We spent more than 40 hours testing VHS to DVD converters to see how well they managed to switch those much-loved VHS tapes into DVD format, and our top choice was the Diamond Video Capture VC500. We especially liked its versatility and the various functions you can perform while preserving those prized tapes. Diamond Video Capture VC500 is easy to install and operate. When you buy this software, you also get PowerDirector, an excellent video editing application that lets you make improvements to your original video material. This also is the fastest VHS to DVD converter we tested since it could burn the content of a 40-minute video to a DVD in only eight minutes.
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Product
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Price
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Overall Rating
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10
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9.3
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8.7
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8.2
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7.9
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5.6
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5.6
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4.8
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3
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Capture & Customize
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10
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9.7
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9.7
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8.4
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8.4
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8
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5.7
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8
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4
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Output
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10
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8.5
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9
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8.3
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7.4
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4.1
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6.5
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1.1
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1.1
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Help & Support
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10
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10
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5
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7.5
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7.5
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2.5
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2.5
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5
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5
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Add Chapter Breaks
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N/A
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N/A
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N/A
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Trim Footage
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|||||||||
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Add Transitions
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N/A
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N/A
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Disc Menu Creator
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N/A
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Ease of Use
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100%
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90%
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90%
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75%
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75%
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60%
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75%
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60%
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80%
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Add Effects
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N/A
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N/A
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Included Capture Software
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PowerDirector, Arcsoft ShowBiz
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Roxio Easy VHS to DVD 3 Plus
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Cyberlink Power Media Suite
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VHS TO DVD 8.0
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MAGIX Rescue Your Video Tapes
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Arcsoft ShowBiz
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VHS2DVD Wizard
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Arcsoft ShowBiz
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Elgato Video Capture
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Capture Copy-Protected Tapes
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N/A
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N/A
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Add Audio
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N/A
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N/A
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Add Titles
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N/A
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N/A
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Time to Burn DVD
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8 Minutes
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40 Minutes
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23 Minutes
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9 Minutes
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30 Minutes
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14 1/2 Hours
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40 Minutes
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14 1/2 Hours
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N/A
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Video Format Options
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6
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3
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6
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4
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1
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7
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1
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7
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1
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Quality
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A
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A
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C
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B
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B
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D
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B
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F
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N/A
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Upload to Internet
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N/A
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Device Optimization Options
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21
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7
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21
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4
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0
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0
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0
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0
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0
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Windows 10
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N/A
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Windows Vista
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N/A
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Windows XP
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N/A
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N/A
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N/A
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N/A
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Windows 7
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Windows 8
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Live Chat
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N/A
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N/A
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N/A
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N/A
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N/A
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N/A
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N/A
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Phone
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N/A
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N/A
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N/A
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N/A
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N/A
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FAQs or Knowledgebase
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N/A
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N/A
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N/A
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N/A
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Email
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N/A
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It creates excellent DVDs.
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You can edit and improve your video material.
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It takes only eight minutes to burn a new DVD, the fastest of any converter we tested.
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This software doesn’t work with Macs.
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It doesn’t support HD video.
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Some consumers have found it a bit difficult to load to Windows 10.
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You get more than 500 special effects to add to your captured video.
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You can edit your video material.
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It export videos to social media.
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The included video editing program is not the latest version.
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It makes lower-quality DVDs than top-notch converters.
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You can’t call the company for support.
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It can help you can transfer VHS content to your PC.
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You can use it to transfer vinyl records to CDs and MP3s.
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This software captures VHS material and burns it to a DVD simultaneously.
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The DVDs it burns may have a few flaws.
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You get only three formats to export converted video.
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It has only seven options for playing material on mobile devices.
Why Trust Us?
We have been researching and testing VHS to DVD converters since 2010 and have invested many hours searching for the best products on the market for you. We understand the value of homemade videos and the cherished moments they contain, and we know how important it is to keep them safe. In our research, we read manufacturer websites, contacted them with questions, examined new products within the industry and, most importantly, did hands-on testing to see if the marketing claims were backed by performance by each model we selected to test.
How We Tested
We invested more than 40 hours testing VHS to DVD converters, examining both the hardware and software that comprises each model we chose to test. We captured VHS content from a 40-minute VHS tape, tried the various editing tools that were included with each model and timed such things as how long it took to burn a DVD. We noted the various capabilities of each product, gave each a score and used our own methodology to calculate how we would rank each one. We also relied on our own experience with this kind of hardware and software to evaluate somewhat subjective things such as how easy each product was to use and the quality of the final DVD we made. In addition, we took into account how much customer support you can expect and how easy, or difficult, it is to get in contact with a company if you encounter a problem. From what we learned, especially from the testing, we produced a numerically ranked lineup of products that can help you choose the best VHS to DVD converter for your purposes.
Things to Look for in a VHS to DVD Converter
Capture & Customize
The best VHS to DVD converters not only let you move your video content to a DVD, but let you do it quickly and easily. We tested the hardware and software in each model we chose, and the first-rate models are intuitive and offer quite helpful editing options. These can actually enhance the quality of your original VHS material so it looks polished and professional. Some converters also can get past the copyright protections in commercially made VHS tapes so you can preserve your favorite movies, concerts, workout regimens and documentaries.
Output
We tested converters by capturing the content of an old videotape and then burning it to a DVD, checking to see how long this process took. After that, we looked closely at the audio and visual quality of the resulting DVD, which helped us score and rank the products we examined. Along with the VHS to DVD transfer, we also noted whether an application lets you make stand-alone video files to use on a computer, upload to social media or enjoy on mobile devices.
Help & Support
Sometimes making these video transfers, burning DVDs or undertaking other tasks with these programs can be a bit tricky. We looked for solid customer support to help you if any difficulties arise and gave top marks to companies that provide the most comprehensive assistance via phone, email, FAQs or a knowledgebase, and live chat.
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