DVD / Computer Solution

Here's a half baked idea.  We're wrestling with the same DVD/VHS/TV/Camcorder/Anything Video You Want issues.  And we are looking to upgrading our computer at the same time.

Is it possible to copy our VHS and Hi8 tapes to CDROM before we leave the US?  What hardware & software would I need?

Will our American DVDs playback on a British DVD player to a British TV?  

Dunno bout that, but it is possible to get both multi region dvd players and vhs.

wench

It should be possible to convert a recording from a VHS tape into a DVD recording, I think.  As DVD recorders are becoming more popular I'm sure that you should be able to find the cables you need at your local Best Buy or Circuit City.  I did a search on Google for "DVD burner" and it gave a number of hits that look like they'll help you.

DVDs are naturally a global format, but have "region codes" on them to stop people importing them against the wishes of the manufacturer.  If you buy a DVD from a retailer check the region code, usually in a small box at the bottom of the back of the case.  If it is "0" it will play anywhere, if it is a "1" it a North American disc, and I think that "2" is Europe.

You can also, like Wench said, get DVD players that will play any disc, irrespective of it code, but you'll probably have to search for a specialist supplier to find one.

We bought a rather nice Pioneer Multi-region dvd player online.  From what I've seen of my husband shopping, they're not actually difficult to find.    And if you ask me nicely I might even ask him for the web addy of the site we bought ours off of.  
wench

You can buy a video capture card that slots into your computer.  Then you can record from the anologue to either a cd burner (video cd) or to dvd burner.  

I did it and it works great.  The capture card runs around $100 in the US.  Go to compusa, I found their prices the best.   It is a long process to record though.......

forgot to mention - make sure you buy a capture card that has software to make it region free.  There were two different brands when I was looking.  Video CD usually is region free anyway and that 'seemed' to be on all the software.