Getting VHS content into digital format

[Maple Leafs]

What's the best way to go about copying content from old VHS tapes into a digital format. The idea would be to get the content onto a hard drive, and then upload clips to youtube.

I've seen devices in various Brookstone-type catalogs for about $200 but I'm guessing there's an easier/cheaper way. Anyone have any suggestions?

[JPhillips]

Have you checked with your local library?

My wife is working with one of my students to do transfers to DVD. If you have any college connections that might be a way to go.

[stevew]

If your PC has a tuner card you can just plug the vcr into it. Or I believe there's a company that makes a usb solution called a dazzle. Anything involving a PC is gonna be 1:1 recording so it will take awhile. I think the usb ones are 50 or less.

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

What's the best way to go about copying content from old VHS tapes into a digital format. The idea would be to get the content onto a hard drive, and then upload clips to youtube.

I've seen devices in various Brookstone-type catalogs for about $200 but I'm guessing there's an easier/cheaper way. Anyone have any suggestions?

Getting those last Leaf playoff games upgraded eh?

[Matthean]

Originally Posted by stevew

If your PC has a tuner card you can just plug the vcr into it. Or I believe there's a company that makes a usb solution called a dazzle. Anything involving a PC is gonna be 1:1 recording so it will take awhile. I think the usb ones are 50 or less.

I can't 100% recall, but where I work has a software program called something like "DVD to VHS" and has the cables included. It's around $49 to $59. I work at one of the main office supply places and I would almost assume Best Buy would have it as well.

[kcchief19]

I have the Pinnacle Video Transfer Drive. It's a pretty nifty device, and you can find it on Amazon for under $90. You basically record the video to a jump drive and then can upload or edit. It comes with a very basic editing program that will also format videos for uploading to YouTube.

[Mota]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Getting those last Leaf playoff games upgraded eh?

You would need the Betamax USB converter for that one.

[Mota]

Originally Posted by Matthean

I can't 100% recall, but where I work has a software program called something like "DVD to VHS" and has the cables included. It's around $49 to $59. I work at one of the main office supply places and I would almost assume Best Buy would have it as well.

I got this program on sale at Best Buy for $49 about a year ago. It works great, have converted a bunch of my old band concerts. They're nice'n safe now.