Converting VHS to DVD

Connect your VCR to your computer. Here we’re using a Terratec Grabster AV150MX connected to our PC via USB and to a VCR using a Scart adapter. It may be necessary to install a driver for your capture device when you connect it to your PC - follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

We’re using the Magix Movies on CD & DVD program that came with the Grabster, but the process will be similar with alternative applications. Starting the program will prompt you to enter a few details about your project such as a name, whether or not it’s in widescreen and what type of disc you want to record to. Click on OK.

Go to Tasks and select ‘Analog recording of VHS, DVD videos, etc’. In the dialogue box that opens, make sure your capture device is selected under ‘Please choose video driver’. Now load your tape into the VCR and press play. You should see the video playing in the preview window. When you’re ready, click the red Record button.

When the tape has finished playing, click on the Stop button, then click on OK to close the capture window. The video will load into the Storyboard at the bottom of the program’s main window. If you want to remove adverts or make other changes, click on the Edit tab.

When you’re ready to create a DVD, click on the Burn tab. Click on the Edit tools button to customise the default DVD menu screen options. You can select a different layout for your background by double-clicking on any of the menu layouts along the bottom of the screen, or change the text.

Click the Burn Disc button when you’re satisfied. A dialogue box will ask you which what kind of disc you want - click on DVD. Another box will open with some options. Make sure your recordable DVD drive is selected under ‘Burner’, then insert a blank DVD and click on ‘Start burn process’.

Click the Burn Disc button when you’re satisfied. A dialogue box will ask you which what kind of disc you want - click on DVD. Another box will open with some options. Make sure your recordable DVD drive is selected under ‘Burner’, then insert a blank DVD and click on ‘Start burn process’.