How do I take video off a VHS tape and create a digital version?

Question

I have some videos I recorded with a video camera and I want to take them off and put them into my computer for safe keeping. I dont have the video camera anymore, just the tapes. What can I do to put them into the digital format? is their a product out there I can buy?

Answer 1

If you have an analog (VHS) camcorder…

You need an analog converter, either internal card or external such as the dazzle. It's very easy to use and come with good software. You would hook your analog VHS camera to the analog converter, the dazzle and then hook the dazzle to your PC. The dazzle cost around 70.00 , but worth the money if you have a lot of VHS to tapes to convert.

Answer 2

A cheaper alternative

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?...

Pinnacle Dazzle will allow you to connect your VCR to your computer and record analog tapes into digital format.

Answer 3

probably the quickest and easiest way is to buy a vhs+dvd recorder system, they're like $199. you can transfer any VHS directly to dvd there. there are also DVD+VHS+Hard Disk Drive systems that will allow you to transfer from tape to either or both HArd Disk or DVD.

Doing it on the computer will take time and become an editing project, unless you've got time and software for that, don't bother.

Good luck!