How to digitize VHS tapes

Windows 7 comes with two i.LINK/IEEE 1394 drivers; a new one and a legacy one. For video capture, you will need to use the legacy driver. Simply follow these step-by-step instructions to make sure the right one is installed. If you have mini-sized tapes (called VHS-C tapes), you might need a camcorder rather than a VCR.

Option 1: Using PlayMemories Home

Read more about minidv to digital here.

Difficulties in Watching MiniDV Tapes

After you go through all the trouble of converting your videotapes, you wouldn’t want to lose them to a failed hard drive or broken computer. The video content in MiniDV tape is in analog format, which you cannot play with computers, smartphones, tablets, TV boxes, HDTV, etc.

Sony GV-D300 (mini-DV) VCR

However, if you wish to easily convert your 8mm tapes to digital without a camcorder and preserve precious memories, price shouldn’t be an issue. What do you mean by an external USB connection option? It means you would have to use an external USB video capture device.

Using the compatible DV cable type, connect the camcorder to the DVD recorder input port . Moreover, it’s always a smart move to create backups of your digital files to avoid losing your precious memories in case of computer crashes or other unexpected events. For instance, you can upload your files to cloud storage, and some cloud providers offer free storage of up to 50GB.

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. In addition to that VCR you will need a USB-to-composite video converter and a computer with USB ports. USB-to-composite video converters are easy to find, but like a used VCR the price point on these devices vary—anywhere from $12 for a very basic setup up to $80. Once you transfer videos to a PC, make sure to include those videos with your routine hard drive backups.

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.

Plug your camcorder into the computer by connecting the HDV/DV jack or DV jack on your camcorder to the i.LINK input of the computer with a suitable cable. To avoid static shocks damaging your camcorder, plug the cable into the computer first. Find out how to import from tape-based cameras with iMovie .

You can conveniently sit back and watch your dozens of ‘priceless memories’ tapes with your family. Digital files last forever and don’t degrade with every single play or rewind.

Theme: Overlay by Kaira Extra Text
Cape Town, South Africa