Skip to main content

How To Convert Videos To Digital

Do you have old VHS video tapes lying around your house and not sure what to do with them? Today, I am going to tell you how you can convert your old videos to digital files and save your precious memories. 



You will need a VCR video player, VHS to digital converter device, your computer and an external hard drive or USB. If you don't have a VCR, either buy one from eBay or borrow one from a family member or friend. You can get a VHS to digital converting device from Amazon. There are different types ranging from $15 up to $300 and it's up to you which one you buy but note that they all mostly work the same way and the cheapest devices do a great job. Make sure your external hard drive or USB has enough storage space to save large video files. 



USB2.0 Video Grabber with Honestech HD DVR3.0 software
This is the device I use to convert videos. 
These instructions are specifically for this. Most devices work the same way.

The first thing you need to do is install your converting device software. Insert the disc and follow the instructions and soon it will be on your desktop, task bar or whichever location you chose to install it. 

Connect the color-coded VCR cables on the back of your video player to the ones on the device. Yellow is for composite video, red is for the right audio channel and white for the left stereo audio, Connect the device USB to the computer. 



Open the Honestech HD DVR3.0 software, click on Capture and change the video and audio device settings to  AV to USB2.0. Change  the other settings according to your preference and select where you want the video files to be saved.



Now you are ready to start converting videos. Insert your video tape into the VCR, rewind it to the beginning and press play. You should see the video playing on the screen. Click on the red recoord button below and it will start recording. 



While it is recording, you are free to go do other things like clean the house, talk to family members or watch TV, but keep an eye on it to make sure it is not interrupted or recording a blank screen if the video has ended. 

Decide if you want to record the whole tape at once or in parts. If you want to do it in parts, you may have to sit and watch it so you stop recording at the right time. Save one part, then start recording the next part. When you stop recording, the converted file will be in your chosen folder. I highly recommend saving your converted videos in multiple locations so you won't lose them if your computer or hard drive breaks. Storing it on a cloud storage service like Dropbox is a great idea. 

If you want to edit your videos, you cand that on the Edit tab or you can use other video editing software. I will write another post about editing later. You will be able to watch the videos on your computer or television. 


Converting video tapes to digital files is actually so easy. don't let your memories fade away! Look into getting them converted! 








Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Virtual Stop #1: Lymington - A Seaside Gem Discovered by Chance

Welcome to my virtual travel series, where I explore beautiful corners of the world without leaving my bed. Inspired by TikTok livestreamers and walking tour videos, these posts capture what I see, feel and learn as I journey through new places from afar.  I wasn't planning to visit Lymington - not virtually, not in any way. I had never heard of it before watching my favorite singing buskers livestream from the quaint little town in the UK and now I'm captivated. The charm of Lymington unfolded before my eyes: Cobbled pathways, rows of boats bobbing gently at the marina and friendly locals to stop and enjoy the music. I experienced it from my bed.  There is something so welcoming about the town, The people passing by weren't just polite - they were supportive. Some clapped, others left kind words or a few coins, and a few even stayed for songs. There are three ladies who go often to support the guys. They have all been following them on TikTok for a while and met each other...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Prove It Game

The public opinions on Meghan Markle, or Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, are divided. Some love her and most seem to hate her. I admire her in some ways. I just watched an interview she did with podcast host Jamie Kern Lima and something she said resonated with me.  Image from Jamie Kern Lima YouTube.  Here it is: "We spend so much of our lives trying to prove something. You have to prove that you're enough, you have to prove that you're pretty enough, you have to prove that you're smart enough, you have to prove that you're a good wife or a good friend, and I am just so done with the prove it game. When you get to the place where you feel like I don't have to prove anything to you anymore. I don't have to prove that I'm a good person, I don't have to prove that I'm a good wife or mum or friend, I don't have to prove that I work hard. It can be really freeing when you stop playing the prove it game." - Meghan Markle. I completely agree with...
Post a Comment
Read more

Social Media Ban

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said that the Australian Government will enact laws to ban children under 16 years of age from social media and here I am sharing my thoughts on this.  Image from The Chapel Hairdressers - Horsham Facebook page  There are many benefits of social media. We can share photos and videos with our families and friends to keep them updated on our lives, instantly communicate with them, have a record of special memories, businesses can promote their products and services, connect with people professionally and do so much more. So many people are working on social media full time as influencers, working with brands and creating content online  and some have even married people they met online.  Social media can also be used as a weapon.   Preteens and teenagers go through puberty, stress about getting good grades at school, do their best to live up to their parents expectations, have many things they are worried about and just wan...
Post a Comment
Read more