How to Use the Dubbing Feature on a DVD Recorder

By Maya Austen

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The dubbing feature on DVD recorders allows you to make a copy of DVD or VHS tape, onto a DVD. It all depends upon the kind of DVD recorder you have. There are dual deck DVD recorders on the market which allow you to copy from a DVD to a DVD; or transfer videos from a VHS tape to a DVD (or vice versa). Preserving your old home movies and other rare videos, recorded on VHS tapes, onto a DVD is now almost as simple as a pressing button.

Using the Dubbing Feature on Your VCR / DVD Recorder

Step 1

Turn on your VCR/ DVD recorder and television.

Step 2

Go to your VCR / DVD recorder’s main menu (this might be called a "System menu" or "Setup menu" depending upon the particular brand of your VCR / DVD recorder).

Step 3

Use the arrow buttons on your VCR / DVD recorder’s remote control to scroll through and select the "Dubbing" or "Recording" options for the devise. If you plan to transfer video from a VHS tape to a DVD, set your dubbing to "VCR to DVD." If you plan to transfer video from a DVD to a VHS tape, set dubbing to "DVD to VCR." Exit the menu.

Step 4

Insert a blank DVD-R disc into the DVD tray (if you’re recording to a DVD); or insert a blank VHS into the VCR (if you’re recording to a videocassette). This is your recording medium.

Step 5

Insert the DVD you want to copy into the DVD tray; or insert the VHS tape you want to copy into the VCR. This is your source medium.

Step 6

Set the source on your VCR / DVD recorder to correspond to your source medium (press "VCR" if your source is a VHS tape; press "DVD" if your source is a DVD disc). Cue your DVD or videotape to the spot where you want to begin your dub.

Step 7

Set the source on your VCR / DVD recorder to correspond to your recording medium. Select your recording speed (SP, LP, or SLP, for example).

Step 8

Press "Dub" on your VCR / DVD recorder’s remote control to begin dubbing. If your VCR / DVD recorder does not have a "dub" button on the remote control, this operation might be executed by pressing "OK" instead. If you’re unsure, consult your owner’s manual.

Step 9

Press stop when your dub is complete. If you are recording to a DVD, don’t forget to finalize your disc so that it will be readable to other DVD player devises.

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