How to Convert VHS to a PC
VHS tape can deteriorate over time, with a loss in picture and sound quality. As the tape becomes brittle, the risk of it unraveling inside a VCR can increase. One solution is to convert VHS tape into a digital format for storing on a PC. Once the tape is on a computer the footage can be edited and burned to a DVD, if desired. The simplest way to convert VHS is to hook up a VCR to an analog-to-digital converter, which can then be connected to a PC with recording software installed. The PC records the digitally converted footage as the VHS tape plays in the VCR.
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Things You'll Need
- Composite AV cables
- Analog-to-digital VHS converter box
- USB cable
- Recording software
Instructions
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1
Hook up the white, red and yellow plugs on one end of the composite cables to the "Playback" or "AV OUT" jacks on the back of the VCR, then connect the other ends to the color-matching jacks on the converter box.
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2
Connect the USB cable between the port on the converter box and any free USB port on the computer.
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3
Open the video recording software on the PC by double-clicking the name of the program.
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4
Insert a VHS tape into the VCR, typically through the gate on the front of the component, then press "Play."
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Click the "Record" button on the video software to begin converting the analog tape into a digital format. Click "Stop" when finished recording.
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Click the "File" tab on the recording software, select "Save" and type a name for the recording. Click "Save" to store the recording on the computer hard drive.
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Tips & Warnings
Check the software requirements for video editing to be sure the computer system is running sufficient RAM (random access memory) with at least 10 gigabytes of storage space on the hard drive for every hour of digital video.
Unplug the VCR from the electricity and shut down the computer while connecting the two components.
References
- Photo Credit boitier et cassette vhs image by PASQ from Fotolia.com
