VHS tapes degrade up to 20% between 10 and 25 years.
Let me remind you (Although you probably won't enjoy it...)
- 10 years ago was 2015.
- 25 years ago was 2000.
Given the rise of digital and disc media from 2006, almost every single VHS that anyone currently own today WILL be degraded to some degree.
This includes everything from VHS box sets of Tom and Jerry to your own videos from taped weddings to childhood memories.
Given the degradation range for VHS tapes and how long its been since the final VHS was produced, it's more important than ever to make converting VHS to digital easy for everyone!
Use the methods below to save the media before it's too late, and protect it from any further degradation. Remember, in 2031 all VHS tapes in existence will be in degradation.
Avoid costly shipping and conversion costs, and have a handy device in your own home that you can use to digitise VHS as much as you like, as well as watch and even stream content too!
If you want a trip down memory lane whilst preserving your footage from VHS or Hi8 camcorders then your own home solution is definitely the way to go. Many people assume a service is the only way, or that it would be too tech-y, but it's actually surprisingly simple using one of the 3 methods below:
Method 1: RCA Capture Card and Dedicated Software Packages
When you want to transfer VHS to digital at home you'll need a VHS player (of course!), a computer or laptop to process the digital file via software, and finally a physical adapter to plug the VHS player into your computer.
Assuming you have the computer and the VHS player already, you're just one step away from digitising at home.
Using an RCA to USB capture card is the simplest way to directly transfer VHS to digital. This is because VHS players output RCA as standard, and computers use USB to connect to things like keyboards and mice. Therefore, a USB to RCA adapter is a sure-fire way to link your VHS to your computer!
If you want to have bonus features like video editing, burning to DVD or clipping multiple sections together then you'll need an all-inclusive software such as Honestech VHS to DVD.
The August VGB350 is a capture card for converting VHS to digital, and comes with a suite of basic editing and export tools included.
The VGB350 is designed for USB 2.0 ports on Windows 10 systems, but is compatible with Windows 11 systems with additional steps.
Method 2: RCA Capture Card with Free Software
If you only want to record your VHS tapes and don't mind about editing the clips with your own software, or leaving them as-is, then you can save some money by getting a generic VHS to PC converter.
The VGB300 doesn't come with any software, but provides a cheap option to connect your VCR directly to a USB port on your PC.
From there, you're free to choose whether recording software that you already own, or is free online such as OBS (Open Source Broadcast Software).
The other bonus is there's no specific downloads and installs to do to get the stick working as it is designed for use with a range of recording software rather than specifically Honestech. This makes VGB300 more widely compatible, even working on Mac systems.
Method 3: RCA to USB Storage without a Computer
Finally, if you don't have a computer or laptop at all then you'll need a video converter that also does the recording itself, rather than needing software.
The VGB400 is an RCA to HDMI converter that also features an SD card port and USB port. This means you can play your VHS on the big screen via HDMI while simultaneously recording it onto USB or SD card.
No software or downloads are needed as the VGB400 box handles the recording itself, which makes the whole process a lot more streamlined and less stressful.
Weigh Up Your Options
When it comes to protecting VHS tapes, you're on a timer! Make sure you get the most value out of digitisation by doing it at home and ensuring you can digitise as much as you like, indefinitely.
Beyond just converting VHS to digital, a VGB400 can be handy to have around just to watch RCA footage on new HDMI TVs, saving you having to change all your devices to suit a new TV!
Explore all the capture card options available on Daffodil here, with free shipping on orders over £15!
Leave a comment