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How to Convert VHS Tapes to Digital Copies

Want to revisit memories from two or three decades ago? For that, we all have VHS tapes sitting on a shelf or lying somewhere in our storeroom. With years passing, the video quality of VHS tapes will degrade. So, you might not be able to have the same video quality at the time it was shot. But better late than never!


There are challenges you might face when you start converting your VHS tapes into digital copies. To know how to navigate through this situation please keep reading!

Pre-Preparations Before You Start the Process

You will need some tools to start with.

  • VCR: If you already have a working VCR then you are good to go. These days it is a little difficult to find a VCR in working condition. You might find a second-hand VCR on Amazon and eBay. If you purchase it online, you need to check it thoroughly whether it is working perfectly or not.

  • Video Converter: A Video Converter connects VCR to a computer. It takes analog video signals to digital input for the USB port of the computer. There are various video conversion suites available in the market. It comprises a converter that connects your computer’s USB port to VCR’s an audio and video output. Some have RCA cables for AV outputs.

You can also purchase S video cables as they have a better video quality transfer compared to RCA cables. This suit comes with software that writes the videos directly to a DVD or a video file. It also has a step-by-step guide for better understanding. If your converter didn't come with software then you cans download one before you start the process.

  • Computer: You will need a computer to make this conversion happen. Most modern computers are compatible with these converters. But make sure to check the required configuration for the converter before you buy.

  • Storage: For storing these converted tapes, you can use a USB flash drive or you can archive it on any cloud storage services you use.

Start the Conversion

Now that you have all the required equipment ready, let's get started with the conversion. You can try with testing tape so that you don't lose your valuable recordings in case of any equipment malfunction.

Step 1: Follow the instructions given on software to start a new project.

Step 2: Place your computer and VCR near each other and connect them with a video converter. You will need to attach RCA cables from VCR output to the input jacks of the converter. The wires are color coded so that you attach them correctly. Red and white wire is for audio and yellow is for video. If you have a VCR that enables S video cables then you can attach it instead of a yellow video cable as it will give slightly higher video quality.

Step 3: Plug the converter into the USB port of your computer.

Step 4: Insert VHS tape and rewind it.

Step 5: Start the video converter software and follow the instructions. Press play on the VCR and record button in the video converter software. The video will play and record in real-time. So, depending on how long the video is, it will take the same amount of time for conversion.

Step 6: When it is done, stop recording on your computer and let the software save the file. You can backup this file on any cloud service to ensure you don’t lose data.

Wrap Up

We hope this article helps you in relieving your old memories by converting your old VHS tapes to video files. Now you can easily watch it anytime, anywhere.







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