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Convert VCR Tape to Digital File

Several years ago I got a device that plugs into the back of my VCR player and converts the video to a digital format on my Windows computer (I'm now running Windows 10). I no longer have the device, and assume that technology has improved quite a bit. What is the best device for doing this? Since we're starting with a low resolution VCR video, and it's just for personal use, I would like to spend less than $100 (unless there's a compelling reason to spend more).

Thanks,

Phil

Russ Suter

I used to have a combination VHS/DVD Recorder set-top device that did this very easily. I figured they'd be really cheap now but was surprised to discover they still run around the $200 mark.

I did, however, find this little gem for under $10.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA93839A0954&cm_re=analog_usb_video_capture-_-9SIA93839A0954-_-Product
It looks like a little chinese knock-off type of product but for $10 it might be worth the risk. If you want to go with something a little more well known then maybe this one for around $40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA24G28N5810&cm_re=analog_usb_video_capture-_-9SIA24G28N5810-_-Product

tailoreddigital

I can confirm that the little chinese gem that Russ suggests works. I have a VCR in the closet that i breakout once in a great while for that conversion.

I use this one,
https://www.amazon.com/TOTMC-Capture-Adapter-Windows-Window/dp/B00M7T8T1E/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1470761252&sr=8-3&keywords=usb+to+composite

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jhyiesla

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viki2000

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dbrunton

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philsimmons

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Thank you!

Dr. Klahn

I never got satisfactory results from any of the USB video capture devices, when compared to the results from a video capture card running on a dedicated video system.

imo: If it's worth saving then it's worth doing it for best possible results. If you're doing just a few tapes, spend the money instead on having them professionally transferred by a local video house. I believe some of the one hour photo shops also do this.

Merete

So far I have found windows 10 a bit finicky with capture since it nolonger uses the Aero.
Agree with using a capture card I used to use a Leadtek plug the rca composite s_Video cables to the back of the VCR using the PVR built into the capture card brings up a screen you can see the VCR
I find for today's era maybe a DVR would be better suited connect the VCR to DVR then DVR to avs on TV. Record off the DVR or a set top box with a DVD burner, no PC,
I have a Panasonic twin HD TV set top box with a DVD burner and 300 gig HDD which acts like the old VCR did, connect the TV and DVD player even VCR to the rca composites inputs with AVS1- AVS2- TV -cable TV etc. to the Panazonic.
Then I can record from which ever source using the Pansonic remote control.
There is an inbuilt capture with windows 10 look in your start for Xbox app
see my comments on how to use it
https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/28960465/How-to-activate-Windows-10-screen-recorder.html?anchorAnswerId=41736170#a41736170

Sony RDR-VXD655 VHS DVD Recorder Combo with Built In HD Tuner
https://www.amazon.com/Sony-RDR-VXD655-Recorder-Combo-Built/dp/B000PGDT8O

Funai ZV427FX4 Combination VCR and DVD Recorder Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CCILYDA/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687682&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000NTMGVO&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=9XBDG4VRC2816TJSGNFY