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HP unveils new device to convert VHS tapes to DVD

Posted Monday, August 11, 2003 at 8:26 PM Central

by Tim Briscoe

Hewlett-Packard introduced a new device on Monday designed to take all those old VHS movies you have lying around and convert them to DVD discs. Their DVD Movie Writer dc3000 looks like your average external CD or DVD-ROM drive but combines with it video capture capabilities and software for your computer.

HP expects the product to be available in mid-September at a price tag of $399. The Movie Writer will connect to your computer via USB 2.0 port and then to a VCR through standard RCA-type component plugs or S-Video cable.

The product is designed to convert all those home movies consumers have stored on VHS, Hi8, Digital 8 or Mini DVD. The Movie Writer isn't meant as a way to transfer pre-recorded movies into a digital format. HP says it "does not permit copying of commercially available DVD movies or other copyright-protected materials," although no mention is made on how it prevents piracy.