5 Ways to Transfer VHS to Digital on Windows/Mac

Older generations tend to keep memories of earlier years through recording, and they use VHS to store the data and use it to reminisce about their lives. Now that VHS tapes and players have become too rare, what can you do to preserve these stories, especially if these tapes have already become a family relic? Well, you can still convert VHS to digital, and this article provides the best ways with a complete guide. Let’s get started.

• Part 1. Why to Convert VHS to Digital
• Part 2. Transfer VHS to Digital with VHS-to-Digital Services
• Part 3. Change VHS to Digital via Software Converter
• Part 4. Bonus: The Best Way to Make VHS Digital - Screen Recorder
• Part 5. FAQs about VHS to Digital

Part 1. Why to Convert VHS to Digital

VHS, or Video Home System was a popular home video recording that was widely used around 1970 to early 2000. It is referred to as a recorder and storage for various films, television programs, and other content. A VHS is often identified with magnetic tape inside its shell or cassette, where all video information is recorded. But why copy VHS to PC or other devices?

As mentioned, VHS tapes were popular in the early years of video recording and streaming, but they have become less known to this date. It is almost impossible to look for a video player that supports it and worst, the magnetic tapes that store the data decay over time. This means the content is impossible to access unless you save it digitally. There is no other way but to convert VHS to digital files, and there are a few things to consider to do so. First, you can easily access the video by converting it to a compatible digital format, which can be from VHS to MP4, AVI, etc. Lastly, even if the content from VHS turns out to be of poor quality, you can still use video enhancers to upscale, remove noise, and enhance the visual.

Part 2. Transfer VHS to Digital with VHS-to-Digital Services

Legacybox VHS to Digital & DVD Service

Legacybox offers digitalization of physical copies of videos, photos, and audio recordings. It is located in the USA, where it offers various options for converting VHS to digital, DVD to USB, and others. You can choose the way the content should be sent, and it can be on the cloud, a thumb drive, and a DVD. Also, the pricing depends on how many tapes you are going to send, but the starting price is $30.00 for two items.

Step 1To use Legacybox to convert VHS to digital, you will need to purchase a VHS conversion kit from the store. This must include the prepaid shipping label and further instructions. Then, prepare the VHS tape you want to convert.

Step 2Place the tape on the provided packaging and make sure it is sealed safely. You can send this via a local courier service. Legacybox will provide the status of your order via their official website.

After that, they will process the tapes and will send you back the original tapes as well as the digitized copy.

Walmart Video Transfer

If you want a lower price for transferring VHS to digital, you may consider Walmart Video Transfer. Its price starts at $15.96, which already includes digitization of VHS, S-VHS, VHS-C, and other types. The service also allows you to choose the output format or an option to add a DVD and USB. With that said, here are the steps to use Walmart Video Transfer for your VHS:

Step 1Find a local Walmart store near you and confirm that they have the Video Transfer service. You have to bring the VHS to them and explain how you want the tapes to be digitized.

Step 2If you don’t have a nearby Walmart store, you can go to the official website of Walmart Video Transfer and click the Start My Order button.

Here, you will need to fill out the desired service option and your details. Pack the tape and send it via courier.

Step 3In just a few weeks, the service will send back the package, including the DVD or USB with the VHS content. Depending on your order, you may also access the files from your email account.

Part 3. Change VHS to Digital via Software Converter

Bandicam

You may consider using Bandicam Screen Recorder to convert VHS to your computer. It is a screen recorder that allows you to capture video from various media types, including VHS, DVD, and others. However, this process requires a lot, especially you will need a proper VHS reader and compatible cables to make it happen. If you are ready, follow the instructions below:

Step 1Connect an RCA cable to the Output of the VCR and an HDMI cable to the input of the capture card. Insert the VHS tape into the player and start Bandicam.

Step 2Select the Device Recording mode and click the Device Settings button. Choose the desired format, resolution, FPS, and other settings. Once done, click the REC button to start recording.

Step 3Once you stop the recording, you can watch the preview or trim the video as you wish. After that, the file will be stored on the Bandicam folder on your device, exported as an MP4 file

Movavi VHS Converter

If you need a more advanced converter, then Movavi can be a great option. It is a dedicated program that you can download on Windows and Mac, offering a straightforward way to convert old tapes to MP4, AVI, and MKV. Moreover, it has a built-in video editor, so you can edit the videos by trimming, merging, and more. You can try this solution and learn how to turn VHS tapes to digital with the following steps:

Step 1Prepare VCR and cables to connect to your PC. Then, download and install the Movavi VHS Converter on your computer. Launch it and click Record Video to set the VCR as the source.

Step 2Set up the settings, including the preferences for video and audio output. After that, click the Start Capture button and play the VHS tape from the VCR. Eventually, you can edit and export the video to your device.

Part 4. Bonus: The Best Way to Make VHS Digital - Screen Recorder

If you want a hassle-free way to convert VHS to digital, then we recommend Screen Recorder on Windows and Mac. It is a user-friendly program that captures onscreen activities like video calls, movies, and others. It has an adjustable screen parameter to record any part of the screen region. Additionally, it allows you to capture audio with a microphone, and it provides noise cancellation and audio enhancement, even if the VHS is too old. Not only that, you can use its built-in editing tools to properly cut, trim, and upscale videos in just a few clicks. This screen recorder has a lot to offer, especially with professional and modern AI technology to capture even old content from VHS.

• High-quality capture of old videos, gameplay, online classes, etc.
• Customizable shortcut keys to play, pause, and stop recording.
• Real-time previewing with a built-in trimmer to cut unwanted parts.
• Offer high resolution to export videos up to 4K and 8K.

Step 1Download and install Blu-ray Master Screen Recorder on your PC.

Connect the VHS drive and insert the tape. Launch the software and click the Video Recorder option.

Step 2Adjust the screen size parameter from the Custom dropdown menu. Also, make sure the Sound System option is enabled to capture the audio from the VHS.

Step 3Play VHS on your computer, then click the REC button. Stop the recording and use the trimmer to cut out unwanted parts. Click the Done button to export and transfer VHS as digital files.

The Screen Recorder has a better solution for converting VHS. Not only does it capture the best quality, but it can also edit the video with a new format, resolution, etc. Try the free version by downloading it on Windows or Mac OS.

Part 5. FAQs about VHS to Digital

• How does VHS conversion work?

  You will need a professional screen recorder to capture the VHS content. Then, you can choose an output format and additional enhancement for the video. Then, you will need to export to turn VHS to a digital file.

• What is the best digital format for VHS?

  Changing VHS to digital formats like MP4 or AVI is recommended since these formats are widely supported on many platforms. However, you can also consider choosing a DVD or USB drive if you want to store the content separately from your desktop.

• Are VHS tapes still available today?

  No. The production of VHS became obsolete for a very long time, and it is considered to be a hobby for some people since tapes can be collectibles. With that said, thrift stores and garage sales are the main market for VHS tapes, so you can buy them for an affordable price.

Conclusion

How do you convert VHS tapes to digital files? The article provides you with effective solutions to transfer the content of VHS tapes to desktops with compatible formats. But since the conversion takes too many requirements, you might try the top recommended option, which is the Blu-ray Master Screen Recorder. It is a user-friendly program that captures videos with the best quality. It also creates an easier way to record VHS, webcams, sound, and others. Click the Free Download button to try it firsthand today.