Maybe you’ve got some time on your hands and decided a DIY project is just the thing to fill your time.
You want to make those home videos last forever, so you’re planning to convert your old VHS tapes, film reels, or cassette tapes to digital formats.
But digitizing your videotapes requires some planning!
Steps To Digitize Your Tapes at Home
First, you’ll need to dig out that dusty old VCR, or if your VHS player is long gone, you’ll want to hit a thrift store. No luck at the thrift store either? Try eBay! Just be sure you end up with a VCR that is equipped with audio jacks. This will be necessary for transferring the sound on your cassettes.
Next, you’ll need to track down some equipment to connect your VCR to your computer. You’ll need a little device called a USB digitizer. These can be tricky to find at typical big box stores, but thankfully, plenty of websites sell USB digitizers. Just hop online, check reviews, and pick a reliable option to get started.
The next step in converting your tapes to digital files is to hook up all your devices and cords. Connect the VCR to your computer using the USB digitizer, and insert your VHS tape. Before you get rolling, be sure to download some quality video conversion and editing software. While good software can be a bit pricey, it’s worth the investment for smoother conversions and better results.
Okay, you’re all set! Your VCR is hooked up to your computer with your USB digitizer, the software is running, and you press play on your VCR and record on your computer. The conversion process runs in real time, so technically, you could take this time to chill out, but it’s recommended that you watch the conversion process to be sure the tracking and audio on your tapes remain consistent.
How Long Digitizing Takes
Digitizing old home movies at home can be a bit of a time commitment, but it’s doable with a little patience. On average, it takes at least the same amount of time as the original tape’s playback length—so a two-hour VHS tape will take around two hours to digitize. This is because the process involves playing the tape in real time while it's being converted.
Add in some setup time for connecting your equipment, a bit of editing or organizing afterward, some time to back up your digital copies on a hard drive or flash drive, and you're looking at a few hours per tape. If you’ve got a big stack of tapes, it might take a few weekends, but hey, it’s a great chance to relive those precious memories while preserving them!
Save Time by Using a Conversion Service
So now you know the process, and it probably seems like a bit of a hassle to convert your own tapes. From tracking down the equipment, dusting off that VCR, and watching your cassettes as they digitize in real time, we’re talking hours of labor!
But never fear! Southtree can do all of this for you! With our state-of-the-art equipment and trained technicians, what could be hours for you will be a cinch for us! All you have to do is order your box, pack up your tapes, send them to our fantastic digitizing facility, and you’ll receive your digitized copies (plus your original video files) back in the mail.
If it’s as easy as 1-2-3, what are you waiting for? Let Southtree digitize your family memories, so you can kick back, relax, and enjoy!
