Replacing VHS tapes with DVDs can be an expensive proposition.
There’s another solution - VHS to DVD converters, some of which will also convert practically any analog source to many different digital formats.
It will pay for itself if you have about 10 or more VHS tapes.
While you may have seen some of these or other similar products on gizmo blogs, we’ve decided to put together a list of top products for you. Here are 4 such products:
#4. Plextor ConvertX Digital Video Converter - The ConvertX allows you to record your VHS tapes, and other video outputs, into DivX or MPEG-4 before burning it to DVD. You don’t have to burn it to DVD if you don’t want to. Just plug the ConvertX box into your computer and away you go. Costs about $55.
#3. CopyThis! Digital Video Enhancer - The CopyThis converter can enhance the quality of your VHS tapes during conversion. Enhancement features include noise reduction and black and white vintage effects. Unfortunately, CopyThis does not make this product any more, but you may be able to find a second-hand unit.
#2. Honestech’s VHS to DVD 3.0 Deluxe - This is also a converter box and it is able to convert practically any analog source into a myriad of digital formats such as MPEG, AVI, MP3, etc. The included software is quite simple to use and has two levels: beginner and advanced. For example, in easy mode, a video can be converted to DVD in just a few mouse clicks.
There are advanced features like video editing. It’s easy to get started with VHS to DVD and it’s a good value for the money. VHS to DVD costs approx $50. You can read a detailed review of VHS to DVD 3.0 Deluxe here.
1. Panasonic DMR-EZxxx VHS & DVD Recorders - Panasonic has a line up of DVD to VHS recorders that play both formats. As it has slots for both, it also allows to record from one format to the other (although we’re not quite sure why you’d want to downgrade your DVDs). This is different from the other 3 products featured above, as it actually acts as a player, rather than just a converter, and has the option to play a variety of formats including all the DVD formats, and even JPG files from a SD card. It also does not come with any bundled software. It can even upscale to 1080p. We’ve decided to rank this number 1 for its slew of features, but unfortunately it does have a price tag to match (about $170).
Except for the CopyThis product, you can find the others quite easily on your shopping for gadgets hunts.