If you have a lot of VHS tapes, whether it's videos from your youth or music collections from the '90s, it's a good idea to convert them to DVD or another digital format. Professional conversion services to convert VHS to DVD format can be expensive if you have a lot of VHS tapes to transfer. However, you can do it yourself like a pro using the right hardware and software.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using an Analog to Digital Video Recorder
Step 1. Select the device you want to use to record analog video and convert it to digital
This device is usually sold at a price of Rp. 1.5 million to Rp. 2 million. Some of the famous models include:
- HDML-Cloner Box Pro
- Elgato Video Capture
- Roxio Easy VHS to DVD
- Diamond VC500
Step 2. Connect the device to the VHS video player using an MMI cable
Connect the device to the computer via the mini USB port.
Step 3. Install the software for the video recording device you are using from the official website
Step 4. Run the application on the computer
Insert a VHS video cassette and specify the location of the video you want to record (by sliding the cassette back and forth).
Now try playing your VHS tape. The video will be displayed in a pop-up window in the installed software. Next, return to the point you want to record
Step 5. Press " Record " in the software before you press " Play " on the VHS cassette player
Make sure you have set the software in recording mode before playing the video so you don't miss the first seconds of the recorded video. How to do this will vary depending on the program you have installed, but usually you will have to wait for the video to finish playing before continuing with the process of converting the file to a DVD.
Step 6. Open the finished video in any video player installed on the computer to see the quality
If at this point you want to edit it, open the video in iMovie or another free application, such as VirtualDub, and remove the parts you don't want.
Make sure the audio and video are in sync. If not, you can adjust the audio cutout by selecting " Interleaving… " in the audio menu, then entering a negative or positive number to harmonize the audio. When determining how much audio delay, it's a good idea to select "Audio display" in the View menu
Method 2 of 3: Using a Combo VHS-DVD Player
Step 1. Set up a combo VHS-DVD player
Although these devices usually do not provide high-quality (HD) video output and built-in software, this video player is very easy to use for transferring VHS videos to DVD format.
- A new device usually costs around IDR 1.5 million to IDR 3 million, but you may be able to get it cheaper on online trading sites like Olx, Bukalapak, and the like.
- Alternatively, you can connect a VHS player to a DVD player that can be used for recording. To do so, you'll need a series of regular two-way AV cables. Plug the VHS player's output into the DVD player's input, then follow the rest of the instructions as you would with the combo player in this article.
Step 2. Clean the cassette head of the VHS player
Depending on the VHS tape, this may or may not be necessary. If you're dealing with family memorabilia that doesn't have a copy, or the cassette is very dirty, you don't want the tape to be damaged when played on a VHS player.
- Turn the protective tab backwards so you can access the magnetic tape. Slide the video tape forward (forward) by turning the axis and wiping the cassette with a soft cloth or cotton.
- If the cassette tape is wrinkled or twisted, gently smooth it out with a cloth. Turn the cassette axis the other way around to remove the tape if the kinks are severe. Do this carefully.
Step 3. Insert the VHS cassette into the VHS player, and the blank DVD disc into the DVD player
Look at the player's specifications regarding the DVD format, whether it can be used to write DVD-R or DVD-RW, and be sure to use the appropriate disc type for the DVD player.
Step 4. Press the player and recorder button
How to do this will vary, depending on the player you are using. In most cases, you should press the Play button on the VHS player, and the Record button on the DVD player. However, the device often provides a single " Record " button which will transfer the video automatically.
Method 3 of 3: Using a Commercial Video Conversion Service
Step 1. Take the VHS tape to a video converter service in your area
If you only want to do one conversion and don't want to buy a video converter, you can use a video converter service at an inexpensive cost. You have very little control over the editing process and handling of the cassette, but you don't have to do anything but ship the cassette. It is also very suitable for converting older formats such as Betamax and 8mm film.
You can use services like Walgreens, Walmart, Costco, imemories.com, Target, Southtree, CVS, or Sam's Club for around IDR 140 thousand to IDR 400 thousand for each disc. One DVD disc can usually accommodate VHS videos with a duration of 2 hours
Step 2. Submit the VHS tape and the instructions you want to provide
For example, if you want to place the videos of your boys and girls on separate discs, write these instructions down and include them in the VHS package you send. Make sure all VHS tapes are clearly labeled and that you have made copies of important tapes. Also let them know that the package is easily damaged and broken.
Depending on the service you choose, they may also provide other custom editing options
Step 3. Wait a few weeks before you retrieve the videotape
This is a very good option if the content in the video is not very personal/sensitive. You can save money on blank DVD discs, hardware, and software. You can also use an online service that provides the same transfer options, although you'll need to send the VHS tape (this can be a bit expensive).
Tips
If the video starts stuttering or stops in the middle of recording, the CPU may be slowing down to prevent the computer from overheating. Recording video requires a large amount of CPU resources, and laptop computers will usually reduce their processor speed to prevent overheating. This can be overcome by providing a support under the laptop and placing a fan underneath to help cool it
Warning
- Never copy any commercial tapes (such as movies or TV shows). This is against the law and a complete waste of time.
- Do not touch the video tape. This can cause the ribbon to kink, tear, or fold, which makes it impossible to twist.
