Convert VHS VCR to DVD using WMC (Windows Media Center)

Article 1 of 2: SETTING UP WMC TO RECORD VHS VIDEOS

I am not a Vista lover, even a Windows advocate, but Windows Media Center (WMC) is a useful piece of software for my high-level multimedia needs (I still prefer KMPlayer my default multimedia player, though and yes, it does play dvr-ms files, which are the default for WMC).

In my last article, I explained my problems trying to convert VHS/VCR tapes to DVD using Cyberlink's awful Powerdirector 6. In this article, I will explain how I set up my VCR with WMC to backup my tapes.

First, I should tell you a little about my system. Yours may differ, and if you can't get WMC working with your VCR, it will most likely by a hardware issue:

- HP Pavilion m9190a with built-in infrared
- Hauppauge HVR-1200 television card
- a small IR receiver plugged in at the back in the wrong port (see * below)
- VCR
- Composite leads connecting computer to VCR

* - if trying the instructions below, try the IR in any of your available ports. I don't know why it will only work in the wrong port. Go figure.

OK, so with the above setup, I figured out the following guide to get the VCR working in WMC. I've split it into chunks to make it easier:

Set up the TV signal

1. Of course, ensure all hardware has been set up correctly.
2. Start playing a tape so you can see if you get it right on the screen.
3. Start WMC and go into LiveTV
4. Right click on the screen area and click 'Settings'
5. Select TV -> Set up Signal
6. Say 'Yes' to any pop-ups (I get two)
7. Click Next
8. Select your region (ie, Australia - WMC may have selected it for you, so just click 'Yes, use this region to configure TV services)
9. Click next, then wait for WMC to download information

Set up your top box

WMC treats digital set top boxes and VCR's as 'set top boxes' - it's just terminology. Think of your VCR as a set top box:

1. When asked what type of signal, select Cable or Satellite, then click Next
2. When asked if you have a set top box, choose Yes, then click Next
3. Click Next again
4. Choose Composite Video. You should have a very decent picture of the video you are playing with sound (note, my system defaults to S-Video which is poor greyscale. Switch between the options for your particular system - there should be four). Click Next when done.

Set up your remote control.

My remote control doesn't work with WMC because the small IR receiver only works if plugged in to the wrong port. You may have to test different ports (and perhaps different remotes from around your home) for the following to work. As such, the following instructions may not match what WMC asks you, but it should be close:

1. WMC will ask about your remote. I chose the 'no remote' option, then clicked Next.
2. Choose 'Two digits', then Next.
3. How to change channels: 'No, I just enter the number', then click Next.
4. Select your brand: pick any. It doesn't matter (I chose 3M because it's at the top). Click Next.
5. You may be presented with a remote control code panel. Choose any (ie, C0033) then click Next
6. You should see your video in a small window. Press the number 1. It will appear in the window with the video. Select 'The set top box changed the channel correctly', then Next.
7. Using your WMC remote (not the VCR remote), click OK.
8. Select 'The channel changed correctly', then Next.
9. I get a message saying 'Fast', then click Next.

When all this is done, select 'Return to TV Settings', then Finish. On your remote, select 'Live TV'. The video you are playing should appear.

I wrote the above instructions and set up WMC at the same time, so the options do work. If you have any issues, here's some troubleshooting tips based on the problems I encountered:

- I have 3 IR receivers: one built in my computer, one USB external, and one which is on a thin lead (this receiver has a plug similar to headphones, and the receiver itself is about the size of a small fingernail). I had to disable the external USB, ensure my internal was enabled, and played with the fingernail IR until I found the right (or wrong!) plug for it.

- My video card needed a S-Video connector to connect it to the VCR. They cost a couple of dollars from a local shop, or you can get one on eBay. The cabling was the easiest part: white to white, red to red, yellow to yellow.

- DO NOT USE COAXIAL (ie, the lead you usually use if on an arial. Also, DO NOT choose to use the antenna. Originally, I tried to configure WMC with coax for hours until I resolved myself to the fact it did not work).8oP

I hope that this solution works for you. If it does, leave me a comment. When you have successfully done it once, you'll find it's a breeze to do again. ---- Want more tips ---- OK!

In my next article on this subject, I will show you how to convert your recording to DVD.

Being bitter about Cyberlink Powerdirector 6

I have a collection of old VHS/VCR tapes that I wanted to convert over to DVD for various reasons. These tapes are old and need backing up: my wedding, kids ultrasounds, etc. They are priceless memories that I wish to retain for many years to come, but trying to configure my computer with a VCR has not been easy.

My HP Pavilion m9190a came with some pre-installed, fully functional software including Cyberlink Powerdirector 6. One of its better functions is to capture signals from cameras and video cassette recorders. Bitter as I may sound, but this software won't record these home movies because it believes that there are copyright restrictions. Imagine if YOU bought this product to back up your priceless memories, to be told that you are breaching copyright - it makes no sense, does it.

So, in my infinite wisdom, I spent countless hours on the internet going through forums and endless complaints about the same problem with other softwares, but I found no solutions. I even browsed through Cyberlink's forums and found nothing. I contacted Cyberlink and discussed my problem.

They replied quickly but failed to address my problem. See if you can use the following quote from Cyberlink customer support to resolve the issue:

[quote] "Please note that the issue you are facing because of old VHS tapes. The old VHS tapes loose their magnetic effect and hence are not read at any particular position and in such a case this kind of an error message appears."

I don't know whether Cyberlink employs monkeys in its think-tank, but it sure thinks it's customers are primates. They gave me a link which, when clicked on, takes me to a screen for premium phone support.

So, don't buy Cyberlink's Powerdirector if you want to back up your VHS collection. In my next article, I'll explain how I set up Windows Media Center to work with my VHS to back everything up.

Back Again (for how long this time?)

Once again it seems like an age since my last article, and with good reason. After purchasing my new laptop, it suddenly broke and I had to get it fixed under warranty. By the way, if you buy a computer from Officeworks, don’t expect them to replace it if it breaks after seven days – I would recommend you look elsewhere.

Anyhow, now I’ve got my Acer Aspire One back and feel great (Acer, on the other hand, have a fantastic warranty deal, and the Aspire one is a fantastic laptop. I bought the Windows XP version with 1GB RAM and 120GB hard drive. Unfortunately, the specs for the Linux version isn’t as good). Although the laptop is only a kilogram in weight, it has a very spacious keyboard and a generous screen size. I’m very happy with it!

So, now I am back to my novels. The Badman is going great. Had some positive feedback of a sample readership and a few things to change. I’m currently working through a novel called The Evil which I started when I first got chronic fatigue syndrome two years ago. That is also going well. I’m no longer writing short stories because I prefer novels. I used to be a prolific writer, and it will take me a few months to get back into it, but I doubt it will be a problem.

So, onwards with the dream. Perhaps the mark of success is how one copes with the inevitable failures along the way.