How can I copy tapes (VHS or Mini DV) to DVD?

* If you need further assistance, please see the attendant at the Media Desk.

Use the JVC video cassette recorder, Dell computer, 13″ TV, and Sony VCR in the Media Lab:

1. Plug in the orange extension chord and turn on the equipment. Make sure the TV input is selected to Video 3.
2. If copying a VHS tape, press VHS button on the upper right corner of the JVC and insert the tape into the VCR. When you insert the tape, it will start to play.
3. If copying a mini-DV tape, press the DV button on the left side of the JVC and insert the tape.
   • If copying a tape from a camcorder, checkout a Canopus recording device from the Media Desk.
   • Plug the output cable of the Canopus into the front (L2) input on the VCR (three RCA connectors).
   • Change the channel on the VCR until L2 is displayed.
4. Rewind or Fast Forward your tape to the desired location for copying.
5. Press the right arrow button next to the DUB button, lower left corner of the JVC, so the arrow is pointing to the left.
6. Be sure the fire-wire from the JVC is plugged into the fire-wire port in back of the computer.
7. Click Start > All Programs > Media Applications > Adobe Premier Elements 1.0
8. In Premier Elements, select New Project and type the title of your project.
9. Jot down this information on the Video Project Sheet at your station. This will let us know that you are not finished with this project and that we should not delete those files.
10. Click on the Capture icon on the top toolbar to open the Capture window in Adobe.
11. Click on the Capture button directly below the image of your tape’s content. This will start the recording process.
12. Press play on the JVC VCR or the separate camcorder. The JVC mini-DV player will automatically start play back.

Once you have recorded what you want from your original tape onto the computer:

1. Click on the Stop Capture icon to stop recording. Stop your original tape and eject.
2. Close the Capture window. The file will automatically be saved to the computer through the previous steps.
3. Make edits to the timeline of your recording and/or use the razor tool to cut out portions you don’t want.
4. Open the DVD drive on the computer and insert your DVD+R.
5. If a window pops up asking which program you would like to open the DVD, click on Cancel.
6. Click on Export in the upper right corner of the screen. Select To DVD.
7. On the window that pops up to name the DVD, confirm that your specifications are checked, and click on Burn.
8. When copying is complete, if you have completed your project, please delete the file as it takes up a lot of hard-drive space and may limit others from using that computer.
9. Exit Premiere Elements 1.0 and turn off all of the equipment.

Currently we have only one DVD player in our inventory for circulation.

Note that there are several DVD players already located on campus.

Check-out period:

One day for students and faculty.

Use the navigation menu on the left to find information about the Media Lab in the Tech Center in the Library Basement. Information about the Media Desk and such things as equipment (and how to use it), software, and general how-to-use-it type information is here.

Click on an image below to see larger pictures of the Media Lab

Media Lab 1	Media Lab 2	Media Desk
Laptop Lounge

Regular Media Center hours

Monday - Thursday: 8:00am - 7:00pm
Friday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday and Sunday: 12:00pm - 4:00pm

Media Desk

Extension: x3963
E-mail: media@ups.edu

Media Desk Equipment

• Checkout for all media equipment is one day, but all items are available for renewal by phone, e-mail, or a visit to the desk.
• Policy regarding media equipment check-out.