converting VHS tapes to DVD using combo units?

June 7, 2005 10:27 AM

I am thinking converting bunch of VHS tapes recorded in LP format to DVDs. These are 6 hr tapes I think. I was looking at the option of those combo units that come with the DVD recorder and VCR units. I was wondering if somebody can tell me how do these units deal with 6+ hr long video tapes ? do they automatically break the content up into separate DVDs or can they compress the content enough to fit into one DVD ? thanks
posted by flyby22 to Computers & Internet (2 answers total)

Not sure about the combo units, but most standalone DVD units will record low quality video at 6 hrs on one DVD. Even the extremely cheap nasty ones can do this.

When I say low quality, we're talking Video-CD quality. A bit less than VHS at EP.
posted by shepd at 11:36 AM on June 7, 2005

Most units have the ability to select among a few quality options. Best quality will get you 1 hr, SP (standard) will give you 2, and some have "Crap" and "Grind" settings which will get you 4 and 6 hours of terrible video, respectively.

And don't buy Sony. Sharp, Pioneer, and Panasonic make good decks.
posted by plexiwatt at 4:56 PM on June 7, 2005