Ok, so you’re converting your VHS to DVD, right? Or are you? Here at Video 2 DVD Transfers, DVD isn’t the only digital format we’ll transfer your home movies on to, so we thought we’d look at the other option we offer – that way, you can make an informed decision when it comes to keeping your memories secure.
We don’t believe that one format’s better than another. So don’t expect some epic grudge match here; this isn’t Ali and Foreman rumbling in the jungle! Really, choosing DVD or USB all boils down to your own individual preference, and how you intend to watch or store your films.
Let’s start with what is, compared to USB, the granddaddy of film formats…
Choosing DVD
DVD – or digital versatile disc, for you fact-hounds out there – is probably the most widespread and common format out there. Even when pretenders to the crown, such as Blu-Ray, have surfaced, still DVD remains dominant.
That’s a pretty decent testament to the format. And there’s a good reason for it – DVDs are cheap to produce, offer awesome video quality, they’re easy to use, and simple to store. Oh, and they’re tough as nails. What’s not to love?
If you’re planning on making a big evening out of watching home movies with the family, DVD is a pretty safe bet. Imagine gathering around the TV, popping the disc into the tray, and pressing play. Sorted – your movie’s now playing on the same screen where you watched Johnny Depp the night before!
Even if you’re not making a big night with a big show, the fact that DVD players are so common means you’ll be able to find one – if not more – in any house, so you can always take your movies around to friends and family, safe in the knowledge that there’ll always be a way to watch them.
The main issue with a DVD is, as a physical medium, you may only choose to have one copy made – and that’s your lot, unless you order more, or hire a pro to duplicate the contents.
In Short:
- DVDs are affordable
- They have widespread popularity
- Easy to use
Choosing USB
Ah, the good ol’ universal serial bus, or USB, as literally everyone calls it. If you’re looking for computer-based format, this is your guy.
One of the best things about keeping your home movies on USB is that you can make multiple copies of them – meaning that once you have your videos stored on a hard drive, you can move it around, copy it to the cloud, or your laptop, or wherever’s easiest for you to watch them.
And don’t forget, thanks to the proliferation of mobile phones and tablets, with a digitally-stored film, you’ll be able to watch it on the go. So if you fancy a trip down memory lane with a memory stick while stuck on the 9:08 from Paddington – you can!
There are a couple of things you should be aware of though. Dependable hard drives aren’t quite as cheap as DVDs, and your computer may need a software update if film’s file format isn’t recognised. Please remember, too, that if you’re planning on that awesome family home movie night, you’ll need to make sure that either your TV has a USB port, or that you have the correct lead to hook up your laptop to the television.
In Short:
- USB copies can be effortlessly transferred and copied
- Good for watching on computers and devices
- Watch on the go
Choosing Us
Made your mind up? Know which one deserves your attention? Both DVD and USB have excellent picture quality, and are versatile in the extreme. But if you’re still unsure, one of our super-experienced team will be delighted to talk through the relative merits. In fact, we’d love to – creating memories is our passion, and we’ve been doing it for years, with archive-quality conversions that ensure your home movie conversions are in reliable hands, whether it was originally filmed on VHS, Betamax, Mini DV or any other video format. All you have to do is contact us today on 0800 592 433 and we’ll be happy to help.