“Converting VHS to digital isn’t just about saving space; it’s about making sure your past lives on in a format that can be enjoyed for years to come.”
— Paul Allen, Co-Founder of Microsoft
Last month, while cleaning my cupboard, I found some dusty VHS lying around. To relive the old memories, I decided to give it a watch and noticed that the film quality had severely degraded.
Some of you might not know this, but videotapes don’t last forever, they wear out and the film loses its quality over time. The contents of your tapes can even be gone forever, as the videos stored in VHS can degrade as much as 20% every 10–25 years. (Forbes: Converting VHS to Digital Formats)
So, to preserve the priceless memories, I converted all those VHS into digital formats, and in this guide, I will share four basic methods to do so.
Why digitize VHS at all?
Before we delve into the technical details, let me tell you why you need to do this. As I hinted in the introduction, video on tapes degrades over time – the film becomes fragile, the image and sound deteriorate.
According to Kodak, the average lifespan of VHS is about 15-20 years under optimal storage conditions. This suggests that tapes recorded in the 90s may already be on the verge of being lost forever.
Secondly, digital video is more convenient as it can be stored on a hard drive, in the cloud, or even shared with friends via instant messengers. This is especially helpful for family archives or important events that you want to preserve for many years to come. Now moving to the major segment, let’s learn how to convert VHS to digital, through the best methods available.
Method 1: Using a USB video capture device
If you are looking for an affordable way, then it is best for you to purchase a USB video capture device. This is a compact device that connects to a VCR and a computer. The simple process is as follows:
Connect the VCR to the USB video capture device. RCA cables are usually used (yellow, white, and red connectors).
Connect the video capture device to the computer via USB.
Install the necessary software. Most video capture devices come with a disc or a link to download the software.
Start digitizing. Insert the tape, start playback, and click “Record” in the program.
This is a great method for home users. You can easily find a USB video capture device on Amazon, ranging from $20 to $50, making it a budget-friendly option.
FUN FACT The first commercially available VHS player was the JVC HR-3300, released in 1976. The machine cost over $1,000, making it a luxury item at the time. Today, you can get VHS-to-digital converters for a fraction of that cost.
Method 2: Using a DVD Recorder
Another option is to use a DVD recorder. You can record video from VHS directly to the disc with this device. Here’s how:
Connect your VCR to the DVD recorder. Again, use RCA cables or S-Video for higher quality.
Insert a blank DVD into the recorder.
Start playing the VHS and begin recording to DVD.
After recording, it is really easy to transfer the disk to a computer and convert it to a digital format like MP4. This approach works well for people who already own a DVD recorder, but remember that these devices are getting harder and harder to find.
Method 3: Turning to the professionals
If you don’t have the time or skills to work with the technology, you can always reach out to experts for help. VHS conversion businesses offer various services like video transfer to flash drives, hard drives, or even cloud storage. These services in the United States will cost you somewhere between $20 and $40 per cassette.
Method 4: Combined VHS-DVD devices
You can also find combined devices on the market – VCRs with a DVD recording function. Its operating principle is similar to a DVD recorder, but everything is integrated into a single device:
Insert a VHS tape and a blank DVD.
Select the copy mode and start the process.
This is a convenient option, but do not forget that such devices are no longer mass-produced. You can find them on the secondary market, for example, on eBay, for prices anywhere between $100 to $300.
How to choose the best method?
Now that I have shared the basic methods of converting VHS to digital formats, the next question that arises is “How to choose the most suitable method?” The choice of method depends on several factors:
The number of tapes: If there are not many, perhaps professional services will be the best solution.
Budget: Buying the equipment requires an initial investment, but allows you to save money when digitizing a large volume.
Technical skills: A USB video capture device is the best option for those who like to tinker with technology.
DO YOU KNOW? A significant decline in the sales of VSH and the opposite in the case of DVDs has been observed in the past few years, as you can see in the graph below.
Is it possible to improve the quality of old recordings?
Yes, you can improve the quality of your old recordings, but only to a limited extent. Some video capture devices and programs offer image enhancement features such as noise removal and sharpening.
For instance, Movavi Software Limited has unveiled an all-in-one solution for VHS to digital conversion. This software not only simplifies the digitization process but also offers tools to enhance video quality, such as color correction, stabilization, and noise reduction.
Such features can be particularly useful for restoring old family videos or low-quality recordings. While no software can help you fully restore a heavily damaged tape, modern tools like those from Movavi can significantly improve the viewing experience, making your digitized memories look as vibrant as possible.
Final say
VHS digitization is not only a way to preserve old memories, but also an opportunity to share them with future generations. It does not matter which method you choose, the main thing is to get started.
After all, each tape is nothing less than a small time machine that allows you to go back in time and relive important moments. So choose the right method and start digitizing your old VHS today!
