Seeking advice on converting VHS tapes to electronic format

[Gary B.]

[Bill H.]

Re: Seeking advice on converting VHS tapes to electronic format

A VHS/DVD recorder combo is approx. $150.

Once on DVD, you could copy that to a computer file.

I'm not sure the combo will transfer VHS to DVD faster than real time though bit at least it's cheap.

[David H.]

Re: Seeking advice on converting VHS tapes to electronic format

... Does anyone know what’s involved in converting VHS tape content to some electronic computer format? ...

Do a Google search on "VHS to DVD". You will get lots of hits. For example: http://vhs-to-dvd-converters-review.toptenreviews.com/

Once you get the tapes converted to DVD, then you can use a program like "handbrake" to convert the DVD to "MP4" files that play on iPads etc (saving you the cost of reproducing DVDs):

http://handbrake.fr/

Be aware that magnetic tapes (VHS & Beta) deteriorate over time so you might want to first review them for quality of image and sound.

[Michael G.]

Re: Seeking advice on converting VHS tapes to electronic format

Gary,you could seek out the services of someone who has the equiptment or just aquire a DVD recorder and run the VHS player into it. It's actually rather simple. Once you have changed the format to digital (Digital Video Disc) it is easily transferrable to any of the "electronic" devices available.

[Dennis C.]

Re: Seeking advice on converting VHS tapes to electronic format

Gary,

This is the product I use.

http://www.roxio.com/enu/products/easy-vhs-to-dvd/standard/overview.html

Dennis

[Gary B.]

Re: Seeking advice on converting VHS tapes to electronic format

Gary,you could seek out the services of someone who has the equiptment or just aquire a DVD recorder and run the VHS player into it. It's actually rather simple. Once you have changed the format to digital (Digital Video Disc) it is easily transferrable to any of the "electronic" devices available.

Mike,

I don't know what kind of DVD recorder would be required, but I'm guessing that buying the Roxie software/hardware at $70 would be less expensive than buying a DVD recorder, wouldn't it? Do you know of a specific DVD recorder that would do the trick so I could make a cost comparison with the Roxie approach?

Gary

[Bill H.]

Re: Seeking advice on converting VHS tapes to electronic format

The least expensive DVD recorder I've seen was in Walmart (Reno) @ $100

Also, check your VHS player, both of mine now have lines running thru the picture after sitting for a few years (may be the low humidity here).

[Gary B.]

Re: Seeking advice on converting VHS tapes to electronic format

Bill,

Yes, I've viewed the earliest VHS tape dated 1986 and my notes say the quality is poor, but I can't remember if that referred to my comment on the original recording technique or to a likely deteriorated tape. But I'm prepared for some disappointing quality nonetheless. They are essentially home videos, even when they were new.

Gary

[Scott M.]

Re: Seeking advice on converting VHS tapes to electronic format

Take the to Costco and have them digitize them. They often have coupons making it pretty reasonable, We tried a $250ish home machine but it was so painfully slow and the quality wasn't up to par.

[Joe L.]

Re: Seeking advice on converting VHS tapes to electronic format

Bill,

Yes, I've viewed the earliest VHS tape dated 1986 and my notes say the quality is poor, but I can't remember if that referred to my comment on the original recording technique or to a likely deteriorated tape. But I'm prepared for some disappointing quality nonetheless. They are essentially home videos, even when they were new.

Gary

Gary------

For the most part, VHS tapes that old are going to be badly deteriorated. I have a lot of old VHS tapes that I recorded off-air and whenever I tried to play any of them I found the quality was absolutely miserable. So, they'll still play but the picture and, even, sound quality will be bad. Of course, since these tapes you have are instructional rather than for entertainment, they might still be useful.

[Gary B.]

Re: Seeking advice on converting VHS tapes to electronic format

Scott,

From a lazy man's perspective, I like the Costco idea the best so far. Do you remember how Costco priced their service? By the tape? By the minute or hour of recorded material? Do you remember a cost?

Gary

[Gary B.]

Re: Seeking advice on converting VHS tapes to electronic format

Take the to Costco and have them digitize them. They often have coupons making it pretty reasonable, We tried a $250ish home machine but it was so painfully slow and the quality wasn't up to par.

Scott,

It looks like the Costco price is $17.99 for up to 2 VHS tapes, which puts it out of the price range given I have 49 tapes.

Gary