How To Watch & Record VCR on Computer - Easy, Cheap & Great Quality!

[@AngelZ7-k6z]

I was looking at other videos for my Sony Handycam, then by accident I click your video. I was about to go back to my previous video and here we are. (lol) I've been trying to reduce my VHS tapes pile. lol I'm always afraid they're going to get damage and loose all my family memories. A few years ago I met a tech guy that was fixing something at work. I asked him if he knew how can I copy my VHS tapes to my computer. He said I need it buy some programs that were very expensive or send it to a company that specializes on converting VHS to DVD's or digital. He made it sound expensive, hard to do and it would take three to six months. You made it so simple and easy. You explained every single thing with detail. I have mostly everything all I need is the HDMI to USB capture card. Now I need to make time to start. Thank you

[@LivinginthePast2021]

Thanks for the nice comment, I am glad the video helped. Once you get going if you have questions just let me know.

[@08pixipower]

I love the idea of copying the tape and YOU DON'T talk too much. You're detailed oriented; it's a blessing and a gift.

[@yashkummar]

Thank you so much for sharing. I can now cherish precious moments of my Mum. Very straight forward and to the point.

[@LivinginthePast2021]

Glad the video helped. Enjoy your VHS tapes and Happy New Year!

[@itzcaseykc]

Mine works ABSOLUTELY *great* and plan on converting ALL of my VHS tapes to digital format in the months to come. Prices may vary according to who and what name brand items one purchases. All-in-all, this is the best way to get the job done.

[@LivinginthePast2021]

Glad the video helped, enjoy your VHS tapes!

[@Seventeen_Syllables]

Seems like it should work, will add it to my to-do list. My main concern is that videotape is not forever - someday it will stop working even if you don't touch it. So even though I rarely watch movies in any format anymore, I'd still like to be able to avoid the disappointment of finding that my 30 year old tape no longer works.

[@LivinginthePast2021]

Thanks for the comment. What you said is exactly why I started this process. I had a bunch of my dads old VHS tapes. I don't think I will ever want to watch them. . . but I wanted the content in a digital format just in case, and was afraid at some point the tapes would not play (or my VCR would go out).

[@AndrewWebb-m1t]

That's what I thought too!! If it's good playing it should be good recording, but it starts as soon as I click on the record button. Thanks for looking more into OBS ... I'll be checking back to see any updates! Thanks again!

[@rzarrin]

Thanks so much. Everything worked perfectly, as explained. One note though: if your old VCR has a HDMI output port, then you do not need the AV to HDMI converter (white device)! Just plug the HDMI cable from VCR to the Video Capture device and then plug the USB end to the PC. Thanks again 🙏

[@AndreBellCopywriter]

@ 14:00 "If you want to listen to your sound while you're watching..." I did not know audio pass through for listening is a feature of OBS. I always modified the listen-to settings within Window's audio settings so I can hear the sound. Won't be changing those Window's settings to listen to the input ever again. Thank you! Well worth watching your video just for that lifetime OBS tip alone. BTW, for anyone else who doesn't also know, the newest version of OBS places the Advanced Audio Options in any of the three dot menus at the end of the Audio Mixer volume control sliders.

[@ronalddavis]

you can also set obs to record for a certain amount of time

[@genecaputo8947]

Your description and narration were fine. Very helpful and now it's time to go find the products to purchase and begin transferring videos. Thanks !!!!!!!

[@Xeuzst]

Thank you for the awesome video. My dad tasked me with finding out how to backup and save all of his old VCR's (wedding recording and other important stuff). While i am very much a tech geek VHS is a bit out of my time so this was very informative. Thanks again!

[@LivinginthePast2021]

Glad the video helped, enjoy your VHS tapes!

[@alyssareeves9100]

I can't thank you enough for this video, this told me everything I needed to do save our family videos.

[@LivinginthePast2021]

Honestly comments like this make my day. I figured it out for the same reason. . . . wanting to save family VHS videos. I am glad I was able to help, enjoy going thru your old VHS tapes.

[@bartdelabarre3432]

GREAT video! Followed your instructions and it worked perfect first time. Thank you!

[@rayteale8883]

@5:40 I am sure they should be OUTPUTS. (Playback) from the VCR !

[@brianbarrett3172]

Thanks so much for the tip on the HDMI to USB. It saved me having to send back as defective. I had a HDMI to USB on hand.

[@joycebroyle3856]

I have been using different capture video program now want to know how do I switch them to MP4 ..wished I heard yours before. And don't know how to play on TV plus mine is from camcorder and DVD? Please help .thank u

[@MaxonKraushaar]

The best video tutorial! Keep it up. You have made my day

[@perfecthindsight]

Great video and people with VHS tapes should really do this as soon as they can if they want to preserve their video. The fact is that every time the tape is played it becomes a little more damaged and the video slightly more degraded. A digital copy can be saved in multiple places and copied continuously without any degradation in quality. Just one minor point about setting up the cables which might cause some less techie people some confusion. The VCR has both inputs and outputs and from memory (I don't have a VCR handy) the outputs are marked something like "video out, audio out". The video mentions inputs for the VCR, front and back and we can see three sets, but one of those sets will be for video out, audio out.

[@Zoltrix67]

LAst VHS machine made in 2016

[@keithp1140]

Hi, I just bought the needed items which will arrive tomorrow. I'm so looking forward to capturing my old VHS videos and having them in digital form to keep for the future, fingers crossed that it all works out for me. Many thanks for this video, just what I've been looking for. Thank you.

[@LivinginthePast2021]

I am here if you run into problems or have questions :).

[@keithp1140]

Many thanks for your reply, much appreciated. Well here we are the day after and with delivery of all items needed for the VHS video to digital capture. I have to say from the outset that after following your very detailed explanation video and following it to the letter I am now finding myself with digital format video from my old VHS video tapes on my computer and it all works like a dream, in fact while writing this reply I am converting my son's wedding which was on 14th July 2001 from the VHS video tape it was shot on. Over the pond here in England my purchase's through Amazon cost just £34.00 far less expensive than what I thought I would have had to pay by using other methods and it all works like a dream like I said. So far no problems whatsoever. I am recording and converting all my VHS videos to my computer in Mp4 format and when I buy another larger 4 or 6 Tb external drive I will upload them all to that. Many, many thanks for your excellent instructional video and for saving me quite a lot of money. Well done indeed. Thank you.

[@LivinginthePast2021]

@@keithp1140 Comments like this never get old. I am so glad to hear my video helped and was easy to follow. Thanks so much for the follow up to let me know you were successful. I too have had to purchase a couple external hard drives after starting this project. Enjoy your VHS tapes and the MP4 backups :).

[@OffhandDelivery]

Thanks so much! I was going crazy searching for an easy step by step tutorial video like this that wasnt trying to sell me some kind of product or talk to me techie geek talk. This is perfect!

[@bill_r]

This works. I tried it and I am satisfied with the results considering the cost, ease and quality. I tried a couple of the thumb drive capture cards and they were difficult to set up and were not as good quality video. The two components work better than a thumb drive set up.

[@JM-wy9bd]

Very helpful and easy to follow steps. Thank you. Only problem I had was recording the sound to the video. I couldnt figure out how to set the audio in obs. Any suggestions? Ty

[@ronalddavis]

disable all your audio inputs in audio properties and then the sound will come through the capture card only.

[@Exit26B]

This video of yours was totally captivating and made me feel warm and fuzzy watching it from Hawai’i, Derek! I drove my uncle Albert’s Model A and got nostalgic hearing that engine of yours…I miss those days! I really like how I can hear your thoughts and remedies as you diagnose problems directly into the camera for us. I like your semantics and your humor. You look young but seem so astute and well practiced in your craft. Mahalo and Aloha!

[@LivinginthePast2021]

Howdy from Texas! Thanks for the nice comment. I am glad you enjoyed the video and hope you enjoy your VHS tapes!

[@tcttvradio]

set obs to 'yadif 2x' in the interlacing options, and 'lancoz' in the scale filtering youll get much smoother video finish.

[@ronkloiber]

I use the same setup. A couple things you might mention... 1, under Tools on the top menu bar you can select Output timer and set the length of time it will record. You can also see the recordings under the File / Show Recordings from the top menu bar. One thing I'm trying to find is for OBS to stop recording when the video signal is lost. I currently setting record time for 6hrs and then using Windows Movie Maker to split the content. Would be nice if OBS stopped recording automatically.

[@lovepetrina]

your sharing is useful, i will try

[@billdoeksen8391]

Very well done Thank you. Also for adding details about using the OBS Software

[@jaymonroe8050]

I have watched many youtube videos on how to transfer videos from an old Sharp 8mm camcorder over to a computer. Your video clear and easily understandable instructions from beginning to end. It is excellent and very well put together. I hope that after I receive the Video Capture Card from Amazon and connect everything, I will be able to transfer the 8mm videos over to my computer. I'll post my results, good or bad. Thanks

[@LivinginthePast2021]

Thanks for the nice comment, I am here to help so keep me posted.

[@jaymonroe8050]

@@LivinginthePast2021 Hooked it all tonight, went into OBS Studio and followed your directions. I am using a Sharp Camcorder instead of a VCR but I don't think that matters. The camcorder is running and I can see the video playing on it. But, I only get a blue screen on the OBS Studio. What have I done wrong, or what else should I be doing? Thank you.

[@LivinginthePast2021]

@@jaymonroe8050 This might be a dumb question but do you have your Camcorder on and playing? I too get a blue screen when connecting my VCR, then I hit play and my content starts playing. The blue screen will be the default you will see when connect but the external device is not playing anything. I always recommend clicking play before even opening OBS studio. That way when you open it and look for your source you will see the content playing (vs. a blank screen). If you still have your source out there you can double click on it. . . change the device to something other than USB video. . . . .then change it back to usb video and if your device is playing, you should see that content. I hope this helps, keep me posted.

[@eileenriordan4854]

Thank you so much! Can’t wait to try this!

[@timedmond1391]

Thank you. I've tried to do this 12 years today.never really figured it out.

[@JohnBujosa]

The video and information was very helpful! I was a little late getting started but it was easy to set up and use, and works perfectly! Thank you!

[@theoriginalfredstyle]

Thanks for the video! Any help on what can be done with video tapes that have plenty of static on it already and can’t be viewed?

[@LivinginthePast2021]

The only thing I can recommend it to fast forward them till the end. . . . then let it rewind. That will tighten the tape and might help with some of the static. Good luck, hope it helps.

[@buzzradio1]

Two things you didn’t mention, the composite to HDMI converter requires a power source, I saw you had the cable, it just needs to be plugged in for the converter to work (unless I missed it in your video). Also, when you use the HDMI converter, it always stretches the 4:3 format, you can set up OBS to record in 4:3 or, you need video editing software to correct that. I have the same set up as you for my hi8 camcorder conversions. Great video!

[@TerrydeAlaska]

How do you set up OBS to record in 4:3 format ratio?

[@joshymcdaniel9233]

@@TerrydeAlaskawatch this one goes step by step! What you want starts at roughly 9 mins in kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpyQn2p_odeLf5Ysi=FOXUJJiBkKIb9dSO

[@BadInfluenceYT]

you can also plug in cable yv to watch tv on PC

[@LivinginthePast2021]

That is correct, I need to do a video on how to do that some day.

[@patmonty3484]

Hey thank you for a great informative video I do have a question though I noticed there's a lot of different video capture cards that a lot of different prices is there a big difference the more you pay thank you again

[@LivinginthePast2021]

Not that I have found. The one I show in the video is still my go to. . . it is easy and the quality is just as good as any others I have tried.

[@deputyvanhalen6386]

Good job. I watched anothrr video elsehwere and changed the video aspect from 1980x1080 as was said on his clip but the video ended up streched on reply. So i left it on 1980x1080

[@LOC9849]

Great video and instructions! I tried a couple other pieces of hardware and software before I found your video and nothing worked well. This build is perfect for what I need. Thank you

[@LivinginthePast2021]

Glad the video helped, enjoy your VHS tapes!

[@Cat_in_The-Box]

Only thing I would add is compressing end result with something like handbrake (also free software like obs) to save space if needed.

[@RogerNaumann]

Great video! Two questions - the first time I put a tape in, it played the video but there was no movement on the audio track (but I know there was audio on the original). Suggestions? Second question - to try from the beginning, I deleted the VCR device and started over. I no longer see the choice to move off of my webcam and select "USB device" - the only option is "integrated camera". All connections are solid. Ugh!

[@LivinginthePast2021]

As you mentioned, I would start over from scratch. The audio sounds like you just need to adjust your Audio Settings (Settings -> Audio). In the middle you will see Global Audio Devices. Adjust those until you see the one that says something like "USB Digital Audio". As you adjust them, click okay so the setting screen closes. . . then look back at your audio mixer. You should see whichever one is reading your VCR. It can take a while before figuring it out, so you might need to go back to your audio settings. . . and continue the above until you get the right one set for your VCR. It also helps to disconnect all earphones, webcams, etc. . . as it will give you less items to pick thru. For your second question, I always recommend having everything connected. . . and the VCR playing before opening OBS Studio. Then open OBS. . . double left click on your VCR source. . . . when the properties box opens change the "Device" to anything other than USB video. . . . then change it back to USB video. It is almost like sometimes it just needs to refresh your device list. The last bit of advice is I don't have much luck with USB adapters. . . . so make sure you are plugging your HDMI video capture card directly into one of the USB ports on your computer. Keep me posted, we will get it!

[@ObiWanBillKenobi]

Does the RCA-to-HDMI converter automatically deinterlace the RCA video signal? Judging by the video image it looks like it does, but you didn't mention it, so I'm not sure.

[@LivinginthePast2021]

I don't think so. I find the quality to be excellent (but I also have my OBS settings set to "Indistinguishable Quality"

[@ObiWanBillKenobi]

@@LivinginthePast2021 In that case, the users need to add a step once they finish adding the VCR source. Right-click on the VCR source, click Deinterlacing, and click Yadif 2x. This will deinterlace the 2 fields in each 1 frame and convert the 30 fps interlaced to 60 fps progressive. (In some cases they will then have to select top field first or bottom field first.) That is critical to eliminating the combtooth effect and resurrect the smooth motion of VHS that everyone who used them remembers them having. 📼

[@hakomutaito]

that's really neat. The way i record my tapes is, with honestech VHS to DVD Converter which has a USB Input with RCA Output, i just plug it from RCA to my VCR into the Converter and ofc Record it with OBS like you mentioned ^^

[@amirzinoon4458]

I need the full screen picture on your computer. Like I recorded movies from u tube. You did mention clearly the size of the picture if the size is little bit small its useless for us I need the full HD on the screen just like television set.😛

[@capresti3537]

Best video on how to do this. Thanks!.

[@LivinginthePast2021]

Thanks for the nice comment, enjoy your VHS tapes!

[@daleviker5884]

I haven't tried this yet, but looking forward to it. Can I ask someone if this OBS studio has an editing feature - ie if the old VHS tape has 1 1/2 hours of good content and 1/2 of rubbish and false starts in the middle, how do I go about editing out the unwanted bits?

[@LivinginthePast2021]

You don't have to record the whole tape. . . you can start and stop the recording at any point using OBS. Alternatively you can record the whole tape then use a 3rd party software (like Microsoft Clip Champ) to remove the unwanted bits. Hope that helps.

[@nighttow8780]

Speaking of living in the past. After the apocalypse, or whatever we end up calling it, digital media, and magnetic media will be tough to work with. Now film, if stored properly, will survive much, and can be viewed without ANY electricity. Photos can also be viewed without ANY tech. Start storing physical now before All Is Lost.

[@foodieforlife8263]

Will this work with mini vhs tapes, we used to have them in our handycam. Provided your handycam is still in working condition. If not, maybe we will need a mini Toby’s tape adaptor - a hollow vhs tape in which you insert your mini vhs

[@Pistacho123Lol]

This is exacty what i was looking for. And definitely the best way to digitize VHS content.

[@abrundag]

If you're going to purchase external hardware, there are devices in the $50-100 range that digitize the video and save it to a SD card. This eliminates the need for the HDMI hardware and OBS. When finished you just insert the SD card into the computer or card reader and copy the file. The fancy ones ($100-200) even have a little screen so you can see what's being recorded. However this can also be done using Y cables to split the VHS output between the converter and a TV.

[@ltdees2362]

...could you give some info on the device you refer to...thanks 😎

[@tilu3303]

OBS provides some deinterlacing and compression options that might be lacking in the all-in-one conversion to SD card solution. Nevertheless, it's a simple option that gets you a digital file to work with.

[@scottblanche6657]

Wouldn't an S-Video connection look a little better ? I would like to try this for copying video from my Hi 8 video camera and VCR which have S-video connections

[@lawrencecavens5760]

A minor error in your wording - you want the output from the VCR not the inputs

[@OddNez]

A couple of pointers Get the RGB version of OBS Make sure to set a de-interlace method Fix the resolution from 16:9 to 4:3

[@dieselbushcraft1299]

Have been looking for a while for this type of thing to transfer some family videos. Thanks

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

Family tapes shouldn't require much equipment. The commercial ones can have DRM embedded and are a lot more expensive to properly copy. Really, with the cost of DVDs, commercial tapes are best not converted unless it's a copy that didn't get a DVD release or it's one of the earlier VHS copies of anything by George Lucas where he went back and changed things.

[@dieselbushcraft1299]

@@SmallSpoonBrigade well seen as I said family videos I think we can safely say that copyright of prerecorded tapes containing movies is not going to be a problem. I’m fully aware of copyrighted material thank you. I’m sure that information will be valuable to someone whois wanting to copy anything other than family videos.

[@LivinginthePast2021]

Thanks for the comment. This is how I got into doing this video. . . I too was looking for a way to get old family videos on VHS backed up as digital files. Hope the video helped.

[@pattrell5257]

If you do not have an HDMI compatible computer, you will also need to convert from VGA to HDMI to record: I own a Win 8 t PC(as modern as that, believe it or not) and it does not have HDMI. So, I have one of those little white boxes that looks as if it is the same brand that he uses in this video.

[@amirzinoon4458]

Please mention the size of the picture whether its full screen picture or small picture in middle of the screen. Reply me thanks for your informative video.

[@LivinginthePast2021]

Here is an example of the picture quality using this method. It is 16:9 but you can adjust the aspects ratio in OBS if you choose - kzbin.info/www/bejne/opSvmJVvmdClqZI

[@Norvexike]

so i tried everything for each audio and it wont get the audio ive tried the monitor and output and all of the global audio devices and it wont get the audio please help me i need these finished for my 80 year old grand pa

[@charlesjohnston1506]

Great video!! I have so many old vcr tapes that are just going to molder away unless I do this! Thanks!

[@ut561]

well presented

[@dadtechmech]

nice tutorial now i can play my old vcr tapes

[@LivinginthePast2021]

Glad the video helped, enjoy your VHS tapes!

[@rajendrawarke5492]

VERY PERFECT SOLUTION

[@ucandoit101]

Thanks for the video. You have the best explanation. You should be a teacher.

[@dennispaulson8734]

Thank you for the video very easy to follow. I will be doing some shopping to get what I don't have, I will have more questions for you I'm sure Thanks again . 👍👍👍

[@LivinginthePast2021]

Glad the video helped, enjoy your VHS tapes!

[@colhad9505]

thx for ur help. do you know a good rca hdmi converter with svideo input ? a item that works fine

[@08pixipower]

Jumble, this updated video is excellent and I can follow it even better than the first. Let me backtrack and redo; hopefully, I can share better results. Many thanks!

[@DavidDJ-2000]

I was finally able to acquire the needed items and follow this tutorial. Let me just say, it worked to perfection! Excellent video with step-by-step instructions - thank you so much for sharing this!

[@LivinginthePast2021]

Glad it helped, enjoy your VHS tapes!

[@DavidDJ-2000]

@@LivinginthePast2021 Thank you! Quick question for you, some of my VHS tapes contain segments of the news and tv shows that I recorded off the television in the late 80's and early 90's. They do also have commercials throughout and in between, is there a way to edit those commercials out of the file using OBS Studio?

[@LivinginthePast2021]

I take the videos out of OBS studio, then load them in Microsoft Photos (free on Windows 10) and trim out what I want. Check out this video, it should walk you thru it but let me know if you have questions: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6LJnp2sqLGYbLM

[@DavidDJ-2000]

@@LivinginthePast2021 I will definitely check out this other video!! If I need any help along the way, I will message you there while I'm watching!! Thanks again so much!! 👍👍

[@bwithrow011]

@@DavidDJ-2000 I use Pinnacle Studio HD15 for editing video. It's cheap and user friendly

[@garygullikson6349]

I have an old, never used yet, Funai VHS to DVD converter device and intend to convert family and other VHS tapes to DVD's with it ( If it works!!) . Our old Panasonic VHS-C camcorder also takes still photos. It has serial output cable but PC has USB input cable. Will the setup shown in this video transfer still photo files to my PC so I can print them out on my Epson 2550 printer or do I need different software/hardware setup?

[@LivinginthePast2021]

It would not necessarily work for "transferring" the photos to your PC because there is no way to be able to get to the raw files using this method. I guess, you could use this process to be able to see the still photos from your Panasonic VHS-C on your computer. . . . but then you would have to take screen shots or something to actually grab the image and be able to save it. I hope that makes sense.

[@garygullikson6349]

@@LivinginthePast2021 I guess that I could take SD card out of camcorder and capture the photo files on my PC with a card reader, Thanks!

[@alembicbassman]

I'm looking at using this set up with a CCTV camera that outputs analogue via RCA plugs, I'll have a dedicated pc with 1TB HDD - is there a max record time on OBS or can you just keep it running?

[@LivinginthePast2021]

You can just let it record, it won't stop until you stop or until you run out of space.

[@swedacashregisters]

this is how a instruction vid should be freaking awsome thanks alot

[@tmd63]

If you record as an mp4, this is very close to DVD formats and you can get free software to change your mp4 into a DVD instead.

[@ElveyGooch]

Very useful info. One thing, though -- the conversion to hdmi changes the aspect ratio from the native VHS 4:3 to the hdmi 16:9. You can get around this by buying a device that just converts from the three colored RCA cables direct to usb. I'm going to test this shortly to be sure. Thanks!

[@leahpalmer6735]

Did this work for you? I bought one of the RCA to USB boxes, and I can't get the video to show up. Thanks.

[@ElveyGooch]

@@leahpalmer6735 Yes it did as far as I could see. But my camcorder isn't tracking well so project is on indefinite hold

[@NoSpam1891]

@@leahpalmer6735 You need software. For this, VLC or OBS are the usual choices. And you can find Total Media Extreme in a few places which can work. They're all free.

[@barrygill6975]

VLC and OBS are 2 of the absolute worst choices available for video capture.

[@NoSpam1891]

@@barrygill6975 Suggestions?

[@talleynovotny2508]

Really good video...succinct and clear. I will be attempting this in the next few months and appreciate how you lay everything out piece by piece, step by step. Once the files are recorded onto whatever drive I choose to use, can they be burned to DVD and played in a DVD player? Thanks in advance!

[@LivinginthePast2021]

Glad the video helped, enjoy your VHS tapes!

[@foodieforlife8263]

Excellent video…just one FYI The white small box you buy - be very careful as these boxes come in 2 options… RCA or AV to HDMI. There is also an HDMI to AV / RCA Pls don’t buy the opposite one for this purpose… we need AV to HDMI

[@tbrytin]

Love this type of content. Great job!

[@LivinginthePast2021]

Thank you, hope it helps. If you try it let me know how it goes or if you have questions.

[@gamepad3173]

and if you want to record to VHS then you would need a HDMI to RCA box, as in your taking that HDMI digital signal and stepping it down to an analogue signal to record to. (just make sure to plug an extra set of RCA cables into a CRT TV so you can see what your recording.)

[@undermoonlightglow]

This was very helpful. Thank you very much.

[@dinodipietro9606]

Very nice job providing sufficient detail. Thank you!

[@LivinginthePast2021]

Thanks for the comment, glad the video helped - Best wishes in 2023!

[@gadeshtmounigama8479]

Things that affect your final product are hdd space and an upload media. Jump drive or dvd burner and dvd's.

[@seanjamescameron]

Hi, Any idea if this equipment also works with Mac? Thank you.

[@LivinginthePast2021]

To be honest I am not sure about a Mac. I know you can download OBS studio on a Mac, but I have never tried the whole process. Sorry, maybe someone else will chime in if they tried it.

[@stevefinkbeiner3015]

Thanks for this video, it has been very helpful! I do have a question on the audio... the sound has a bit of an echo to it and it's consistent from one VHS tape to the next. I'm wondering if there is a setting option that needs to be updated. I appreciate any feedback. Steve

[@LivinginthePast2021]

Make sure you do not have a second audio source (i.e. desktop audio, microphone, etc.) turned on because that will get captured in your recording. You only want the one source that is your VCR unmuted when you record. Hope that helps.

[@robestey5628]

Thank you so much. Such a great video and walkthrough of how to get everything working. I have subscribed. Thanks again.

[@vaspap8255]

Hi. Thank you for the very useful video. 10-20 years ago, I converted some video tapes from a VHS Panasonic camera (1986) to DVD (ISO format), using a video capture similar to Easy CAP Video Capture. At that time, there was 32bit windows system and no HDMI. Lately, I converted some VTS VOB files to mp4 format, using VLC media player, but the picture is horrible. I can hardly recognize myself! Do you think, that if I repeat the conversion of the VHS tapes with the method you propose, I will get a better results?

[@LivinginthePast2021]

Using the method I show here I personally think the results are very good. Here is an example of a video I recorded using this method. . . I can't tell any difference in quality vs. the original VHS - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y160koyhfcichNk

[@be236]

So a 6 hour VCR tape could take about 20GB of file disk space? So, what's the best file format settings to reduce file space, but still keep decent picture quality?

[@MX51959]

Thank you, especially the OBS settings. I will give it a try and let you know. Well done. :)

[@DJCENTIF1]

On the device which connects to the VCR there is a switch for 720 or 1080 what is preferred

[@LivinginthePast2021]

I use 1080P because I try and get the best quality possible but because you’re coming from VHS I don’t think it’s gonna make that big of a difference between 720P and 1080P

[@DrAppalling]

Can this method be modified to use with the S-video output of a laser disc player?

[@blade75964]

I bought vivitar HDMI to usb video capture card and onn brand HDMI to composite AV Adapter and I am not sure if thats the problem, but I hooked everything up just as you did, and I used OBS Studio and did the samething, but it sees the device USB Video, I have vcr on and playing, but all I get is vertical straight color lines, white, yello blue, green, well hope you know what lines Im talking about. But anyway I dont see any video, I also unhooked the onn composite and still see the color lines. I dont know what to do from here. is it because Im using my DVD/VCR combo or does that matter. I hope you can please let me know what to do, or if anyone can be of some help. Thank you.

[@MrDanHoagy]

i get the same thing u're discribing i'm also using a vcr dvd combo

[@humblegeorge]

An outstanding Job !!!! Easy for me to follow and understand in a way that makes sense and I am getting these things now.Thank you and God Bless you.

[@humblegeorge]

both are on the way :>) $34.00 total price but not a problem.

[@LivinginthePast2021]

Glad the video helped, enjoy your VHS tapes!

[@talleynovotny2508]

Hello, at about 5:25 in your video you suggest hooking the VCR up to the TV to test that it's working properly. I checked the back of my TV (LG Plasma 55" from about 2012) and it has component video inputs that are red, green and blue; and audio inputs right next to those that are red and white... no yellow anywhere. Do you have a suggestion for connecting with those inputs? Thanks!

[@megafan2000]

One of the red green blue doubles as the "yellow". I think it's usually the red.

[@SonsofWadd]

Excellent tutorial! I've been wanting to do this for a long time now. Simple enough!

[@hbarwickjr]

Very Cool, liked and subscribed! Yes, would've really loved this in the past but yet there are uses for today. Can you also transfer just sound from cassette decks? Thank you.

[@dennispaulson8734]

I would also like to know if you could transfer just sound from cassett decks as well as off U- tube Good question Howard

[@AndrewWebb-m1t]

Hi, I used your earlier video and it worked like a charm, except the audio went in and out occasionally and sometimes it was scratchy. So I watched this video because you said you did more with the audio. When it is all hooked up, it sounds great, but as soon as I start to record, the sound goes crazy ... any suggestions??

[@LivinginthePast2021]

Hum, I am not real sure. I have never heard of anything like that. All I can think to recommend is if you have any webcams, microphones, headphones, etc. connected to the computer. . . disconnect those. Not that they hurt anything but it sounds like make you are detecting more than one audio source. Also look at your audio mixer when playing your tape. . . if you see any lines jumping like they are reading audio (other than your VCR source) then mute those. Sorry at this point that is all I can think to recommend. I will look thru OBS and see if there is something else but if it sounds fine when it is playing, it should record the exact same way.

[@Zoltrix67]

Should use EBAY they are well cheaper than what you paid ;) I just did mine. 01. USB VHS To DVD Audio Video Converter Scart to RCA/S-Video Adapter Capture UK £6 02. HDMI had one for years. RCA AV/Audio cable had one for ages. No where near $50 Streamlabs is smaller and does same job. Stream Labs cut down of OBS, ;)

[@keithp1140]

Of course I mean the sync is way out plus the double echo when I play back in digital form.

[@MikeKinosian]

A TRULY outstanding LIVING IN THE PAST video, including your extremely impressive thoroughness and perfectly patient delivery! My admittedly slightly bizarre question though is: What's needed to do the REVERSE - how do I record website content from my MAC desktop ONTO a VHS tape? I have a TV; VCR; VHS tapes; MAC desktop (no HDMI port in the back - but thunderbolt); RCA plugs; and HDMI cables. Do NOT have a RCA to HDMI converter (MINI AV2HDMI converter), but will buy whatever you suggest on Amazon. Is that the converter I need - OR - will it be a different one? Also do NOT have the OBS software you mentioned or the HDMI to USB capture card ... but will buy the latter on Amazon as well, if I need it. Thanks so much, in advance, for your assistance and hope I've adequately explained my situation!!

[@leelmag9087]

Can you connect a stereo to this same set up and record audio from a tape cassette?

[@LivinginthePast2021]

That is a good question and unfortunately one I don't know the answer to. I know you can use this process with Nintendo, PlayStation, PlayStation 2, your TV, camcorder, etc. I have never tried with old audio tapes. I need to see if I can find my old cassette tapes and get a cassette player and try it. Hopefully someone else might comment if they have tried and let us know how it worked.

[@leelmag9087]

@@LivinginthePast2021 thanks, I will try it and let you know.

[@25121965pirzada]

I have got all as per your suggested, but I select video capture device try to check source usb port not showing !!!

[@LivinginthePast2021]

Hum, you have the VCR and playing correct?

[@25121965pirzada]

@@LivinginthePast2021 yes !!!

[@solsheffield9274]

thank you very much

[@LivinginthePast2021]

Thanks for the comment. I am glad the video helped, enjoy your VHS tapes!

[@rgarlinyc]

Very helpful - thanks a lot!

[@LivinginthePast2021]

Glad the video helped, enjoy your VHS tapes.

[@sbhinze]

Awesome video! I’ve seen other videos but yours is straight to the point😀

[@LivinginthePast2021]

Thank you for the nice comment, enjoy your VHS tapes!

[@beastlybombers]

Thank you so much. I am very grateful to you for this.

[@LivinginthePast2021]

Thanks for the comment, glad the video helped - Best wishes in 2023!

[@ethiopiaandenet896]

Very clear presentation, thank you.

[@LivinginthePast2021]

Thanks for the nice comment, enjoy your VHS tapes!

[@terencegalland]

Very useful thanks LITP