How to Record a Video From the VCR to a Computer

Copy old videos to a computer using a converter box.

Analog-to-digital video converter boxes make it possible to transform old videotapes into a format that can be stored on a computer. The converter box uses standard cables to connect between a VCR and computer. Converters also come with recording software so the computer can capture the content for saving to the hard drive. The setup should take less than 10 minutes. Recording to the computer takes as much time as the program on the videotape.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with installed recording software
• USB cable
• Converter box
• Composite cables
• VCR

Instructions

1. Plug the USB cable into any USB port on the computer and the single port on the converter box.

2. Connect the red, white and yellow plugs on the composite cables to the matching jacks on the converter box and to the color-coded AV OUT jacks on the back of the VCR.

3. Double-click the name of the recording program to open the video software on the computer.

4. Insert a pre-recorded video into the VCR and cue the tape to the desired position, then press "Play" on the front panel of the VCR.

5. Click the "Record" button on the recording software to begin converting and copying the videotape on the computer. Click "Stop" when finished.

6. Open the file folder on the recording software and click "Save," then type a name for the converted video, and click "Save" again to store the video on the hard drive.

Tips & Warnings

• Some pre-recorded tapes, such as commercially recorded movies on VHS, may be encoded with anti-copy protection to prevent duplication.

• Shut off the computer and unplug the VCR while hooking up the equipment.

References

• RAM Electronics: How to Connect your Computer (PC/Mac) to your VCR