VHS tapes were a great way to capture these memories, but they needed to be more efficient at storing them for long periods. The magnetic tape that holds the sound and video degrades over time, and when the magnets start losing their polarity, the sound and picture quality start to fade.
If you leave your VHS tapes in the wrong conditions for too long, you may lose the memories forever. The best way to preserve those videotaped good times is to convert them to DVD. DVDs will last much longer, have better sound and picture quality, are more easily shared, and take up less storage space.
This blog will dive into the tips you need to properly convert VHS tapes to DVDs and get the best results possible.
Simple Tips to Get the Best Results from Converted VHS to DVD
Here are some things you can do to get clearer pictures and sound when you convert your VHS tapes to DVDs.
Make Sure Your Camcorder or VCR’s Tape Heads Are Clean
To ensure your camcorder or VCR’s tape heads are clean, you must use a cleaning cassette or a solution specifically designed for video heads. Here are the general steps for cleaning the heads:
- Turn off your camcorder or VCR and unplug it from the power source.
- Locate the tape head drum, usually under a removable cover on the bottom of the device.
- If you are using a cleaning cassette, insert it into the camcorder or VCR and follow the instructions provided with the cassette.
- If you are using a cleaning solution, apply a small amount to a cotton swab or a lint-free cloth and gently rub it over the tape head drum. Use only a little pressure, as this can damage the heads.
- Once you have cleaned the heads, remove the cleaning cassette or solution and reinsert a regular cassette or DVD. Play the cassette or DVD to test that the heads are clean and functioning correctly.
It’s a good idea to clean the tape heads on your camcorder or VCR periodically to ensure they function correctly.
Turn Down Your VCR’s Sharpness Control
When converting a VHS tape to a DVD, turning down your VCR’s sharpness control is generally a good idea to get the best possible results. The sharpness control adjusts the level of detail and clarity in the video image, and when it is set too high, it can cause the image to appear over-sharpened and distorted.
Turning down the sharpness control can reduce this distortion and produce a smoother, more natural-looking image. This is especially important when converting a VHS tape to a DVD, as the original VHS image may not be as sharp and clear as a modern digital video.
Adjust the VHS Resolution if the Film Is More Than Two Hours Long
When converting a VHS tape to a DVD, it is generally a good idea to adjust the VHS resolution if the film is more than two hours long. This is because the resolution of a VHS tape is limited, and as the tape length increases, the image quality can start to degrade.
Adjusting the VHS resolution can improve the overall quality of the DVD by reducing the amount of data that needs to be captured and stored. This can help reduce the number of compression artifacts and other distortions during the conversion process, resulting in a more precise and detailed image.
Ask for Help From VHS to DVD Conversion Service
You should consider asking for help from a professional video conversion company to get the best VHS-to-DVD conversion quality possible.
- They have specialized equipment and software to convert VHS tapes to DVDs.
- They have experienced technicians trained in the best practices for converting VHS tapes to DVDs.
- They offer additional services, such as editing and restoration, which can help to improve the overall quality of the DVD.
A professional VHS-to-DVD conversion service such as Capture will save you tons of time and hassle and provide high-quality conversions for all your VHS tapes.
Conclusion
If you want to convert your old VHS tapes to DVDs, the tips provided should help get you the best quality on your final product. However, your best bet to save time and headaches is to have a professional video transfer service convert all your tapes.
