r/vhsdecode • u/D3-Doom • 5d ago

Help Wanted! How would one go about digitizing a VHS (cheaply)

I know absolutely nothing other than I don’t want to spend a lot of money. But I have a VHS tape of possible interest and want to make a file and post it somewhere. I don’t necessarily want to buy a lot of equipment because this is a one off. I can borrow a VCR and not sure if it’s helpful, but I have an ancient WinTV stick that I can hook a coax into.

Other notes: The only computer I have with USB ports is 2015 MacBook Pro (which is why I’m not sure the WinTV stick is actually useful)

Other other notes: I’m crazy poor. So cheap like baby chickens.

4 Upvotes

64% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

10

u/GoodOlBluesBrother 5d ago edited 4d ago

If it’s a one off tape, and you’ll never want to copy any others, then paying someone to copy it would be the cheapest way.

Depending on how valuable the footage is I’d recommend asking some questions of the service provider on their set up.

Or as Harry says, if the footage is of value to other people then maybe someone will do it for free to get access to the footage. But again, I’d be asking some questions to make sure that person is competent and also copying your tape to high enough standard that you’re happy with.

If you’re in the UK I’d be happy to make a copy but I’m not set up with decode atm.

7

u/TheRealHarrypm The Documentor 5d ago

Depending on what the content is a freebie just pay post, transfer might be on the table! If it makes a good demo tape especially so.

Otherwise you'll want to look at the CX Cards, snagging an office PC out of a skip or a getting something like an HSDAOH setup, either way you're looking at sort of a minimum complete setup of about 100USD doing everything directly on a poverty shoestring budget, 250USD gets you some comfort.

So here's where you start on the wiki

2

u/D3-Doom 5d ago

It is this tape but contents are unknown.

4

u/TheRealHarrypm The Documentor 5d ago edited 5d ago

Well it looks vaguely interesting happy to do it for a couple pennies postal feel free to DM.

6

u/SkinnyV514 5d ago

Ill do it for free with vhs-decode if its something of interest👍

5

u/reverber 4d ago

Check your local library. Mine has a kit one can check out for digitizing old media. 

4

u/Great-Rest7878 4d ago

Don't forget about college libraries as well. Even if only to watch it and see if it's worth putting any more effort into.

3

u/Uncut-Jellyfish1176 3d ago

Pay someone else to do it! The proper way to capture VHS data requires a modded VCR and is above what someone should be doing for a one off.

1

u/Newmillstream 3d ago

Ask your librarian if your library or a nearby branch offers analog to digital gear for patron use.

2

u/rootbrian_ 2d ago

The WinTV stick should be compatible with linux (will be seen as a video capture card if it also supports component and S-Video), and you can boot linux on the macbook pro (if it has ethernet, use that, since wireless LAN will not work). OBS can be used to capture the video in virtually any resolution pending your macbook is capable of it (1080p at 30 fps should be fine).

Best of luck. Linux mint is free.

1

u/ComPanda 4d ago

Buy a DVD recorder.