convert vhs to pc

Hi guys,
I have some old vhs tapes that I want to convert to a usable digital format.
I bought Click&Convert which includes Arcsoft Showbiz Dvd and used that to copy from vhs to my pc.
It works but only option is mpg2 format which creates massive files (1.1 GB for 28mins).
Tried using DVDVideosoft studio mngr to convert to flv, which worked but it only reduced file size slightly (so now have 900kb for 28mins) - DVDVideosoft does offer options for other formats but all separately chargeable and have no idea which might work, if at all (and no way I'm gonna keep buying modules until I stumble across one that works - and their help & info is utter crap).
Tried using VirtualDub, but it doesn't recognise either the mpeg2 or flv formats (error = MPEG Import filter:invalid pack at position3: marker bit not set: possibly MPEG2 stream)
So hoping someone can offer some simple advice to help me get them into a usable format and size, suitable for uploading?
thanks

When i was converting from VHS i was moving to DVD and file size was 4.3GB for 60 minutes, some converted with no problem through Handbrake to around 800MB, there was one i got a error on and was corrupt on playback i tried through quite a lot of encoding programs always same result, i ended up ditching that recording and moved on to the next and it converted no problem, anyway i only had problems with that single file as all the rest went smooth, once i had done them i went back to the VHS recording and tried again and it encoded with no errors

I might of been moving to a corrupt DVD i can't be sure, but what i'm really saying is just be patient and i know it takes up a lot time.

Pretty much all encoders should convert ok and from TV i aways choose mp4 as my preferred format.

I hope this helps MisterG

On a windows machine the following will work. (using your mpg2 format files (1.1 GB for 28mins).

MPEG stream clip with Quicktime alternative 1.81

instructions and all files can be found here [hidden link - please register]

When it is installed you can export to many formats resolutions and bitrates.

There is a version of Virtualdub available capable of reading mpeg2 files

[hidden link - please register]

maybe this brings you a step ahead


slow

Unfortunately I cannot answer, but I believe that the question is very interesting and the response of some expert, it can help many (for example to me).
Thanks for doing this question.