Original publication August \u00a031, 2002<\/p>\n
Q. \u00a0 There is a whole bunch of folks who have LP’s that they would like to transfer onto new formats like MP3 or hard drives. \u00a0They also have VHS video of their families that is starting to degrade due to its age. \u00a0How can we convert VHS to DVD, and vinyl to CD? \u00a0I assume that there is a price point beyond which it isn’t cost effective to transfer your own VHS, but there are commercial outfits which will do it for you. \u00a0 Conrad Koch<\/p>\n
A. \u00a0 The easiest route to take in both cases is by purchasing components to insert into your existing audio\/video system. \u00a0 To put your records on CD, you can purchase a CD recorder for $199 and up. \u00a0 If you think of the CD recorder as the equivalent of a cassette deck that records on CDs rather than cassettes, you will have the right idea. Using a component won’t allow you to record your records as MP3s, but it provides the best sound quality and the CDs will play in almost any CD player. \u00a0 \u00a0 To convert VHS to DVD, a DVD recorder similar to the CD recorder can be purchased. \u00a0 This recorder will also play CDs and DVDs, but oddly enough none of the DVD recorders currently on the market can record CDs as well. \u00a0 \u00a0 To dub from VHS to DVD, simply plug the outputs from your VCR into the DVD recorder’s inputs, press play, and press record on the DVD recorder. Up to six hours can be recorded on a blank DVD-R, but the best quality is obtained at the two and four hour settings. \u00a0 You can also use the DVD recorder to tape programs off-the air, and if you purchase a DVD-RW disc you can record your favorite TV programs record over and over on the same disc, similar to a Tivo machine but with less capacity. \u00a0 DVD recorders currently sell for $500 and up.<\/p>\n
To convert your LPs to CD using your computer, you must run a line from your receiver’s “tape out” to an audio input on your computer. This audio input can be an RCA connector attached to your microphone input (lower quality) or a dedicated converter purchased separately (better sound quality). You must run the line from your receiver because the record player’s cartridge produces very low voltage. \u00a0 The receiver amplifies it so the computer can “see” it. You then record the LPs on your hard drive for use as MP3s or full-quality CDs , and various audio editing programs allow you to modify and edit the recordings as you see fit. \u00a0 Taking VHS video and converting to DVD requires a computer with a DVD burner and an audio\/video input or converter. \u00a0 It’s a lot of work converting VHS to DVD on a computer, and the discs you burn may not work on all DVD players as the format is new and compatibility problems are plentiful at this point. \u00a0 Because of this, and since the cost of the converter, software and DVD burner would cost much more than buying a stand-alone DVD recorder, this probably isn’t your best option. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Based on your letter, I’d stick with the components and avoid using the computer. \u00a0 From a financial standpoint, buy the CD recorder now and start copying your records as CD recorder prices have bottomed out. \u00a0 For VHS to DVD conversion, wait six months or so and you should see prices of DVD recorders drop several hundred dollars. \u00a0 Good luck as your preserve your VHS videos and records!<\/p>\n