DARK SHADOWS FORUMS
Members' Mausoleum => Calendar Events / Announcements Archive => Calendar Events / Announcements '24 I => Calendar Events / Announcements '08 II => Topic started by: jimbo on December 30, 2008, 06:49:47 PM
-
Nice article on how VHS is almost dead and regular DVDs are next on the extinction list. However, I am sure most of us will forever keep the 1991 tapes since they were butchered on the DVD release along with the missing extra footage and the extras.
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-vhs-tapes22-2008dec22,0,5852342.story
-
In the last couple years I've been building up a good film library because of VHS clearance sales. These tapes will be with me the rest of my life.
-
Yesterday morning I spent an agreeable 90 minutes watching The Haunting of Julia, an early 70s English Mia Farrow vehicle that is only available on VHS. In the evening I watched some episodes of HEX (the recent UK serial) on a VHS tape a buddy sent me. Later this week I'll watch Maggie Smith in Travels with my aunt, another movie only available on VHS.
The VHS medium is alive and well in my house, but I do wonder what I will do on the day when both my current VCRs kick the bucket. I figure, however, that if young geek hipsters can keep vinyl LPs and the turntables to play them alive, the same favor can be extended to the lowly VCR.
cheers, G.
-
I hear exactly what you are saying Magnus and Gothick. I recently found a box in my storage containing over 100 movie/tv VHS tapes I had accumulated through the years and I am trying to figure out what the percentage is of all of its extras making it to the respective DVD release. I wonder if even charities would take them these days.
-
I have converted all of my stuff taped from television etc. to DVD with my burner. I actually bought an extra vcr player and have it put away until mine dies. They are becoming very hard to find.
-
jimbo, if you can't give them away try a used book store. We have a chain in our area called Half-Price Books and they will gladly buy back your VHS tapes. They take almost any old media and you'll get some nice pocket change. I once found an old Atari video game cartridge on sale for 50 cents! [reindeer]
-
studios are not releasing films on tape any longer, but I imagine blank tapes & places to repair VCRs will be around for a long, long, time.
David
-
Jimbo, I wouldn't dare let my kids read this post.
When DS was on Sci-Fi, I used EVERY possible VHS tape. When I couldn't get to the store, I taped over stuff like "Lion King", some Mary Kate & Ashley, etc.
Even though my daughters were pretty old to be watching these, they NEVER!! let me forget, "Oh Mom, I can't believe you taped over __________."
My middle daughter's b-day is next week and just last night I figured I'd buy her a new VCR (her DVD is fine); she loves to watch our home movies (which are all on VHS).
Patti
-
I've read that VCR's will still be around for a long time. They still have not come up with something suitable, in the way of DVD's, to put a disc in, record, watch, erase, and start the whole process again. Many satellite companies now have the ability to "tape" programs into one's system, but not everyone has satellite (scores of millions don't - I don't; I have cable). When DS was on Sci-Fi, I taped it every day and watched it later at a convenient time (and fast-forwarded through the commercials). I used the same tape for years, recording, watching, rewinding, re-recording. You can't do that with a DVD player (and that's a good term for it - all it does is play instead of work).
Gerard
-
Your cable provider doesn't offer a DVR?
-
It does, but in my area what it can all record is actually very limited. There is a rental cost, and I'd just as soon stick with my VCR which will record anything (and I got that as a gift [a combination VCR/DVD/CD machine]), so that costs me nothing. I like that value!
Gerard
-
If I have it on DVD, it's not getting upgraded. If I have it on VHS, it's not getting upgraded. The exception to this general rule is if the DVD release has nice extras. I've got my Dark Shadows DVDs, and they aren't getting converted to any other format, unless the DVDs break. My Disney library is still all VHS, except for Snow White, Peter Pan, and Sleeping Beauty. (I have those titles in both formats.) I have tons of TV specials on VHS that have never been released, so they are staying on VHS until someone officially releases them. So long as they work, there's no need to change them.
-
Thanks quentin-channing for your suggestions and welcome to the Board. That is an interesting idea. I still have much work to do in that area. The more I search in my storage the more videos I am finding.
Patti I am glad the VCR will continue to thrive in your family. I have a VCR/DVD combo in my spare room and it came in handy when I found a particular VHS tape that I had made centuries ago and recently found. When I played it I remembered why I stopped videotaping and realized I was not the next Dan Curtis.
-
They still have not come up with something suitable, in the way of DVD's, to put a disc in, record, watch, erase, and start the whole process again.
Actually, they have. I have a friend who has a DVD recorder and he uses DVD+RW and/or DVD-RW disks to record, erase, and record again. They work perfectly. Plus the quality is infinitely better than VHS, even in EP.
-
I have a DVD recorder, and I do exactly what MB describes. I have a set of seven discs labeled Sunday-Saturday, and I've been reusing them for what probably amounts to six months. I've also taken content from these and edited it on my PC to burn to a DVD to keep.
I don't know that I'd say that EP on a DVD is better than VHS. I'd say it's about like VHS in SP.
For multi-hour events (sports, award shows, etc.), I still use a 6-hour SLP videotape. The 6-hour SLP mode for DVDs doesn't look so swell.
-
I don't know that I'd say that EP on a DVD is better than VHS. I'd say it's about like VHS in SP.
Normally my friend only records the HD channels, so that probably makes the difference in EP. [snow_smiley]
I have a DVR, so I've never actually recorded directly to DVD. And when I make DVDs from whatever I've recorded, I tend to use flexible recording.
-
I've recently discovered that a lot of VCRs these days don't come with a tuner, which means you can't tape one channel while watching another!!!
-
When you attach a digital converter box, you get the same result. The VCR (any VCR) won't be able to change channels between programs you want to tape, unless you get a special converter box that does switch channels, and the standard ones don't.
-
another reason to hang on to vhs is the incompatibility with homemade dvds. they may play back fine on ur machine but if u give it to someone else, it may not play at all or sometimes they play for an hour and then the picture freezes,the dvds shuts off or goes back to the menu. also if u use a dvd rw disc u also can only play it back on the machine it was made on. if u want to lend it to someone else u have to finalize it. if u do that then u cant record over it again later. you can donate your old vhs tapes to a goodwill store. goodwill stores are also a great place to purchase an old vcr if u need one.
-
Gothick..I am one of those hipsters who still owns an turntable and its a cool one. I can hook it up to the computer and convert LPS to MP3. However, sometimes I just love to listen to records. If they are in good condtion they have this organic sound you cannot get from a CD. I don't really know how to explain it. At music person as myself would understand. I also bought two VCRS because I am afraid they will be hard to find. They are backups for when mine dies. I do have a DVD burner though and am converting most everything I have tapped to DVD. :) I love it!
-
"Analog is warmer."-- Paul McCartney
-
I've read that VCR's will still be around for a long time. They still have not come up with something suitable, in the way of DVD's, to put a disc in, record, watch, erase, and start the whole process again. Many satellite companies now have the ability to "tape" programs into one's system, but not everyone has satellite (scores of millions don't - I don't; I have cable). When DS was on Sci-Fi, I taped it every day and watched it later at a convenient time (and fast-forwarded through the commercials). I used the same tape for years, recording, watching, rewinding, re-recording. You can't do that with a DVD player (and that's a good term for it - all it does is play instead of work).
Actually they have come up with that Gerard. On my Disc burner I use a Rewritable disc every day to record Touched By An Angel (Go ahead and snicker) and then I delete it and rerecord on the same disc the next day. I always have a g ood cry!
-
On my Disc burner I use a Rewritable disc every day to record Touched By An Angel (Go ahead and snicker)
And how long does it take for your puffy red eyes to return to normal? [snow_cry]
No really, I swear!, I'm not snickering!
-
It depends on how moving the episode is. Some times I get teary eyed and sometimes I have an all out cry. I love supernatural shows of many kinds. I know a lot of people probably think it is chessy, heck I did. However, there are some of the best guest stars in TV that come on that show. Well came it during it's 9 year run. I am a beleiver in a Higher Power, Energy, God, whatever so it gives me lots of hope in this crazy world!! I am horrible off topic!
-
Actually they have come up with that Gerard. On my Disc burner I use a Rewritable disc every day to record Touched By An Angel (Go ahead and snicker) and then I delete it and rerecord on the same disc the next day. I always have a g ood cry!
And then you come back to "Touched By the Devil": aka DS. Yin and yang and all that. By the way you seem to be hiccupping between words especially toward the end there, I'd see a hiccup doctor immediately if I were you, or your computer should. If it were you.
-
My VCR just broke down and I was beginning to think it would be impossible to find one that comes with a tuner so that you can record a different channel than the one you're watching. No one seemed to have that any more. I finally was able to find out about a couple that come also with a DVD recorder. While that is very nice, I REALLY didn't want to spend that much.
I'm glad to see confirmation that one can record over on a DVD, since now that I have it, I hope to use it that way!! I haven't tried the DVD side of it yet, just got the tapes working so I wouldn't miss anything.
-
Good. I had a chance for cheap backup VCRs a couple years ago and let it go, mini-VCRs for $15. I had a close call a few days ago where I thought the present VCR had died...
-
Yes my keyboard is being really weird Magnus. And Josette, I hope that your DVD recorder will support the RW DVD discs. Some don't! Does it use -R DVD or +R DVDS? I would just make sure it does use them. Mine uses -R and - RW only. The next one I get though is gonna people able to use them all!
-
Thanks for the info, Taeylor. I asked the salesman about disks and he showed me the different kinds. I'm assuming I can use any of them. The instructions tell about the different kinds and which ones can or can't do which things, so I think they should all work!!
-
my dvd recorder (purchased several years ago)only records on dvd+r or dvd+rw discs yet it will playback +r or -r. i didnt know at the time of purchase that my older dvd player will not playback the +r format. it can be very confusing at 1st and i dont know why they made these 2 formats. i see no difference in the picture quality. i notice most of the recorders sold today record in both -r or +r formats.
-
Mine is about three years old and until it dies I am not getting a new one. It only uses - r but my next one will be one that will use both formats!
-
Re all the DVD complexities: My head just exploded a little bit. It looks like my VCR had better not conk out.
-
well even if your vcr survives, u better stock up on blank tapes or keep re-recording over and over because i heard that they will stop manufacturing blank vhs tapes!
-
I don't re-record over tapes, I tape shows I want to keep.
-
Now that I have expanded cable with a DVR tuner, I haven't used my VCR at all. In fact, I don't know how to connect it properly or it may be that it is connected correctly, but I don't know how to play it now. It was confusing enough to figure out how to play my DVD player, and even how to change TV channels at first. I accidentally used my TV remote to change channels, which turned the TV to static and I couldn't get back to a real channel for several days. (The AT&T store said no, there was no instruction manual, and that it was "intuitive" to know how to use the equipment.) I'm scared I'll do the same thing again, so I try to hide my TV remote once I have the DVR tuner and TV going. It took a lot of trial-and-error to figure out that I needed to use my TV remote "Input" button, and then select "Video-2 composite" in order to switch from TV channels to the DVD player.
Anyway, I was interested to read about people recording their own DVDs. I have several movies recorded on the DVR player that I would really like to have permanently (they are not available on DVD). I don't suppose I can do that with the equipment I have ... do I need to get a DVD recorder to do that? Is it complicated to use?
-
u definately need a dvd recorder but if u ever get ur vcr going again u could also record from dvr to vhs. its simple to hook up. u just get some video/audio cables and plug 1 end into video/audio "out" from the dvr and the other end of the cables into video/audio "in" to the vcr or dvd recorder. recording onto dvds is a bit more complicated because u have to deal with creating a menu and finalizing the disc but the picture on the recordable dvd will be superior to the vhs recording.
-
So, it is possible to record from TV to DVD? I've always guessed that you can only copy DVDs to DVDs. Never looked into it, just figured that was the case.
-
any dvd recorder can be used just like a vcr. u can record shows by timer or vhs to dvd or dvd to dvd or dvr to dvd etc.
-
Wow, that's fantastic! (Am I behind the times, or what!?)
-
OT for a minute. That hair is fantabulous DOM!
-
Thanks for explaining these options, Joe. (I knew that if you saw my question, I could count on you to know the answer!)
Recording from the DVR to the VCR sounds simple enough (if I can figure out how to use my VCR with the new setup) ... although, once making the proper connections you describe between the DVR and the VCR, I have to wonder, what do you do next? (If it's too complicated to explain here, can you suggest how I'd find out how to do this? I could also ask them at BestBuy.)
I may have to price DVD recorders, but I probably can't afford one right now.
-
They are going down. I know they are a lot cheaper than the one I paid like 215 for three years ago. Of course I haven't been very happy so don't go with Sylvania!
-
vcrs may vary and i suggest looking in the instructions if u still have them. you would need to select "auxillary" or "input" or "external" to record from the dvr. some vcrs automatically switch to external as soon as you plug in the cables. then u need to play the program in ur dvr or pause the dvr at the beginning of the show you want to record, then insert a blank tape in the vcr, start recording in the vcr and then start playing the program in the dvr.
-
This has been a VERY useful and informative thread.
I've been considering a dvd recorder for some time, but would want a dual deck so I can put some of my old and irreplaceable off the air stuff on DVD before something happens to the tapes. When I started researching, the choice seemed to get more and more complicated, as some apparently don't have the capacity to record off the internal VHS, or don't make it clear if they can. Given that's my whole reason for wanting a dual deck, I want to know more before I make any investment.
Does anyone currently have one, or have any recommendations (or brands or models to stay away from)? The ones I've seen seem to be in about the $300 range, so I've been procrastinating on anything more than research.
Thanks,
Jeannie
-
After reading all this regarding all this complicated equipment (why, oh why, oh why, oh why, can't the designers of these contraptions make them easy to use?), I would suggest to all here who are thinking of buying this stuff to invest in a pair of I Ching wands instead. Why? Because shortly after you purchase all of it, it will become outdated and incompatible with the new gizmos. Instead, toss the wands on a table, go into a trance, project yourself into the future with your credit card, buy the machinery and return with it to the present. By the time you read the "instruction" manuals to figure it all out and get it up and working it will be the latest thing on the market while all your friends will be cussing up a storm over their now obsolete, antiquated systems which they spent a ton on just six months ago when it was latest rage on the shelves. (The I Ching approach will also work with such things as computers, cellphones, i-pods, TV's, CD players and even household appliances.)
Gerard
-
By the time you read the "instruction" manuals to figure it all out and get it up and working it will be the latest thing on the market while all your friends will be cussing up a storm over their now obsolete, antiquated systems which they spent a ton on just six months ago when it was latest rage on the shelves.
So true. (And it's the same with computers - a new system is already obsolete by the time you get it home and set it up. [easter_grin] [easter_rolleyes] [easter_cry] (Which is why I build my own and upgrade as new components are released.))
But when it comes to VCR/DVD combos, they seem to be a disappearing breed, so if anyone is thinking of getting one, I wouldn't wait too long. And if you want to use it to record TV programs as well as copy VHS to DVD, be sure that the unit comes equipped with an ATSC tuner or that you have a cable box or else you won't be able to record anything.
-
I think I mentioned on this thread, MB, that I have a DVD/VCR combo. It also serves, via the DVD player, as a CD player and since it's hooked up to my stereo it works like a charm. I got it as a present because my old, separate VCR, DVD and CD players all conked out at the same time, within days of each other.
Gerard
-
I would suggest to all here who are thinking of buying this stuff to invest in a pair of I Ching wands instead. Why? Because shortly after you purchase all of it, it will become outdated and incompatible with the new gizmos. Instead, toss the wands on a table, go into a trance, project yourself into the future with your credit card, buy the machinery and return with it to the present. By the time you read the "instruction" manuals to figure it all out and get it up and working it will be the latest thing on the market
Or you can do what I do: Date a 21 year old, take them to the store, have them pick out the stuff, have them set it up and teach you how to use it, and then you teach them something they don't know in return (after a nice dinner of course). It's much easier and more fun my way than messin' with all that time travel stuff. [easter_grin]
-
Dom, at my age I'd still have to use the I Ching time-travel schtick to find a 21-year-old.
Gerard
-
... toss the wands on a table, go into a trance, project yourself into the future with your credit card, buy the machinery and return with it to the present. By the time you read the "instruction" manuals to figure it all out and get it up and working it will be the latest thing on the market while all your friends will be cussing up a storm over their now obsolete, antiquated systems which they spent a ton on just six months ago when it was latest rage on the shelves. (The I Ching approach will also work with such things as computers, cellphones, i-pods, TV's, CD players and even household appliances.)
Comment: Gerard, your post made me laugh, it made me cry ...
dom's made me blush at the naughty innuendos ...
Joe, thank you for the additional information!
if you want to use it to record TV programs as well as copy VHS to DVD, be sure that the unit comes equipped with an ATSC tuner or that you have a cable box or else you won't be able to record anything.
This is beginning to sound complicated ... I know that at least one of the movies I want is available on a Region 2 disc, and in the past I somehow was able to break the encryption on another one of these. No major retailer will sell a region free DVD player, so what other option is there?
Also, on occasion I've taken a chance on purchasing a DVD identified as being Region 2, and found it was actually Region 0. This was the case with "Witchfinder General." (As an aside, "Witchfinder General" was later released in the US as a Region 1 disc.)
-
This is beginning to sound complicated ... I know that at least one of the movies I want is available on a Region 2 disc, and in the past I somehow was able to break the encryption on another one of these. No major retailer will sell a region free DVD player, so what other option is there?
Also, on occasion I've taken a chance on purchasing a DVD identified as being Region 2, and found it was actually Region 0. This was the case with "Witchfinder General." (As an aside, "Witchfinder General" was later released in the US as a Region 1 disc.)
They may not TELL you they're selling a regionless machine, but you can find hack codes for most machines made by a major manufacturer. I have two players, both Phillips, and it was a matter of less than 5 minutes on google to find and enter the codes to make both region free. My suggestion would be scope out the models you want, then see if you can get codes. Buy whichever one you find the codes for. I had the same problem with something only on region two, that's how I found out I could get the codes.
Jeannie
-
Pansity,
That was very revealing information, thank you. Unfortunately, in my case, it doesn't work. I have the newest version of the Insignia DVD player (BestBuy's brand). The older version could be hacked. The new model can't be. Apparently BestBuy got wise to what they see as a problem. You can get to a screen that shows the Region code - but it can't be changed.
I am actually very surprised that there are any DVD players being produced today that would allow the code to be changed via hacking.
-
perhaps it works on phillips because isnt phillips a company in the united kingdom?
-
I am actually very surprised that there are any DVD players being produced today that would allow the code to be changed via hacking.
Hacking is never about what is allowed.[easter_grin]
-
I was just at the Salvation Army, and even they didn't have one single VCR. This scares me. They're still selling great films on VHS, though. I got seven plus a DVD of Spinal Tap. The Salvation Army is toying with me, sending me mixed signals.
-
You're quite welcome, Phillipe Cordier.
Sorry you didn't make out as well with your Best Buy house brand. The way mine happened was a total fluke I bought a refurb portable player on line from a name appliance store, specifically because it was advertized as being a multi region machine (the only reason I'd wanted a portable was specifically for playing region 2 disks from Europe). I got the machine, had the same experience you did on not being able to change the region, but remembered something in a review of that model on Amazon. Lo and behold, there was the code sequence to make it multistandard. So, I got nosy and checked around and found that the codes for the regular player were out there as well. [easter_grin]
Joe Integlia, it might well be a European company. I just turned over the portable player to look, and of course it's no help. MADE IN CHINA. [easter_sad] [easter_shocked]
Jeannie
-
Amazon sells all region DVD players and advertises them as such. We got a Philips from them, went to
http://www.videohelp.com/?voted to find the hack code and voila! We get a lot of series and movies from
Amazon UK that can't be found here-e.g. the TV series ER is only available up to season 9 here, but is available to season 14 in the UK. Now that we have one, I'd never be without one again.
-
Well, I bit the bullet and went snooping again to get a dvd recorder and vcr combo. Reviews on every model you could name are still all over the map, but I finally settled on one with the least amt of negatives, a Panasonic DMR-EZ47VK. Price is half what it was last time I looked, so I went ahead an ordered it on line. (Reward to me for all the OT these past few weeks and the 14 hr research project that ate my last weekend!) Will let everyone know how it works out.
Jeannie