Hi--
I see this question has already been touched on, but I'm almost a total novice with this project I'd like to start. I have a huge number of VHS-C tapes moldering in my closet that I greatly want to preserve. I am bewildered by the techo-jargon and mixed reviews of all sort of video-captureing software/hardware out there. I have an Athlon 1900+ (1.6 GHz) and 120 GH hardrive, as well as two sticks of RAM. I installed a USB2 card also. Question: what other hardware do I need and does anyone have an idea of what is the least bug-ridden software out there to accomplish this? Everyone has differing opinions. I bought Pinnacle's Dazzle Digital Video Creator 150, but in checking it out, it doesn't seem to get good reviews. ANY help would be so appreciated!
Sincerely,
Theresa

First check the posts 2 and 3 down.

If you have the dazzle I would recommend you try it. There may be better, but try a couple so that you can get a feel of the process and a look at the quality.

www.videohelp.com is a good reference. Be prepared to read a lot.

To get from the VHS-C to DVD, you need a player, a video / audio capture device (the Dazzle), proper cables, capture software, enough hard disk space, editing software if desired, writing software and the DVD recorder. There are many choices in the path which will determine the ease of doing the process and the quality of the finished product. Higher quality would generally mean more disk space and more time. Video is a highly time consuming. For every hour of tape of tape it takes an hour to capture, maybe 2 hours to edit, an hour to render, and an hour to burn. This varies with your hard and soft ware.

Try it with your existing equipment. Then make your decisions. I take the conservative approach and try to save at the highest quality, especially since you are trying to preserve what is on tape. Also remember to burn backup copies as you go along. Don't waste the effort needed to create the first copy.

Thank you so much! I have a place to start now. It is so confusing. One question: Do you think that I need a larger hardrive or ram?

Thanks again!

If you have 512 MB of ram it should be adequate unless you wish to do a lot of editing. With 120 GB you should have enough. Just erase old unneeded files after you finish each batch.

Thank you again, so much!

Would I be able to transfer multiple vhs-c videos to only one dvd? I have about 15. Also, would it be possible to transfer the vhs-c using a dual vhs/dvd recorder device (like you use on your tv regularly)? I have the vhs-c to vhs adapter.
I tried this once but it didn't work. I couldn't figure out whether it was the dual deck or the fact that it just can't be done that way.

PLEASE ADVISE!! :)
katrina

Katrina Godinez