How to Create a VHS Tape From a Video File

Exporting to a VHS from a digital video file doesn't have to be a difficult endeavor if you remember some electronics basics. Half of exporting digital to analogue is in the equipment you purchase to get the job done, and the other half is setting the equipment up correctly.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Consider the options. The three main ways of exporting video are through an external capture box, a video capture card, or a graphics/video capture card. External USB capture boxes are the most user-friendly and universal choice because they are compatible with both MAC and PC.

2. Find a model. A popular version is Adeptec's VideOh, but there are others such as the Pinnacle Studio Movie Box. Prices vary anywhere from $50 to $500. The more expensive the box, the less likely it is to cause capturing problems.

3. Make sure you have all appropriate cords for the ports on your computer and VCR. Some models of converter boxes connect via firewire cord while others connect USB. Check the back of your computer to see what kind of ports there are available. If RCA cords and an S video cord did not come with your converter box, purchase them ahead of time.

4. Download or purchase video editing or capturing software. Most converter boxes come with software, but if your model does not, install video editing or capturing software onto your computer before hooking up your converter box. Check to make sure the software has an export option.

5. Connect appropriate cords. Two sound cords (red and white), a yellow video cord, and an S-video cord connect to the output side of the converter box. If the box only has one set of ports, set the converter box to the "Digital to Analog" setting and plug the RCA cables into their appropriate ports.

6. Test it out. Once you've found the export publish settings on the software, export 2 or 3 minutes of video to your VHS tape. Hit record on your VCR and then export on your computer. Run the export for a short amount of time and stop recording. Move to a VCR connected to a television, rewind the tape, and view the material. If the video did not export, repeat these steps, checking all connections from computer to box, and box to VCR.

7. Export your video. Once there is a successful test export, rewind the VHS tape and export repeating the steps used in the test.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are using a newer MAC computer with the iLife suite, use iMovie as video capture program if you don't want to purchase movie-editing software.
• Older VCRs will not use s-video but digital video converters will have the appropriate port.
• Lower quality converter boxes have a tendency to loose the connection between the converter capture box and the computer, which can cause your video to go dark periodically.