The Bottom Line
The honestech VHS to DVD 2.0 Deluxe is very simple to use and is ideal for those who wish to record old VHS tapes to DVD in the easiest way possible. Those who want a higher quality recording from Digital and Hi-def Camcorders are better served using a Stand-alone DVD Recorder with a Firewire Input. Best for those on a budget who want an easy way to get their old VHS, VHS-C, 8mm or Hi-8 tapes onto DVD.
Pros
- Easiest VHS to DVD Transfer Device I've Used
- Easy Setup
- Both Beginner and Advanced Modes
- Inexpensive Analog to DVD Transfer
- Both S-Video and Composite Inputs
Cons
- Picture Quality a Little Grainy with RCA Composite Video Capture
- No Direct-To-Disc Recording
Description
- Convert VHS Tapes or any Analog Video to DVD
- S-Video and RCA Composite Video Input, Stereo Audio Input
- USB 2.0 Device requiring no external power supply
- For Beginners a One Touch Easy Wizard Mode to Capture Video and Burn a DVD
- For Advanced Users Capture, Edit and Burn to DVD
- Test using RCA cables produced a 2-hour DVD from a VHS tape which I found a bit grainy
- Test using S-Video cable produced a 1 hour DVD from MiniDV tape which was better quality than RCA cable test
- Sound quality was excellent on both tests with no sync issues
- Tested on the Okoro Media Systems OMS-SX100 Digital Entertainment System
Guide Review - Product Review of the honestech VHS to DVD 2.0 Deluxe
The honestech VHS to DVD 2.0 Deluxe is a Video Capture device that plugs into your PC via a USB port. It includes an adapter cable for connecting S-Video or RCA Composite Video and Stereo Audio to the device. You can then connect any analog video source (VCR, 8mm Camcorder, DVD Player, etc.) that outputs S-Video or Composite video/audio to the honestech VHS to DVD 2.0, and it is recorded to your computer's hard drive using the included video capture software.
Installing the honestech USB Video Capture Device was very simple, with step-by-step instructions. Simply connect the device to a USB port and Windows will detect the new hardware. From there you install the necessary drivers from the disc. In addition, you install the Video Capture software included in the box. The software itself comes in two modes, a beginner's mode using a wizard to capture video and record a DVD, and an advanced mode for capturing, editing and burning DVDs with more customization. I first tested the wizard mode, capturing a 2 hour VHS tape from a VCR using composite cables and burning to DVD. Second, I tested the advanced mode by capturing and creating a 1 hour DVD from a Sony Camcorder using an S-Video connection. I would like to have seen a Direct-To-Disc feature, allowing you to avoid capturing video first and then burning to DVD. That being said, I found the VHS to DVD 2.0 Deluxe to be the easiest video capture device that I've used. The wizard is very straight-forward and couldn't be easier to use. It takes care of capturing the video and burning to DVD in 3 simple steps. The honestech VHS to DVD 2.0 Deluxe is ideal for beginners and those who want an inexpensive video capture solution.
