VHS to DVD conversion on HP Laptop?

[BadgerGirl2003]

I have a 1 1/2 year old HP laptop and I would like to use it to convert VHS tapes to DVD.  I have a functional VCR.  I don't know what I need to connect the VCR to the Laptop.  Can anyone help with a connector suggestion?

Thanks!

[MartyH]

BadgerGirl2003,

There are several devices that can convert a VHS tape to a DVD. They all work similarly:  connect one end of the device to your VCR and connect the other end to your laptop.  You have to play the entire VHS tape at normal playing speed during the conversion process.  In other words, a 6-hour VHS tape takes 6-hours to convert, and then some additional time is needed to burn to a DVD.

Some sites to check:

http://www.diamondmm.com/VC600.php

http://www.roxio.com/enu/products/easy-vhs-to-dvd/standard/overview.html

There are many similar gadgets on the internet.  Just Google "VHS to DVD converter" to see what meets your needs at the best price. This site compares several products:    http://vhs-to-dvd-converters-review.toptenreviews.com/

Marty

[chaser]

Hi. I had the same questions ...did a lot of research and learned a lot in the process. As noted, there are several makers of the hardware/software tools required to perform the transfer out there, and what I was going thru was trying to weed through which are essentially bogus vs. dependable. Make sure to read, if possible, ALL the product reviews, etc...to get a good feel for what you might buy.

As it is in my case, just yesterday I broke down and purchased the diamondmm - VC600 item. There is a 500 also, but the 600 seemed more inclusive for capturing video grabs (still images), and the software looked more reliable, seeing as how I perceived it to be an 'upgrade' to the previous release. Only time will tell. It should arive in a few days, then I get to see if I can figure out how to use it. This was after having done a lot of research, and prior to even seeing Marty's post or finding this forum just this morning.

[MartyH]

chaser,

I think you made a good choice.  I bought the VC500 a while back for my 32-bit Vista desktop.  A friend tried it on his HP laptop with 64-bit Win-7 and the software would not install, so he bought the VC600.   The VC600 runs on Vista/Win-7 and on 32/64 bit machines, so it is far more flexible. 

I also research all electronic purchases before I buy ... it took me a couple of months to buy my laptop!