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, Panasonic 13″ TV, and Pioneer DVD Player in the Tech Center:

NOTE: If no picture shows on the TV, check that the TV is selected to Video3 and JVC is on L1. Check the JVC Main Menu > Mode Set > Rear Aux Input is selected to S-Video using the buttons on the bottom of the JVC remote control. And check that the arrow button next to the DUB button, lower left corner of the JVC has the arrow pointing to the left.

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 middle right side of the JVC and insert the tape into the VCR. When you insert the tape, it will start to play. Either use the remote control or lower the access cover on the lower part of the JVC for controls.
   1. Plug the output cables from the JVC (S-video and two audio RCA) into thefront of the Canopus and the firewire cable from the back of the Canopus into the firewire port on the back of the computer.
   2. Use Adobe Premiere Elements software to capture the video and export the finished project to DVD.
3. If copying a mini-DV tape, press the DV button on the left side of the JVC and insert the tape.
   • Connect a firewire cable from the front-left side port on the JVC to the back of the computer.
   • Use Adobe Premiere Elements software to capture the video and export the finished project to DVD.
4. If copying a different size video tape, use the camcorder that recorded it.  If the camcorder is not digital, checkout a Canopus media capture device from the Media Desk.
5. Rewind or Fast Forward your tape to the desired location for copying.
6. Click Start > All Programs > Media Applications > Adobe Premiere Elements 2.0
7. In Premiere Elements, select New Project and type the title of your project.
8. 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.
9. Click on the Capture icon on the top toolbar to open the Capture window in Adobe Premiere Elements.
10. Click on the Capture button directly below the image of your tape’s content. This will start the recording process.
11. 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. Switch to the EDIT icon on the top toolbar to open the Edit window. The file will automatically be saved to the computer through the previous steps.
3. Make edits to the timeline of your recording using the razor tool or Split Clip button to cut out portions you don’t want.
4. Open the DVD drive tray on the computer and insert your DVD+R or 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 left-middle corner of the screen. Select To DVD.
7. On the window that pops up to name the DVD, confirm that your disc title, number of copies, and 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 2.0 and turn off all of the equipment.