Converting VHS Videos

[rrcn]

I was sent a couple of VHS Videos from my family in New Zealand, but I can't play them on my VCR. Does anyone know how I can convert them or where I can get them converted so that I can watch them? I believe they go by the same format as the UK and the rest of Europe.

TIA

[jesseejames]

going from PAL to NTSC takes special expensive equipment that basically plays the vid and rerecords it in ntsc i had one done and it cost me $25 the cheapest i could find i live remote so perhaps if you are urban you might find someone who will do i cheaper

[DoubleK]

It shouldnt cost you a dime as long as you have a way to get that video unto your harddisk.

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http://www.dvdrhelp.com/tools.php?tool=278#comments



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[rrcn]

Thanks DoubleK, I have to agree that's a great site! Very informative.

I have another question, the site shows how to convert from a SVCD. How can I get my VHS tapes to SVCD? I have all the hookups for the VCR to computer and stuff. I'll just need to know how I can play it.

Thanks again.

[phenious]

You need to have the ability to capture TV to your computer. Do you have a capture card or just TV out? If you have a capture card it should come with some software that will allow you to record what ever you are playing into it, however, in order to do this you have to have a VCR that will play the tapes for the computer to capture it, and if you have that, you wouldnt be having this problem. You need to find a place that will convert the tapes for you or find someone with a pal/ntsc player that can do both borrow or rent that for a day or two.

-: phenious :-

[rrcn]

Ok, thanks Phenious. Now everything is clear. Yes I do have VIVO on my ti4600. I wont be able to do anything because I dont have a VCR that will play the PAL tapes.

Now what kind of places would do the converting?

[phenious]

I find the best places to ask are at the large electronic stores. Normally some of the technitions and sales people have a clue and can tell you where you need to look in your local area.

-: phenious :-

[DoubleK]

DoubleK--------It shouldnt cost you a dime as long as you have a way to get that video unto your harddisk.

Your best bet if you do not want to spend lots of money converting probably subpar analog home video would be to find just about any professional video studio and have them convert it for you as the pal/ntsc vcrs can cost around $300.00 and as far as renting one? Good Luck!. Make sure to tell them however that you only want it converted to vhs or if the video is of great importance to you I would suggest Dvd. Even though this will not improve the picture you are sure to lose no quality over the years if recorded onto good media.

The absolute cheapest thing I can think of would be to wait until your family visits or have that camcorder shipped to you and use its output to either record directly onto vhs or better yet, onto your harddisk.

Good Luck.

[rrcn]

Alright, thanks everyone for your help. I will look around in my area to find a video editing store.

Again, thanks for your input.