Storing Home Videos On The Computer

[pipdawg]

I've got loads of precious home videos which I've successfully transferred to DVD using a video/DVD combi recorder. I've also found it quite simple to transfer the DVDs to my computer. If I copy the DVD files to the computer they are saved as VOB files. If I 'save movie' to the computer they are saved as WMV files. I have no idea what it would be best to save them as long term. I obviously want to keep them and view them forever. There are sites on the Internet to help you convert the files to different formats. I would like to know what is the best format to convert them to. I can follow instructions but I'm not a computer wizard.

[Buenchico]

VOB files are 'container' files, which hold lots of different bits of information together. They're designed specifically for use with DVD players (although it is possible to access them with a PC).

WMV files use Microsoft's Windows Media Video format, which many programs can handle but it's generally regarded as rather 'old hat' these days.

The video file format that's almost universally used nowadays (for Youtube videos, by home camcorders, by dashcams and just about everything else) is MP4. I'd suggest that's the format you should be aiming to store your home videos in.

[pipdawg]

Thank you so much Buenchico. So presumably I'd have to download some sort of software to convert to MP4? Also, would I convert from VOB files or WMV files to MP4?

[Buenchico]

This free file converter usually tops the reviews in the technical press:
https://www.any-video-converter.com/products/for_video_free/

A bit of experimentation might be in order, to see whether going via VOB or WMV gives the best results.

[bainbrig]

Depending on the quantities, I’d go for the commercial options. I’ve spent many hours on attempted video conversions, and the results of video-to-MP4 have always been below par. But on this as in most things I’d defer to Buenchico.

[pipdawg]

Hi Bainbrig. Thanks for your answer. Quantities are the problem here. I've got nearly 40 tapes to convert (nearly 30 years worth) and am spreading a 3 or 4 hour tape over a couple of DVDs. Also I want to make two copies of each final DVD so each of my children eventually ends up with a copy. I am guessing to get the tapes converted professionally would end up costing many hundreds of pounds. The quality of the video tape isn't that brilliant so of course the DVD isn't either. I expect that's something I'll have to live with.

[pipdawg]

Thanks Buenchico. Will let you know how I get on. Have you any input on bainbrig's reply?

[bainbrig]

I hadn’t realised how expensive it was - checked online, and ten to twelve quid per tape seems the rate, so Buenchico’s solution is, as usual, the best. Good luck!

[pipdawg]

Thanks anyway, Bainbrig. It's good for me to be thrashing all options out

[pipdawg]

Hello again folks. So far, so good. I've downloaded the Any Video Converter which I seem to have successfully been able to convert files to the MP4 format with. However, I've just noticed I'm supposed to be selecting an output profile (drop down menu, next to Convert Now in top right hand corner). I've not touched this before so it's been defaulting to Apple iPhone (because that comes first alphabetically). Would you be able to advise me what this drop down menu means and which option I should be using, please.