Although VHS defeated Betamax to become the mainstream home video format in the tape media period, it still can’t escape the fate of being abandoned by the times.
Dusty VHS is loaded with memories of a generation and should not be sealed away. Does your VHS contain videos of your childhood, wedding, graduation, travels, and deceased loved ones? If yes, you can transfer VHS tape to 21st century video storage media. Here we show you the best VHS to DVD converters and how to convert VHS to DVD.
A good VHS tape to DVD converter will not only keep the resolution, but will also enhance the visual quality. After testing, we finally selected 8 converters to help you turn VHS into DVD.
Unlike VHS to DVD converter kits mentioned below, Cisdem DVD Burner is a pure and the best DVD burning application for Mac and Windows PC. It doesn’t include accessories like USB cable and RCA cable.
But it’s still number one in our mind because it's a lot better than the DVD burning software that comes with the VHS tape to DVD converter kit. It burns VHS files faster and improves video quality.
Cisdem DVD Burner can convert any popular digital format to DVD, including MP4, MOV, MTS, DV, MKV, AVI, etc. It provides you with highly-customization features, such as trimming/cropping/cutting videos, add watermark/chapter/subtitles, adjusting effects, etc., allowing you to edit VHS videos based on your own preferences. Plus, it lets choose free DVD menus for different themes and preview the final look of DVD.
What's more, Cisdem DVD Burner can be downloaded directly from the web page, no need to wait for Amazon or online retailer to ship and install it.
It is a decent VHS tape to DVD converter that can convert analog sources from VHS, Hi8, video8 and convert them to DVD or other popular digital formats. With its software, it is easy to use with a few steps and gives a video with high quality of 1024 x 768 resolution. There is a resizing option on the software so you can split the video into smaller files. The videos created will open in iMovie for further editing as long as you import them into the library.
VIDBOX Video Conversion Suite is an excellent video converter that can convert VHS to DVD on Mac and Windows. It will send you a package fulling of everything you need such as USB video capture device, RCA AV cable, USB cable, 2 quick start guides and 2 software download cards. Once you received the package, you can use the product key license and downloading links in the downloading cards to download the software you need. Even if you are a novice, this software is pretty friendly to you because it writes down detailed instruction in the guides for your reference.
UCEC 2.0 Video Capture Card Device is also one of the best VHS to DVD converter that is lightweight for you to store. It can easily convert VHS to DVD on Mac and Windows. If you choose NTSC DVD as the output format, UCEC can provide you with video quality up to 720 * 480. If you choose PAL, it will provide you with high quality of 720 * 576.
Besides, this converter offers 24-hour online technical support and a 1-year money back guarantee so that you can find help to them if you have any problems during the process.
UCEC 2.0 Video Capture Card Device is also one of the best VHS to DVD converter that is lightweight for you to store. It can easily convert VHS to DVD on Mac and Windows. If you choose NTSC DVD as the output format, UCEC can provide you with video quality up to 720 * 480. If you choose PAL, it will provide you with high quality of 720 * 576.
Besides, this converter offers 24-hour online technical support and a 1-year money back guarantee so that you can find help to them if you have any problems during the process.
Video-2-PC earns a number of people’s support is that it is pretty easy to use. It can convert VHS, S-VHS, VCR to DVD and other digital formats on Windows, which supports the input forms of RCA and SCART. It can also downloaded with software for those who don’t have a disc drive. This simple software allows users to capture, edit timeline, produce MP4 video files and burn to DVD.
August VGB100 is excellent in converting old media into videos, DVDs or other digital formats and then saving them on your device. It also lets you to connect your S-video or RCA VHS player or other old media player to your computer via a USB. If your computer doesn’t have a disc drive, you are also allowed to download its matching software.
Dazzle DVD Recorder HD can capture videos from VHS, Hi8, V8 cameras, Xbox and other sources and it also can convert them to DVD or other digital formats. If you want to create a movie, you can get its software from its official website, which gives you all tools, titles, and transitions for creating movies. All in all, Dazzle DVD Recorder HD is a superb VHS to DVD converter for you to burn high-quality videos on Windows.
Through our tests, we all agreed that the easiest way to convert VHS to DVD is to use Cisdem DVD Burner. There is no need to wait a long time for express delivery, the app can be obtained immediately with a simple click on its official website. Also, it’s the best way to turn VHS into DVD due to its more powerful features than apps packaged in the VHS to DVD converter kits like Roxio. Follow the instructions below to make your precious memory into a DVD quickly.
Step 1. Convert VHS tape to digital video formats
1) Connect VCR or camcorder having your VHS tape to the USB capture device via RCA.
2) Insert the USB port to your Mac or Windows computer.
3) Play the transferred VHS videos and record them through the recording software like OBS, QuickTime.
4) Save VHS video files to your computer.
Step 2. Install Cisdem DVD Burner to your Mac or Windows
Download Cisdem DVD Burner on its official website and install it.
Step 3. Upload the transferred VHS videos to Cisdem interface
Put a DVD disc into your optical drive.
Open Cisden DVD Burner, click “+ video” on the “Source” tab to choose the transferred VHS videos into the program.
Step 4. Make a DVD menu (optional)
Click to choose a favorite DVD menu from a lot of themes. Besides, if you don’t like the exiting DVD menus, you can change the background picture and music to make a new DVD menu according to your style.
Step 5. Preview the DVD
Go to the “Preview” tap, click the “Start” icon to view the final look of it in advance. If you are not happy with certain place, you can choose to go back to the same position to edit it.
Step 6. Burn VHS to DVD
Once done, click burn button to the output setting window. You can edit the output type, name, standard, path, etc. according to your needs. Finally, click the “Burn” to start to convert VHS to DVD on Mac.
There are 5 basic standards to consider.
Quality - High video quality must be the most important factor when you select the best VHS to DVD converter software, as the poor result will affect your mood and betray your purpose for turning your precious moments into better storage.
Speed - It is necessary for a DVD writer to convert files quickly, which won’t waste too much time for waiting.
Input formats - The excellent tape to DVD converter should give the flexibility to handle videos from any form.
Synchronization - We found that some converters kept the converted audio out of sync with the video. Be careful to avoid similar products.
Price - Take your budget into consideration to find the most suitable converter.
If you don't just want to buy individual software, but the best VHS to DVD converter kit from Amazon, Walmart or eBay, then add 2 factors.
Cables - Make sure the cable contained in the converter works with your VHS player. Or you can find a converter supports RAC, S-video, and types of cables because they are compatible to most devices. Otherwise, you need to buy a new VCR or other media devices if the cable doesn’t match with your VCR.
Warranty - In case the item is damaged, it can ensure you timely exchange or refund.
Yes, you can try the two ways below.
Convert VHS to DVD via a DVD recorder
If you own a VHS to DVD recorder, such as Sony VRD-MC5 DVD Recorder, you don't need to buy DVD burner software and connect VHS tape to your computer. All can be finished directly with DVD recorder.
1) Place a blank DVD into the DVD recorder.
2) Connect your VHS player to the DVD recorder.
3) Hit the “Record” button on your recorder, and start playing VHS videos.
4) When the old tape ends, hit “Stop” on your VHS to DVD recorder.
Buy VHS to DVD converter service
If you feel that converting VHS to DVD yourself is too complicated, then choose conversion services available worldwide. Visit a credible store such as Walmart, Walgreens, Target, CVS, Staples, Sam’s Club, Costco, etc. for quality services. Take Walmart for example:
1) Place an order on the dvdwalmart.com.
2) Print your order documents and drop off them at a Walmart store near you, or use UPS offered shipping label.
3) Wait 3 to 4 weeks to receive the DVD.
It’s a one-time service, and the waiting time is long.
You can straightly buy the best VHS to digital converter kit on retailer store. There are two different types of converters.
Using VHS to digital software
Elgato Video Capture is unanimously regarded as one of the best VHS to digital converters supported on Mac and Windows. If you view the clear resolution as the most important factor, Elgato Video Capture will be your preferential product because it is able to convert your analog media to H.264 compatible to various devices or platforms such as iPhone, iPad, iMovie, ect, and provide you with the high resolution of 640 * 480 for 4:3 aspect ratio and 640*360 for 16:9.
Using VHS to digital machine
ClearClick Video to Digital Converter 2.0 enjoys a great popularity as an advanced VHS to digital converter that supports converting VCR, VHS tapes, DVDs, gaming system and more to digital formats. Compared to other tools, this VHS to digital converter makes the conversion process easier because it doesn’t require additional software and computer. Just connect it to your VCR to record.
Turning VHS into DVD is a great idea to preserve irreplaceable memories for future generations. This article reviews the 8 best VHS to DVD converters that can assist you to perform the task. Most of the DVD creating software included in VHS tape to DVD converter kits is not functionally satisfactory. They may lack editing function and require you to modify your VHS video files using iMovie or other editing program. The quality of output DVD can’t be guaranteed as well. Therefore, we recommend you buy Cisdem DVD Burner and connected cables separately.
Jenny is a technology editor who has been blogging since she was a student. Since joining Cisdem, she focuses on writing articles about video software and how-to guides. She loves exploring new tools and techniques.