How to Convert VHS Into Digital on Computer for Free

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How to Convert VHS Into Digital on Computer for Free

Last Updated: 2024. 09. 23

If you grew up in the 80’s, videotapes must have brought you lots of joy, whether it is a film tape rented from a shop, or a homemade videotape of cherished moments. Sadly, it gets harder and harder to get a VCR, and the life expectancy of a videotape is only about 20 years.

Don’t get us wrong, we are not saying you should get rid of all VHS. Converting videotapes to digital helps make a copy of your memories or classic movies, and offers a better way to share these old videos.

In only 6 steps, you can record VHS without paying extra to buy expensive software. Let’s dive right in!

Table of Contents

1. Preparation

2. Installation

3. Download OBS

4. Setup OBS

5. Record VHS

6. Edit & Share

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Step 1. Preparation

It is impossible to play VHS on a computer directly because computers don’t have plugins to receive video and audio signals. Under this circumstance, we will need some devices to connect the VCR and the computer.

Here is a list of items we need:

A VCR. VCR is originally used to play the videotypes. They have completely disappeared from the market. The best luck is getting one from a garage store or antique shop.

VCR Overview

Audio/Video Cables. Audio/video cables are used to transfer different signals between devices. They should go with the VCR. They can also be purchased from Amazon or any brick-and-mortar stores.

Audio/Video Cable Overview

Converter Box. The Converter Box is used to convert audio/video signals into HDMI signals that are better supported by computers and TVs.

Converter Box Overview

HDMI Cord. Most people have HDMI cords at home as long as there is a TV. If you don’t have it, get one from Amazon, Walmart or any supermarket.

HDMI Cord Overview

Video Capture Card. You can directly plug in your HDMI cord to the computer, but without a video capture card, the VCR can never play on your computer. Similar to other items, it is also cheap.

Video Capture Card Overview

Step 2. Installation

It is always the installation that takes time. Firstly, you need to plug in the Audio/Video cable to the VCR and the converter box. (red to red, white to white, yellow to yellow). Mind that the converter box needs power to work, so connect it to an outlet.

Next up, plug one end of the HDMI cord into the converter and the other end to the video capture card. Now, the video capture card is like an open USB. Plug it into the computer.

Here is an image showing you the installation orders.

Connect VCR to Computer

Step 3. Download OBS

Now, since the videotype resource is ready to be used, we need software to capture them. OBS is by far the nicest open-source software that can identify VLC signals and record.

It is free to get OBS. Visit the OBS official website, choose the right version according to the system you are working on. Follow the prompt to launch it.

Step 4. Setup OBS

Go to Files > Output. Under the Recording menu, you can see an option of Recording Path. Click the Browse button to choose where you want to store the VCR recording.

Setup OBS

Step 5. Record VHS

It is time to record VHS. Click on the “+” button below the OBS interface, choose Video Capture Device. A window will pop up to ask you to rename the recording project. Make edits and hit OK to confirm.

Add Resource

Now you are at the Property menu. Set the Device to USB Video. Hit Confirm.

OBS Property Menu

Move to your VCR, and hit Play. OBS is now capturing your VHS tapes.

Step 6. Edit & Share

FlexClip’s online video editor makes it easy for you to edit old analogue videos. You can apply filters to get rid of their old, glitchy look, add AI captions, or export in a higher frame rate so that the movements are more frequent and natural.

With FlexClip, you can enjoy the ultimate freedom of sharing your video. You can export it to a local folder, save to cloud services, share via a short link, or post to social media platforms directly.

Edit Recorded VHS Clips

The Bottom Line

With the right devices and OBS Studio, you are able to record VHS tapes with great ease. Don’t be frightened by the complicated setup process, they should be easy when you take action. By the way, do remember editing videos with FlexClip’s online video editor, which is extremely easy to use.