How to Convert Protected VHS Tapes to DVDs
- 1). Connect the audio and video outputs of your VCR to the audio and video inputs of your standalone DVD recorded. In most cases, you can use a standard RCA cable that has stereo audio outputs and a single video cable. These types of cables are commonly sold in stores that sell home audio equipment, and they are easily recognized as having a red RCA plug, a white RCA plug and a yellow RCA plug on each side. In some cases, your standalone DVD recorder may not take RCA cables. If not, consult your owner's manual, as input types vary from model to model.
- 2). Place your standalone DVD recorder in standby mode and begin playback on your VCR. Watch the audio level meters on the front panel of the standalone DVD recorder to make sure the volume does not go above 0dB on the meter. If your particular standalone DVD recorder does not have a dB meter, simply make sure the light indicator stays out of the red area, which often indicates unpleasant distortion by reducing the input level on the DVD recorder.
- 3). Rewind the VHS tape to the beginning of the program that you wish to record.
- 4). Insert a blank DVD in the DVD recorder and press the "Record" button on the machine, followed by the "Play" button on the VHS recorder. Let the VHS tape play until the program is complete, and then stop the DVD recorder. This will prevent any audible or visual information from being included on the DVD as the VHS tape stops.
- 5). Finalize the DVD in your DVD recorder if your machine requires finalization. Finalization is a process that allows DVDs to play on machines other than the one they were recorded on; however, not all DVD recorders require this. Check your owner's manual if you are unsure about finalization on your DVD recorder.
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