Even Easier VHS to DVD Transfers

Last summer I told you about a gizmo I use to transfer videos from my old VHS tapes onto DVDs. (See Easy Transfer From VHS to DVD.) It was a wildly popular blog.

The product I used was Honest Technology's VHS to DVD 2.0 Deluxe. The capture device connects to your PC's USB port and makes simple work of grabbing video from your camcorder, TV, VCR, or DVD player.

New: Deluxe Version 3.0
Version 2.0, the one I tried a year ago, was missing one thing: the ability to convert cassette tapes and long-playing records to DVD. Honest Technology recently released VHS to DVD Deluxe version 3.0 and the new version has a slew of valuable features.

The look of the capture device is different, and it’s a little smaller than the previous box (see the images below).

Version 2.0 Capture Device

Version 3.0 Capture Device

There are more differences behind the scenes: The software supports Vista and now handles WMV, PSP/iPod, and MP3 formats.

There's an audio recorder feature that gives you a way to connect a turntable and amplifier, or a cassette deck, in order to convert analog audio from tape cassettes and LP records into MP3 files (or directly onto CDs). You can also burn onto Dual-layer DVDs or audio CDs.

Unfortunately, it's still missing something I think is critical. To my disappointment, the software doesn't have filters for removing the hissing, pops and crackles inherent to LPs and cassette tapes.

BTW, if you're interested in transferring your LPs, take a look at an ancient article I wrote -- LP to CD--Music Soothes Savage Bass. It's old (and so am I), but aside from a couple of products that have new versions, it's still a valuable read. Ditto for Going Digital: Tired of spinning those old LPs? Use your PC to turn your analog music into CDs or MP3s.

Before you considering buying VHS to DVD Deluxe, I recommend you read the user manual and download a trial of the program. The price is $100 until April 30, 2007 on the company's site, but I poked around the Web and found it for about $80.

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