the updates to the operationg system and updated imovie (i didnt like the new version so went back to using the previous one)
Any ideas - i am new to all things mac!

When you export your movie from iMovie, are you choosing H.264? That is the only compression method supported by this miDVD. Youc an give this a try first:
Use Share > Export to Quicktime > Movie to Quicktime Movie > choose Options and then make your choices in Settings, etc (you can choose whatever size your video is - mine was 720 HD at that time):
If that does not work, I'd suggest going to their support site as they claim to be able to burn to DVD.... I just checked their site and here is their list of supported file types:
http://shedworx.com/midvd-supported-file-types

Copy home VHS to DVD via iMac

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