Old VCR Video Tape to DVD

Is there a way of taking old VCR videos (home movies) and transferring them to DVD? Can this be done from VCR to Mac computer?

Hi -
The answer to your question is yes, but it is a multi-step process that you may or may not be interested in doing.
The basic workflow will be to connect the analog outputs of your VCR to a device (convertor) that will change the signals to a format that the Mac can ingest. You use iMovie software to ingest the material.
Once you have the material in your computer, you can (if you choose) edit and title it in iMovie. Then you can send it to iDVD to have the material converted (internally in the Mac) into a format that will create a standard DVD, and then burn that DVD.
The convertor you use to connect the VCR to the Mac can be a dedicated convertor like the ADVC300, or you can possibly use a Camcorder that has analog inputs and a DV output to do the job. There in no way to directly connect the VCR to the Mac without some kind of hardware interface.
In any case, you would use iMovie and iDVD,
If you are not planning on editing the material, but just want to convert the VHS tapes as they are to a DVD, and have lots of tapes to do, then you might want to consider a stand-alone DVD recorder. This will simplify everything as you simply connect the VHS machine to the DVD recorder and burn copies directly. Here is a link to an example of a DVD recorder:
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMR-EZ28K-Recorder-1080p-Upconversion/dp/B0014F7 Z94/ref=sr12?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1267727255&sr=8-2
Hope this helps.

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8mm video tape to DVD conversion

I have a stack of old 8mm video tapes from 5-15 years ago that I wish to convert to DVD and eventually edit. Is there a device for converting these tapes? I do have a working 8mm camcorder that I borrowed from a friend that can play these tapes.

To record an analogue signal onto a (digital) PC/Mac calls for a player, a converter, a recorder and a re-purposer.
Ignoring the player (you're sorted there) conversion can be done either by using an external recorder (typically a digicam c/w analogue-in recording), an external converter (see pinnacle, canopus or miglia) or an internal converter (vince1327's idea of using the new generation TV devices is an inspired one).
You'll then need software to record the signal. Apple suggestions include QT-Pro, iMovie or Final Cut Express. Traditionally there was a challenge with dropped-frames and other failures so, especially if your using an external converter, use something simple to record with (QTP?) and something like Tiger Cache Cleaner (or OnyX) to keep the keep your machine "clean" throughout the process.
You'll need to re-puropse the result; this can be done in any of a number of ways depending upon whether DVD, PSP, iPod, etc will be the final viewing medium. QT-Pro/Flip4MacStudio and iDVD are all good, but in truth the world's not short of widgets, freeware, shareware and mainstream applications (for example the previously Popwire applications now at Flip4Mac/Telestream) for re-purposing results.
ffmpegX being a good, free choice.
Cheapest - borrowing a mate's digicam is free and the results are guarateed; Second cheapest? Try vince1327's idea TV idea; at least you'll be able to use that hardware after you're finished recording.
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Converting old analog camcorder video tapes to DVD

After spending days scouring the web I still have the following question:
I have old small Video 8 camcorder tapes, a Mac with a SuperDrive and iMovie/iDVD, but no camera anymore to put the tapes in - what do I buy in order to convert my little tapes into DVDs?
I would appreciate any and all help!
-Joanna 39

Joanna,
As previously mentioned, one method is to buy a Digital8 camcorder by Sony which should be able to play older analog 8mm and Hi8 tapes. I do this all the time as I have a stack of old 8mm and Hi8 analog tapes I am slowly getting around to digitizing, importing to iMovie, light editing, archival copy back out to digital tape, and finally a copy on DVD to watch. I have a Sony Digital8 camcorder and all I do is simply hook up the camcorder to my eMac via a Firewire cable, pop in my old analog tapes, and start importing. The camcorder does the analog to digital conversion and passes that stream up to the Mac.
You can also buy MiniDV models of camcorder that support what is known as pass-thru where you patch your old analog camcorder into the MiniDV camcorder and then firewire to the Mac. The miniDV takes the analog coming in, digitizes it, then passes it thru to the Mac. But since you said you don't have any camcorder now, this would require you to buy two, so this option is kind of out.
Perhaps if you are not interested in investing in a new (or used) Digital8 camcorder, someone in your area (or out of your area if you are willing to ship) with the right equipment could do it for you. Depending on the number of tapes you are talking about, you could invest in a large capacity external Firewire drive which could then be given, along with your tapes, to the person who is going to do it for you. They would import the tapes into iMovie project folders onto your external hard drive. Once all in the hard drive, tapes and drive would be returned to you and you could access the projects on the hard drive by plugging it into your Mac. Tapes could then be safely tucked away for safekeeping. You may have to pay a fee for this, especially if someone is willing to put the wear and tear on their Digital8 camcorder or other tape device to transfer that footage. You may be able to get the person to do stuff like put copies onto digital tapes and/or make DVDs of the tapes, all of which take time of course.
Maybe you could post the area of the world you live in and see if anyone near you is interested.
Patrick

How do I transfer analog video tapes to dvd format using 10.6.8 iMac?

I've recently retired and now want to take on this project of transferring old analog video onto dvds. What do I need to get started?

I had the same question a couple of years ago and discovered a device called "Elgato Video Capture" that digitizes analog video as it plays on your VCR while transferring it to your computer. There may be newer devices/software available now, but the Elgato system works amazingly well. Here is the link to their website: https://www.elgato.com/en/video/video-capture. Happy transferring!

Copying video tapes

Hi Guys,
Here's a simple question.........
I've been using Garageband for a while to copy my records & tapes to my MacBook Pro &/or CDs. I would now like to do a similar thing with a few old VHS video tapes onto DVD.
I have QuickTime Pro installed. Is this the right app to use, or should I use iMovie or something else?
I don't really want/need hi-tech stuff, just something to copy the tapes across. Also, what sort of lead would I need, and where should I plug it into? The video recorder has Euro AV1 and Euro AV2 sockets (they look the same).
Cheers in advance.
Message was edited by: Old Baldrick

Hi
A. I would use iMovie HD 6 to do this. Better quality and control.
B. don't put a mini DVD into Your Mac unless it’s a trayloaded DVD.
C. Read what Karsten collected:
DVD back to iMovie:
.. and here the complete 'full 9 yards' ... :
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=3822853&#3822853
DVDs are in a socalled delivery format (mpeg2), which isn't meant and
made for any processing as editing... or, as honorable forum member
QuicktimeKirk stated: I use the analogy of the old Polaroid
"instant" cameras. Push the button, wait for the print to develop and
show it off. ..
for using the iLife apps, you have to convert'em first, in
recommended order, choose one of the following tools/workarounds:
• DVDxDV (free trial, 25$, Pro: 90$)
• Apple mpeg2 plugin (19$) + Streamclip (free)
• VisualHub (23.32$)
• Cinematize >60$
• Mpeg2Works >25$ + Apple plug-in
• Toast 6/7/8 allows converting to dv/insert dvd, hit apple-k
• connect a miniDV Camcorder with analogue input to a DVD-player and transfer disk to tape/use as converter
• Drop2DV (free) a free tool claiming to convert DVDs into dv-stream...
• Use iSquint for your conversions : www.iSquint.org
from: Bobby Keene
none of these apps override copyprotection mechanisms as on commercial dvds...
http://danslagle.com/mac/iMovie/tips_tricks/6010.shtml
http://danslagle.com/mac/iMovie/tips_tricks/6018.shtml
be nice to copy rights ^-^
... and, next time, try the forum's search-feature...
from Beverly M.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=42724
Yours Bengt W

Beta video tapes into iMovie: How?

I have been given the family task of converting old Beta video tapes (& a couple VHS) onto DVD.
I have an old Beta VCR, not video camera. How do I get the Beat vido footage onto iMovie?
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Hi Laila:
Hopefully you have a Beta VHS Player handy:
Click Here for From VHS to DVD
Give New Life to Old Movies
That may help you. (There are 5 pages-don't skip any! :))
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Converting Sharp VL-AH30 8mm tapes to DVD.

Does anyone know how I can hook up the Sharp VL-AH30 Camcorder to my MacBook? It has a single audio/video output that splits into one audio jack and one video jack. I'm just trying to convert some old home videos (8mm) to dvds... so I really need to know the cheapest way... and easiest.
Thanks!

Basicall, iMovie works with miniDV tapes rather than straight from DVD. What you will need to do is convert the 8mm films to mini DV tape format or have them put on a VCR tape from which you can use your VCR to pass through a miniDV camcorder into iMovie in the miniDV format. So the simple answer to your question is convert your films to the mini DV format. Not knowing what other equipment you have, it's hard to give specific recommendations, but here is what I did with some of my father's films from the 1940's:
*Sent the films to a commercial company to convert to mini DV tape format.\
*used my DV camcorder to import into iMovie and edited to my heart's content.
I also converted some old video tapes by using my camcorder as a pass through device (basicially played the tapes from my VCR to my camcorder so that it would convert to the miniDV format and deliver to my Mac.) Others have used devices made by Canopus to do the same thing.
Hope this gives you a start.

Recording from old vcr

I have a panasonic vcr and want to transfer video tapes onto dvd . Is the best way of doing this by scart from vcr to dvd recorder or is it better to transfer onto my apple imac G5 and then burn onto the dvd. I would prefer to use the G5 route as I think this is more flexible in adding titles etc. if this is recommended can anyone suggest the best piece of kit on the market (not too expensive please!!) in the UK that is is compatible with os x.4.
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Mac OX 10.4.2 using imovie 4.0.2
I too use Dazzle Hollywood DV Bridge connecting my VCR-computer. However, since updating to Quicktime 7 I have not been able to import any video. I did notice that in my preferences I have it set to open new projects in NTSC , but when I switch from the editing to import it switches from NTSC to PAL.
Have you ever had this problem? Any recommended fixs?

Software for video transfers to DVDs

Hi, I was wondering if there is a simple software program available where I can transfer old VHS & 8 mm video tapes onto DVD? It would need to allow me to edit the material before putting it on the DVD. Please help me.
Thanks.
iMac Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Wellcome to the fprums !
About software, if you have iLife that's all you need: edit with iMovie and create your DVDs with iDVD. You can integrate iTunes audio and iPhoto pictures ealsily.
To capture analog video material (VHS & 8mm) you need some basic hardware, like Canopus ADVC-55:
http://canopus.com/products/ADVC55/index.php
You can capture then directly trhough your firewire port. Of course you'll find another similar products (do your own search in the internet!) but you'll find a lot of good references in these forums about Canopus transcoders. I personally have a ADVC-100 and works great.
This forums is about DVD Studio Pro part of the Final Cut pro Studio. Of course this software suite will give you more options during editing and authoring DVDs, but I think you will be more than happy with iMovie and iDVD results !
Hope it helps !
Alberto

How to convert VCR Tape to DVD on MACbook Pro?

Any insight into how to convert VCR tapes to DVD on Macbook Pro would be much appreciated!

The first question is: how to get video into your Mac?
My answer is: use a DV camcorder as a translator. Most Canons and Sonys do this. Here are some general steps:
1. connect the video and audio outputs of your VCR to the input jacks of the camcorder. (If the video is on an S-video jack instead of the conventional yellow phono jack, it will be a little bit better quality.)
2. Using your camcorder's menu, set it to "AV IN->DV OUT". This will vary according to the model of your DVCAM. One hint: all camcorders have a 3-position camera/off/play(vcr) switch. In this application, most of them use the PLAY position.
3. Connect the DV out of the camcorder to a firewire port on the Mac. This requires the cable that comes with the camera...it's a mini-firewire on one end, and a regular firewire 400 on the other. (If your Mac has only a FW 800 jack, you may need another adapter.)
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5. Hit PLAY on the VHS machine. You should see the video in the iMovie window. When you see what you want to save, press iMovie's button to start recording. You're free to edit the movie in any way you want.
When you have enough for a DVD, save it and use iDVD to burn a disc.
Alternatively, if you want to save a step, you can skip the iMovie step and just open up iDVD and select the feature...I forget the exact name...but it's like "Quick Movie" that will just save it as one stream.

From video tapes to canon MVX350i to iMovie to DVD.... which cable?

Hi,
We wish to transfer and edit our VHS tapes to a Canon MVX 350i, transfer it to iMovie and then burn DVDs.
We bought this Canon because we were told it would allow us to do as described. (Analogue Digital Converter).
However we do not have a cable to undertake this task... I believe it is a SCART in/out? Is this correct? What cable(s) do I need?
I don't mind paying for a decent cable and suggestions please?
Thanks,
George UK

George,
I have a Canon 530i and have transferred many VHS tapes to DVD.
Youir Canon should have come with a cable with 3 RCS connectors and a 1/8" plug to connect to your camera. Canon has a socket for that purpose and it is marked "AV" and is yellow.
You need to set your camera to "AV to DV out" which is in the stup section. That allows your camera to do the conversion from anologue to digital without actually recording anything.
There is another socket in your camers and that is for firewire. You will need to buy a firewire connector that can connect to your camera and your computer.
If your Vidoe player has RCA connectors which I presume it does, then connect the cable to your outlet sockets (red, white and yellow) into the yellow AV input socket on your camera. Connect your Firewire to your Mac and bingo, you're set up.
When you start up iMovie, you will need to click on the camera icon next to the scissors. Turn your camers to 'play', turn on your video recorder to play and then you will get the picture on your screen. It should download about 9 minutes per clip and will continue until the film runs out or you run out of disk space.
I suggest you download about 3 or 4 nine minute clips, the stop the downloading and save it for editing.
Good luck
Robert

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MiniDV was a great format, one I still use often. I also still use iMovie HD6 to process it and, for all the iterations of iMovie that followed it, I still believe it was one of Apple's greatest movie software programmes, next to Final Cut Pro, using a timeline method of editing. That was also in the day which Apple put Superdrives into their computers, so that you could not only make your movie in iMovie, but you could render it to iDVD and then burn the DVD. Now you need to buy an external burner.
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Old VCR Video Tape to DVD

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