Is my DVD recorder Dual Layer compatible?

[James79]

Hopefully, someone will be able to help here.

I purchased a Dell PC a few months ago and was hoping to back up some old VHS video recordings onto a DVD. Problem is, each video tape is just over 2 hours long.

I believe that the only way to tranfer this video in its current state (ie not in long / extended play) is to use a Dual Layer Disc - I therefore need a Dual Layer Compatible Recorder.

The DVD recorder in the PC is a "Philips DVD+-RW DVD 8631"

I have heard terrible things about this drive, but as yet have noticed nothing wrong, albeit the software is almost impossible to use!!

If anyone has any advise regarding the compatibility of this device, I'd be very grateful.

Thanks

James

[SMHarman]

VHS video is a 360 line image, thus you do not need to use the highest quality of encoding / bitrate to convert them to DVD and as a result can get 2+ hours on a single side of a DVD.

I would say no you can buy the nec 3540 for 30 quid but as above for vhs to dvd you dont need it

[James79]

Thanks for your advice guys, much appreciated!!

James

Just finished reading PC Pro's testing of DVD writers, they say the best tested is the Plextor PX-740A, cost about £45 inc.vat from www.dabs.com
http://www.dabs.com/uk/productview?q...&referrerid=D1