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How to Begin Collecting DVDs

Most people fall into collecting DVDs by simply buying some movies they love from time to time. Over the span of a few months or a year, however, what started out as three or four DVDs can explode into an extensive, varied DVD collection.

If you want to build up your collection of movies, start by making a list of all the movies you'd like to own. Next, prioritize your preferences. Then, depending on your budget, work your way down the list. As you regularly make these purchases, keep your eyes open for titles on your list that are on sale. While these DVD titles may not be your top priority, getting DVDs on sale will save you money and move you closer to completing your ideal collection.

Saving Money When You Purchase DVDs

As you are compiling your DVD collection, here are some money-saving tips to keep in mind:

Avoid buying new DVD releases. If you wait even a short while, you can generally find these movies at much cheaper prices.
Look into buying previously owned DVDs. Most stores offer full money-back guarantees on these purchases, so there's no risk you'll be stuck with a scratched or otherwise worthless DVD. You can find them both online and in stores.
Look for sales. If you really want to be a purist collector and own only new DVDs, then you should search around for the best sales. Many stores will offer three or four DVDs for a certain price or two-for-one deals.

In general, being patient and researching sales can help save you loads of money.

DVD Box Sets

One growing trend among DVD collectors is to buy box sets of favorite TV shows. Not only does this let new viewers start watching the series from the beginning, but it can also let fans enjoy the shows over and over. Depending on the DVD box set you are looking to buy, these packages range in cost from about $40 to more than $100.

Transferring VHS to DVD

Another easy way to build your collection is to transfer VHS tapes to DVD format. This can allow you to keep your old videos in a new, longer lasting format, especially your precious home movies. Alternately, you can buy a movie on VHS, usually for far less money, and then transfer it to DVD yourself.

While transferring VHS tapes to DVD format may sound complicated, it's actually much easier then you may think. Here are the two ways in which you can make this transfer:

Via Computer:Y ou can transfer VHS tapes to DVD using a computer. While using the computer tends to take longer and requires special software, it allows you to edit movies if you so desire.

The most important piece of equipment you'll need is an MPEG-2 encoder that compresses the VHS file into the appropriate format needed for a DVD.

Via DVD Recorder: Transferring VHS to DVD without a computer calls for you to connect your VHS, VCR or camcorder to a DVD recorder. Next, record by pressing the Play button on the VCR and the Record button on the DVD recorder. Then, just let each device run until the movie is done. Keep in mind that you should check the instructions, as recording instructions will vary by brand.

While this second method of transferring VHS to DVD doesn't offer you a lot of flexibility (it doesn't allow you to create menus or edit the film), it's the fastest and easiest way to make the transfer.

Tips for a Clean Transfer

Here are some additional tips for making better quality DVDs:

Clean your VCR or camcorder prior to making the transfer, particularly the tape heads.
Turn down the sharpness on the VCR control. While this may seem contradictory, a sharper image on the VHS will actually create a blurrier image on the DVD.
Consider using a lower resolution (such as 352 x 480 resolution) when putting large amounts of video onto DVD.
Use compressed audio on your DVDs, as it takes up less space.

Burning DVDs to Add to Your Collection

Another popular option for DVD collectors is to burn a DVD from an online source. This requires that you have the proper software, such as DVD Decrypter. Because some computers already come with the required software, it's worth checking before you spend additional money.

Next, find a reliable, legitimate source from which to download. While some of these sources are free, make sure that you aren't violating any copyright laws by downloading free content. Similarly, check to see that the source is reliable and that the file formats are compatible with your system, as you don't want downloads to corrupt your computer system.

After successfully downloading the film you want, the next step is to insert a blank DVD and begin the burning process. Most computers that come with a DVD burner will also have the required burning software loaded on them. Many software programs have excellent introductions that will walk you through the steps of burning DVDs.

One of the biggest advantages to downloading a movie from the Internet and burning it onto a DVD is that not only can you get the movie you want instantly but you can also save money: The online versions tend to cost less than DVDs in stores.

Overall, DVD collecting is an enjoyable hobby, providing you with hours of entertainment from your favorite films. It also doesn't have to be expensive if you follow the above tips. Between buying DVDs, transferring VHS to DVD and burning DVDs from your computer, you have a variety of collecting options to add more movies to your life.

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