The card must be placed in the appropriate slot inside of the computer. The options are limited depending on what the VCR has available for video output modes.Ī video or TV capture card is an analog to digital converter device for digitizing VHS tapes to DVD or a digital video file format. The next step to convert VHS tapes to DVD or other digital formats is to connect the VCR to the digitization device. If performing the digitization without adjusting the tracking (if necessary), the digitized video will contain the lines, etc. Using the tracking adjustment on the VCR shifts the waviness or lines up or down until a stable and clear picture is obtained. Improper tracking usually shows up as wavy video or groups of horizontal lines on the screen. The recommendation is to play a small portion of the tape to ensure the VCR is tracking the tape properly. If the signal sent to the analog to digital converter from the VCR is poor, then the digitized video will be poor.Īt this point, it is a good idea to establish how much recorded video is on the VHS tape to establish how long the digitization process will take. Otherwise, consult a tape restoration expert to repair or restore the video tape before playing the VHS tape in the VCR.Ī second important note when you convert VHS tapes to digital is to use the best quality VCR available.

Note that if there are any signs of tape damage or tape degradation, then avoid this step until verification of a good tape condition.

This step is important for proper playback, especially if the tape has been in storage and not used for a long period of time. This procedure conditions the tape to the VCR that will play it. If the tape is in good shape and does not need any treatment, then fast forward the tape to the end and rewind it in the same VCR that will play the tape for the conversion process. The first step is to prepare the analog VHS tape for conversion to digital. An analog to digital converter such as an internal video capture card or an external capture or digitization device are other methods to convert VHS to DVD or other digital video formats.

Convert vhs to digital software