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gnubler · #1 (**permalink**) 08-20-2007, 07:27 AM

Has anyone done this? I've Googled this topic but am coming up with lots of different methods. What's the easiest and least expensive? What type of cables do I need? Software?

I have a Mac Pro notebook with DVD burner.

jimking · #2 (**permalink**) 08-20-2007, 08:37 AM

You can dig through this site
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I do it all the time but I use Final Cut and DVDStudioPro. A little pricey.

DCurry · #3 (**permalink**) 08-20-2007, 09:13 AM

I've not dabbled with it yet, but my JVC mini-DV camcorder is supposed to be able to act as the bridge between the VCR and my Mac. It would be directly imported to iMovie, then burned to DVD using iDVD.

One of these days I'll actually try it!

mwc · #4 (**permalink**) 08-20-2007, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gnubler

Has anyone done this? I've Googled this topic but am coming up with lots of different methods. What's the easiest and least expensive? What type of cables do I need? Software?

I have a Mac Pro notebook with DVD burner.

There are many break-out boxes on the market that do this...
I've used a Product by FORMAC on my mac.
the make a hardware product called "StudioDV" that connects via firewire to your MAC, and a variety of other connections to you VHS deck...this allows you to import directely into iMovie (at least the one's before iLife 08). Slick and does the trick with Hardware a realtime HARDWARE conversion to DV. I did all my conversions a few years back when DV was the rage....now i see stuff like HD other stuff...but they won't improve the quality that isn't there. ALSO, yes some of the camcorders out there will allow you to pass through another signal and you can convert that way...VHS to Digitial via camcorder, then camcorder to computer via Firewire and iMovie...et al....

rejamesuk · #5 (**permalink**) 08-20-2007, 10:53 AM

I have eyetv (USB, now very cheap) it has standard yellow,red,white connectors in the back. you can record through that. Then burn it straight to dvd. No hastle, easy as pie.

jimking · #6 (**permalink**) 08-20-2007, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mwc

There are many break-out boxes on the market that do this...
I've used a Product by FORMAC on my mac.
the make a hardware product called "StudioDV" that connects via firewire to your MAC, and a variety of other connections to you VHS deck...this allows you to import directely into iMovie (at least the one's before iLife 08). Slick and does the trick with Hardware a realtime HARDWARE conversion to DV. I did all my conversions a few years back when DV was the rage....now i see stuff like HD other stuff...but they won't improve the quality that isn't there. ALSO, yes some of the camcorders out there will allow you to pass through another signal and you can convert that way...VHS to Digitial via camcorder, then camcorder to computer via Firewire and iMovie...et al....

I came close to purchasing Formac and another device but figured out my digital camera is a perfect bridge for vhs and dv video. Got a Mac with iDVD and iMovie all you need is a converter.

gnubler · #7 (**permalink**) 08-20-2007, 11:57 AM

Thanks for all the info. See what I mean? There's so many methods of doing this.

I don't even own a VCR right now, nor do I own a DV camera. I'd like to find the easiest way of doing this, buying the least amount of more electronic crap.

That EyeTV looks really cool, but $200! I don't think I have enough VHS to justify the cost.

tapdn · #8 (**permalink**) 08-20-2007, 12:27 PM

try ebay- Formac makes a fairly inexpensive converter.
FORMAC STUDIO firewire analog/digital video converter - (eBay item 320149554966 end time Aug-26-07 05:29:16 PDT)

jimking · #9 (**permalink**) 08-20-2007, 12:29 PM

Be careful gnubler. If you want the dvd to be quality video or at least the quality of the vhs tape then you may have to shell out more than 200 bucks. If you end up with a couple meg capture video file like a QuickTime file from your vhs your video is going to suck. For example my 2 hour videos before I compress them for dvd are several gigs.

jimking · #10 (**permalink**) 08-20-2007, 12:41 PM

When I was looking for a converter a couple of years ago I came to the conclusion that Canopus was a more stable converter than Formac. I ran across many people with complaints with Formac and many folks stating that Canopus was much more stable with the least amount of warbling and artifacts. Canopus ADVC-110