With a digital VHS converter, you will be able to digitize the movies and events that your parents once recorded on old video tapes. This will make it easier to preserve them. Are you interested in this conversion device, but afraid of making the wrong choice? Find out everything you need to know in this buying guide dedicated to the best VHS digital converters on the market.
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"With this digital VHS converter, recording your old video tapes on your computer is a breeze. Just connect the sources to your Mac or PC…"
"Although it comes at such an affordable price, this VHS digital converter is reliable and relatively easy to use. For successful conversions, be sure to…"
"This VHS digital converter is one of the most versatile on the market. Not only is it compatible with many sources, but it supports all…"
"Thanks to this digital VHS converter, as compact as a smartphone, you will be able to digitize hours of VHS tapes whose contents will be…"
With this digital VHS converter, recording your old video tapes on your computer is a breeze. Just connect the sources to your Mac or PC with the audio/video cables and start the conversion.
28,76 £ on Amazon
Although it comes at such an affordable price, this VHS digital converter is reliable and relatively easy to use. For successful conversions, be sure to read the instructions and position the connectors correctly.
11,63 £ on AmazonIf you have so many VHS tapes that you don't know what to do with them, this VHS digital converter will allow you to recover their content quickly. Indeed, this video conversion device is very easy to use. All you have to do is connect it via USB to your Mac or PC and plug the rest of the connections into a VCR or analog camera. This device has the advantage of working even with all versions of Windows, even the oldest.
If you use the included software, this device only supports the classic PAL and NTSC formats. However, it offers more possibilities if you use it with the AVS Video Converter software. After conversion, the videos recorded on your computer will be in MPEG 1-2-4, DivX or mp3 format.
This VHS digital converter is one of the most versatile on the market. Not only is it compatible with many sources, but it supports all VHS tape formats such as NTSC, SECAM, PAL and PAL/60.
79,99 £ on AmazonThe Elgato 1VC108601001 was developed so that collectors or former video store owners can digitize the films they own themselves. In addition to being very easy to use, this digital VHS converter is very versatile. Not only is it compatible with different sources (VCR, camcorder, decoder), but it recognizes all VHS, HI-8 and Video-8 tape formats. Moreover, it can be connected to a Mac, a PC and even an iPad.
Don't be impressed by the variety of cables that come with it, you just need to plug them in the right places to make your conversions successful. This product is also compatible with streaming platforms, including YouTube. The video conversion software is downloadable from Elgato's website, but you can do without it if you already have iMovie or Windows Movies Maker on your computer. Its only shortcoming: the resolutions of the recorded videos are 640 x 480 (4:3) or 640 x 360 (16:9).
Thanks to this digital VHS converter, as compact as a smartphone, you will be able to digitize hours of VHS tapes whose contents will be directly recorded on a micro SD card. Note that this high-tech gadget also allows you to record programs from your television.
65,59 £ on AmazonBy opting for this VHS digital converter, you will not need to use a computer or software. However, the VCR and camcorder will still be needed, as these accessories act as the source. You just need to connect this conversion device to the video cassette player and it will record the content directly to its micro SD card. This device is actually an evolution of the VHS DVD combo, but it can't directly burn digitized videos.
This product is very appealing because of its playfulness and also because of its compact size. Since it has a 2.3" screen, you can use it to watch old movies or shows you have recorded from your favorite TV channels. If you want to improve the quality of a home movie, you'll need to import it to your computer and process it using the software you're most familiar with.
Any specific needs?
Best digital VHS converter in 2021
Best entry-level digital VHS converter
Best high-end digital VHS converter
Best digital VHS converter with display
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| OUR SELECTION |
August VGB100
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LogiLink VG0001B
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Elgato 1VC108601001
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DIGITNOW BR120-Black
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With this digital VHS converter, recording your old video tapes on your computer is a breeze. Just connect the sources to your Mac or PC with the audio/video cables and start the conversion.
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Although it comes at such an affordable price, this VHS digital converter is reliable and relatively easy to use. For successful conversions, be sure to read the instructions and position the connectors correctly.
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This VHS digital converter is one of the most versatile on the market. Not only is it compatible with many sources, but it supports all VHS tape formats such as NTSC, SECAM, PAL and PAL/60.
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Thanks to this digital VHS converter, as compact as a smartphone, you will be able to digitize hours of VHS tapes whose contents will be directly recorded on a micro SD card. Note that this high-tech gadget also allows you to record programs from your television.
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Recognized VHS formats
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PAL, NTSC, SECAM, PAL/60
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PAL, NTSC
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PAL, NTSC, SECAM, PAL/60
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PAL, NTSC
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Output formats
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MPEG 4, WMV, MP4
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mp3, DivX, MPEG 1-2-4
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MPEG 4
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MPEG 4
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Hardware interface
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USB 2.0
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USB 2.0
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USB 2.0
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USB 2.0
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Operating system
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Mac/PC
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Mac/PC
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Mac/PC/Tablets
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Compatibility
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Recorder, camcorder, decoder, vinyl player
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Recorder, Camcorder
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VCR, camcorder, set-top box
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Video recorder, camcorder, DVD player, TV Box, Video game consoles
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Entry-level digital VHS converters do not support all existing VHS tape formats. So you need to make sure that the converter device recognizes the current codec of the video recorded on the tape. If you don't want to bother with this step, choose a converter box that supports all the old formats such as NTSC, SECAM, PAL and PAL/60/. As for the output formats, the converter will ask you to choose between MPEG-4, MP4, DivX or DVD.
The digital VHS converters on the market are designed differently especially in terms of their connectors. But for the majority of the products, the capture boxes are equipped with a USB connector for the computer, yellow/red/white RCA cables for the TV or VCR, an S-video input and an indicator light.
In addition to being able to convert VHS video to digital format, the digital VHS converter should allow you to perform some editing tasks, such as compression or remastering for example. These options will be very useful for you, as they will allow you to improve the quality of the videos you have just converted. Thus, it will be easier to send them to your relatives or upload them on sharing platforms.
The best digital VHS converters are not limited to video processing of VHS tapes. In fact, these devices are compatible with the new generations of video game consoles, such as Xbox and PlayStation. The digital VHS converter will not only allow you to record footage from the game, but also to broadcast it live on social networks or streaming platforms.
The digital VHS converters on the market are intended for well-defined operating systems. So, before making a purchase, check whether the device is for a Mac or Windows. If you use Windows, make sure that the device is compatible with the version installed on your computer. This will save you from wasting time with updates or installation of third-party programs.
While they may look very durable, old VHS, S-VHS or HI-8 tapes are as vulnerable as a DVD. Even if you take every precaution to protect them from dust and moisture, these accessories will eventually get damaged over time. So if you don't want to lose your parents' and grandparents' precious memories, convert them to digital format with the help of a digital VHS converter.
Once converted into a digital format, the videos will be easier to handle. You will be able to archive them in a hard drive, store them in the cloud or share them with your relatives who live in other regions, it's up to you. In addition, digital programs will allow you to improve their quality. A few hours of processing are enough to remaster old videos. These can be viewed in HD, Ultra HD and 4K formats.
Also known as VHS DVD combos, this type of digital VHS converter comes in the form of a player-writer. Very easy to use and compact, this system does not need to be connected to a computer or an analog player.
Once turned on, the device decodes VHS tapes and records them directly onto DVD media. However, the success rate of the video conversion performed by these devices is quite low, because they only recognize very few formats.
Unlike the device presented earlier, this device connects the analog VCR or camcorder to the computer via its connectors. This VHS digital converter is also easy to use. As long as you follow all the video conversion steps and connect all the cables correctly, you will succeed in all the conversions you will perform.
The newly obtained data will be stored directly on the computer's hard drive. Note that the conversion from VHS to digital is only possible after installing a software accepted by your operating system.
A true concentrate of technology, the VHS digital converter converts an analog signal into a digital signal that is recognizable by the computer. This device is easy to use, but in order to make successful video conversions, the cables between the VCR and the computer must be connected correctly. An error in connection can alter the quality of the video you have just digitized. In most cases, it is the sound that is corrupted. Either it is imperceptible or it is cut off at certain points in the video.
From the outset, it is important to note that the VHS to DVD conversion service is not a device, but rather a service offered by specialists in the transformation of analog videos into digital videos. For a fee, these professionals will transfer the contents of your old VHS tapes to newer media such as hard disk, USB stick or DVD. It is a turnkey offer adapted to all budgets.
As you might expect, the VHS to DVD conversion service uses a digital conversion device. If you only want to recover the content of two tapes, this service is the best choice. However, if you have a lot of video tapes at home, it would be best to invest in a digital VHS converter.
1. It is easy to use
Yes, the VHS digital converter is very easy to use. To convert VHS tapes, all you have to do is connect the VCR to the computer via the connectors. As long as you don't make any mistakes with the connections, the conversion should go smoothly.
2. It improves the quality of sound and images
Video converting devices are concentrates of technology. The best of these devices are capable of improving the image and sound quality of videos recorded on old tapes. A few hours of processing is enough to transform a film in SECAM format into an HD video.
3. It is compatible with many external devices
The best VHS digital converters are compatible with the most popular external devices used in the 80s and 90s. You can use it to record data that comes from VCRs, analog video cameras, camcorders and video channels. As we mentioned earlier in this buying guide, some devices can even be used in conjunction with video game consoles.
4. It is compatible with several operating systems
Newly manufactured digital VHS converters are compatible with all operating systems. Whether you are using a Mac or a PC, the device can initiate a conversion and finish it in the shortest time.
5. It allows you to cut and add scenes
With the software that comes with the conversion device, you will be able to cut or add scenes to the freshly recorded video on your computer. If you want to get rid of annoying scenes, you can do it easily. You can also add passages from other videos. Once the conversion is successful, all editing possibilities are possible.
In our opinion, the best brands of VHS digital converters in 2022 are :
Corsair is a brand that specializes in computer accessories such as computer cases, gaming headsets, ergonomic mice, mechanical keyboards, and most recently VHS to digital conversion devices. Versatile, its range of digital VHS converters is compatible with both Mac and PC.
Reputed for the quality of its PC cases and microphones, Elgato also designs digital VHS converters that have the particularity of being compatible with PCs, Macs and even tablets.
Little known to the general public, CSL-Computer offers a whole range of computer-related accessories. This firm is especially known for the excellent quality and longevity of its products, the most popular of which are its VHS digital converters.
August is one of the most reputable brands of the moment when it comes to video conversion peripherals. Convenient and easy to use, these digital VHS converters will allow you to convert hours of video in the shortest possible time.
Among Musou's top items are Wii to HDMI adapters, switches, switchers, and HDMI extractors. This company also sells video converters that support both NTSC and PAL formats.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Read the instructions carefully
Before converting a video, make sure you understand how the VHS digital converter works. To do this, read the instructions that are mentioned on the user manual carefully. In this way, you will reduce the risk of screwing up during the conversion.
Install conversion software on your computer
Normally, a conversion software is provided with the VHS digital converter. This program must be installed on your PC or Mac. Once you insert the CD into your drive, the installation should start automatically. If not, double-click the setup.exe file and follow the instructions.
Check that the camcorder is compatible with the conversion device
For most camcorders and televisions, the conversion can be initiated as soon as these sources are connected to a computer, but not all devices do. Others will need driver software that depends on the conversion device. In any case, make sure that the digital VHS converter's connectors are compatible with your external devices.
Comply with the conversion process
To perform a video conversion, you need to open the software that is installed on your computer. From there, you must follow all the steps required for the operation. In theory, the conversion of a VHS tape does not take long, but it depends on the quality of the device you are using.
Operate the transformations directly
After the software finishes the video conversion, see if you can directly operate transformations. Between improving the resolution of the video, cutting scenes or adding effects, you'll be spoilt for choice.
To convert VHS tapes to digital format, you will need a device that can digitize the content, in this case a VHS digital converter. This device is connected between a VCR and a computer via cables. Basically, you choose the output format of the video.
No, until now, it is not possible to digitize the contents of a magnetic tape without using a digital VHS converter. To transfer video to your computer, you'll need a smart box with cables or a combo player-writer. Although the latter is easy to use, it only recognizes a few formats.
Yes, this operation is quite possible. To do this, you need to use an analog camcorder or camera that you need to connect to a TV or directly to the computer. If the conversion software installed on your PC recognizes the camcorder, the video conversion can be done quickly.
In principle, the conversion can only be done through software that comes with the VHS digital converter. However, some devices are compatible with virtual players that are natively installed on a computer such as VLC for example. There is only the VHS DVD combo that frees you from using conversion software.
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