Storage Cabinets

I have a large VHS collection I am trying to burn to dvd to free up storage space. I am NOT going to resell the video (thus not breaking any law) I just want to be able to packthe tapes into boxes in my storage unit and keep the DVD’s in the media cabinet.

Equipment I have: Laptop with DVD burner, two DVD/VHS players.

Is there a way to do this WITHOUT buying a bunch of extra equipment OR equipment costing more than $50? I dont mind having to buy cords or something like that…but not a $200 converter box.

Also, What computer programs will I need to do this?

I need info on the equipment, programs AND step by step instructions of how to do this.

THANKS!!
Laptop: dell inspiron
vcr: Sonic Blue go-video AND Sony

VHS tapes are analog. DVD’s are digital. You need something to digitize the analog signal. Your laptop won’t do it. You will need a converter box of some kind, and they generally cost about $200. And you’re going toneed a lot of software as well.

I use an EyeTV 250 from Elgato Software on my Mac Pro quad-core 2.68 GHz to do this. Costs about $200 on the street. Then I use iMovie to add chapter markers and titles, then iDVD to burn the DVD. Fortunately both of these programs come with the Mac.

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