How to Digitize your old VHS Tapes
DM me on Instagram if you have more questions…
Got old home videos on VHS? Family memories trapped on analog format? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered to help you convert your VHS tapes and get them onto your phone.
Before I start, there are definitely companies that will digitize your old footage for you. And while it is easier, it is extremely expensive and you may not be comfortable shipping away the only copy of your family’s memories.
So here we go, this is how I digitize all of the VHS that I find. First, you’ll probably need to buy a few things…
What you’ll need:
• Laptop/Computer
• VCR (VHS Player)*
• Audio/Video Cable
• Elgato Video Capture
• Elgato Software
So hopefully you already have a laptop to use and if you’re lucky your parents put away their old VCR in the attic somewhere. If not, you can still find a working VCR player on eBay for $30 - $60.
Now for the magic device: The Elgato Video Capture ($88 on Amazon Prime)
Once you have the Elgato, you’ll need to download & install their software - found here. Now you’re ready to start.
Elgato Video Capture
VCR Player
Audio/Video Cable
Step 1. Plug in your VCR and turn it on.
Step 2. Put in your VHS tape and press rewind (it will stop once it reaches the beginning).
Step 3. Connect one end of the the audio/video cable to the back of the VCR and the other end to the Elgato Video Capture (make sure you match the colors.
Step 4. Plug in the USB side to your laptop or computer.
Step 5. Open the Elgato app and follow the steps to create a name for your file, choose your settings (composite and 4x3), and test the audio.
Step 6. Press record and PLAY YOUR VHS TAPE UNTIL THE END. Once the video is done, you should press stop recording and allow a minute or so for the file to save before closing or pressing again for another tape.
Yes, you do have to let the VHS tape play for the full duration of the video. The Elgato captures the video as it plays. If it’s a full tape it will probably last an hour or two. While that is a lot of time, you’re saving yourself hundreds or thousands of dollars by digitizing at home.
If you need more help, I recommend looking on YouTube for an Elgato Video Capture tutorial like this one.
*What about those mini VHS tapes?
One last thing, there are a few different types of tapes including Standard VHS, VHS-C, and Hi8. To digitize a VHS-C you’ll need a converter (Amazon $35) pictured below. To digitize a Hi8 Tape you’ll need to swap out the VCR player for a Hi8 camcorder to playback your tape. Follow the same steps with the Elgato system, but plug the Audio Video cables directly into your camcorder, make sure the tape rewinds all the way, and record with the same steps above.
