Convert a cassette to a DVD?

How to Convert a Digital Video Cassette to DVD

• Answer:

  Getting the contents of a digital video cassette onto a DVD requires a connection from a digital video camera to a computer for copying the tape contents, which can then be recorded to DVD using the computer's disc burner. Software comes with the camcorder for transferring video files to the computer, which typically connects to the camera with a USB cable. DVD software common to Windows or Mac operating systems can be used to burn the disc. Difficulty: Moderately Easy Things You'll Need Video camera compatible with the digital cassette USB cable Computer with USB port and DVD burner Blank DVDs Instructions Install the camera software on the computer by loading the CD in the disc drive, closing the tray and clicking the command buttons on the screen when prompted. Restart the computer after installing the software. Connect the camcorder to the computer with the USB cable supplied with the camera. The port on the camcorder is often on the back or left edge, while any USB port on the computer can be used. Wait a moment for the computer to recognize the connection and start the software program. Insert a digital cassette tape in the camcorder, set the camera mode to playback (as opposed to recording) and press the "Play" button. The camera mode setting is typically a toggle or slide switch. Click the "Record" or file transfer button on the software to begin capturing the digital video from the camera. Click "Stop" when finished. Store the video temporarily on the computer in preparation for burning a disc by clicking "File" on the camera software and selecting "Save As" to open a blank field for naming the video. Type a name and click the "Save" button. Insert a recordable DVD in the computer's media tray and close. Open the software for creating DVDs, such as Windows DVD Maker or iDVD for a Mac, by clicking the desktop icon. Click "New" in DVD Maker or "New Project" in iDVD to open a window containing the digital videos on the computer. Highlight the recording of the digital video cassette and click the "Add" button in DVD Maker or "Import" in iDVD. This places a digital copy of the video in the software workspace for burning to a DVD. It does not remove the original copy from the computer hard drive. Add or import additional video files, if desired, then click "Next." Select features for the DVD, such as a menu style, and other options available on the software. Click the yellow and black burn button at the top of the iDVD screen or the "Burn" button at the bottom right of the DVD Maker screen to start recording the video files to the disc. The computer will eject the finished DVD. Do not attempt to remove the disc until the DVD drive ejects it. Tips & Warnings Warning: The DVD must be finalized, which is an automatic process, before the disc can be played on other equipment besides the computer that created it. This is why it's important to wait for the disc to eject before attempting to remove it from the computer, which could ruin the recording.