Don’t wait for time to damage or erase your old VHS home movies, which can happen in 15 years or less. Instead, buy a combo VHS-DVD recorder like the JVC DR-MV1S and copy them to DVD, complete with chapter markers. The unit also contains a useful 30-second skip feature, in case Uncle Harry droned on a bit much at the wedding. Two caveats: No, you can’t duplicate copy-protected tapes. And remember, even on the highest-quality setting, converting to DVD won’t improve the look of the film — but it will keep your memories from fading to black. About $600. www.jvc.com — Chris Tucker