I can't even go through my kids baby books without tearing up just can imagine what this is doing to you Enjoy LOL
Sandy

What device did you get that lets you capture video from tapes? I'm interested in converting some old VHS tapes from way back when, but don't really know how to go about it. Also, what software are you using to edit the movies and burn to DVD? This project seems a little intimidating, but you make it sound like fun!

Thanks for the reminder. I really should do something with those old VHS tapes. I also have lots of home movies (16mm?) that my Dad took when I was growing up - they must go back to 1955 or so.

I wish I knew a reputable place where I could take them. My sister in law had hers done a few years ago and and was happy with the results- but they're not in business any longer. And I won't mail them anywhere. Do you know of a local (Philly/S.Jersey) company that's any good?

I used a product called, appropriately enough, VHS to DVD 4.0 from Honestech. There are others out there but I needed one that is supported by my brand new Windows 7 64-bit PC. If you're running XP or Vista you can get a Dazzle which works for them; check the label. It's a little box with a USB (universal serial bus) cable coming out one side that plugs into your PC, and a 3 conductor (white, red, yellow) coming out the other. They plug into color coded jacks on your VHS VCR. Around $40 - 50. Also comes with a CD with the software. I loaded it in but I'm only using it for transferring the video. Your PC already has Windows Movie Maker on it and it's a lot easier to use, if you're going to cut out the parts you don't like, in my opinion.

The only hangup - how old is your PC? My previous one - before it died in November - was from 2001 and had the older 1.1 USB jacks. You need a newer one with USB 2.0. They look the same but are 10+ times faster.

Good Luck!

I am like Mcmann. We have lots of old family VHS tapes. I just told DD's a few months ago I'd love to put them on DVD's. Some of these are old, my DS is a baby laying on the floor giggling and kicking and just turned 28 last month.

I wish I knew of somewhere I could take them also!

my DVD recorder also has a VHS system built in...I started this last fall and got off track..it is a time consuming process cause like you I'm watching them and editing out the ten minutes of floor parts...LOL...got to get back to it...you are so right...those tapes are irreplaceable...most of mine are in our safe so their at least protected from fire and humidity...something I haven't done in awhile is go from room to room and take pictures in case of loss...After I do them I mail copies of them to my sisters for safe keeping...

McMann: What I would do is pick out one to convert that you wouldn't cut your wrists on, if it didn't turn out the way you want. If that works try a couple more. Still good? Send 'em the motherload!

This would be a great project to do over the long cold winter. A nice trip down Memory Lane and preserving those memories at the same time.

I remember lugging that suitcase-sized battery pack to DS's Little League games. (DS is now 38; has his own DS.)

Viewing my father's first efforts as a 16 mm cameraman is guaranteed to induce hurling. He stood in the middle of the street in front of our new house and panned 360 around the neighborhood -- at warp speed. (He didn't want to waste film.) Just remembering that makes me woozy.

softball - thanks for the info! My computer has XP and USB 2.0 ports, so it sounds like it's capable. Now we just have to find out if I'm capable!

You CAN do it! If I can, anybody with 1/2 a brain can.

"....just trust me and keep your chin up!"

-Carl Denham to Fay Wray, just before he takes her to Skull Island where she ends up in the grip of King Kong!!!

Softball...I have that same program but haven't gotten around to doing it yet, in part because I dread seeing all those years/people that are gone now. Wish there was a way to bring them back. I am sure at some point I will do it, like you said these tapes won't last forever and I really do want them preserved. Thanks for letting us know how easy it is to do.

We don't have many viedos, but do have alot of 16mm (guess that is what they are), but would like to view them first. There is a place in Phoenix AZ that does this, and seems to have good reviews and price not bad. Will check it out later.

I just had my mom's 8mm film converted to dvd's for Christmas. I had it done at a camera shop. It was a little pricey, but she LOVED it.

Juellie - did you get your original 8mm film reels back in the same shape as before you turned them in? I think that's the burning question.

Thanks for the reminder! I have a VCR/DVD RECORDER all in one that I bought purposly for this. I think I've only done one or two tapes. When I bought mine, it was over $200. Now you can buy them for under $100. they are fairly easy to run. For those of you who aren't quite ready to watch the movies as they are transfered, my suggestion is to get the vcr/dvr combo like mine, set it up and leave the room. No, you can't edit them this way, but they will be preserved on better media, and when you are ready, you can edit them and put them on new dvd's. There are a few I can't watch either.

Tami

I'm revisiting this thread to give a heads up to anyone I might have inspired to do this themself. I ran into a small snag - I mentioned that I used the gizmo with the wires between the VCR & PC to transfer the movies but used Windows Moviemaker on the PC to edit them, rather than the software program that came with the gizmo. I did this because I had a better understanding about WMM. The good news is I am very happy with how the first DVD came out. I added captions here & there and cut out the dull parts. The bad news - the DVD only works in the PC and not our DVD players :(

Here's why - Digital movies can be in any of several formats. Windows Moviemaker saves them as WMV movies. I found out the hard way that WMV is a Windows proprietary format, meaning you need Windows to play it. There are no Windows DVD players that I know of. The software that I did not use saves movies in an MPEG format, which works in stand alond DVD players. So, it's my own fault, and I'm almost back to square one.

However, I'm undaunted and will carry on. Don't let my screw up scare you off. I just wanted to avoid having any of you fall into the trap I did. Just use the software that comes with the gizmo.

Hello softball_80,

Have you checked compatibility? Just an FYI for you.

It is always best to check with the software manufacturer FIRST. They will tell you if they have tested the product and the version, as well as whether or not it will work with Windows 7.

Check out the Windows 7 Compatibility site: (There you will find out about hardware and software compatibilty.)
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/en-us/default.aspx

There is a pulldown from which you can choose "hardware" and "software".

There are also some great articles, instructional videos and such to help with your Windows 7 at our Springboard site: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/default.aspx

In any event a lot of the times, Vista drivers will work in lieu of Windows 7 drivers, however, it's not 100%!

As stated previously, it's best to have the Windows 7 certified drivers installed.

Microsoft does have an official Windows 7 Support Forum located here http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/category/w7itpro. It is supported by product specialists as well as engineers and support teams. You may want to check the threads available there for additional assitance and support.

Thanks again,
John M.
Microsoft Windows Client Support