I want to convert my vhs tapes to dvd. I understand that I will need a analog to Dvd converter. The equipment I have looked at has a vhs and dvd recorder. The specifications say that the analog to dvd recorder converts vhs to mp4. Will mp4 work in any dvd player?

Hi Foxwilly,
This is a stand-alone DVD Recorder unit with VHS? This is not the DVD standard. DVD is encoded as Mpeg-2, which is then converted to VOB files within the DVD file structure. A DVD recorder should handle this entire process (encoding to Mpeg-2, and subsequent creation of simple menus, followed by DVD finaliztion for playback on any compatible device).
Mpeg-4 is a different standard of compression. Typically, in most cases, these files will be playable on a DVD player specifically certified "DivX Ultra" compatible. On any other DVD player, I would say there would be no chance at all of playback.
Another option would be to use a product such as one of these two here:

http://www.pinnaclesys.com/PublicSite/us/Products/Consumer+Products/Home+Video/Dazzle/?dz=1

These would allow you to connect your VCR to your computer, convert to Mpeg-2, and create a DVD complete with menus. This option, in most cases, would give you a great deal more editing capability, though the video quality may be slightly inferior in the case of a cheaper unit. A lot might depend somewhat on the condition of your tapes as well, regarding how much you are willing to spend for quality.
Anyhow, I hope this helps somewhat. Take care. :)