How to Convert Film and VHS to Digital

If you’re using an s-video cable, you’ll also need the red and white RCA cables that are typically built into the VCR. Best Buy does not offer video transfer service in their stores. They do some equipment if you’d like to transfer video yourself. If this sounds pricey don’t worry, at the time of writing LegacyBox offered a 50% deal which would bring the total cost of transferring 2 tapes to DVD to $38.98, or $19.49 per tape. They send you the “LegacyBox” for you to pack and label whatever you want transferred from video tapes, reel to reel film, slides, photos and more. Also included is barcode stickers to put on your items to clearly identify them as yours.

At this point, if all you wanted was the digital file, you’re done; you can edit, move, and name the file as you want. If you’re planning on burning the file to a DVD or Blu-ray disc, you’ve got another step to go. Most conversion software will have an option for burning a DVD or Blu-ray upon completion of digitizing the footage. Converting well-worn home movies will never be flawless, but it can be done on a modest budget with a few basic tools. If you want to save some cash and are willing to put in a minimal amount of work, a DVD Recorder is an easy do-it-yourself option.

Connecting the Cable Box

She loves shooting music, tinkering with new technology, all things analog, and learning about archaic photographic processes. She’s been photographing the music scene in New York City since 2012 and began writing about photography shortly after. In addition to Tom’s Guide, her stories have been published on Pop Photo, DP Review, Digital Photo Pro and The Phoblographer. In 2021 she was selected as one of Dr. Martens Filmmakers of the Year to direct a film about New York City’s DIY music scene. “There is another way, but it’s a bit of a project,” says Elias Arias, Consumer Reports’ project leader for audio/video testing.

Kayla Dube has 4+ years’ experience in videography and filmmaking. She frequently works in production with indie film companies.

Read more about video to dvd conversion here.

And while it’s possible to convert VHS to digital, don’t wait too long to actually do that. Eventually, the contents of your old tapes will be gone forever, because the video stored on VHS degrades by as much as 20% every years. Freemake supports most video formats, so do read ourdetailed guide to converting videos to different formatsif you want to convert the captured video to MP4 which is supported by phones and tablets. To watch the video on your phone or tablet, it’s as simple as connecting the device to your computer using its USB cable. The exact steps for conversion vary depending on which device and software you’re using for video capture.

This input is ideal for getting optimal quality for older technology, such as VCRs or old DVD players. S-video doesn’t carry sound, so you’ll need the red and white cables from the RCA cable set if you’re hooking up a DVD player or VCR. I have been shooting video for over 30 years, and have used everything from Video8, Hi8, Digital8, MiniDV, even an SVHS camcorder.

Step-by-Step Guide to Converting VHS to DVD with a Service

Also, at this point, transfer tapes to DVD and not VHS. If you have them transferred to DVD by a service, have them do one, and then test it to make sure it plays on your DVD player.

‘Crossroads,’ Britney Spears and the Journey to Watch a DVD in 2023

And then there are the lesser known movies that can only be found on direct-to-consumer sites like the Criterion Collection, Shout! When those distributors are sold out of a particular title, however, Jeff’s go-to market is eBay.

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