The BEST Way to TRANSFER VHS To DIGITAL

ClearClick Video to Digital 2.0 here: geni.us/ClearClick
VCR: geni.us/REjKO2t
VHS-C Adapter Tape: geni.us/eNDPvMe
S-VIDEO CABLE: geni.us/koxYTuR
AV To MINI: geni.us/b538
HI-8 Cameras: ebay.to/2UuBo5T
Tranfering VHS to the computer really isn't that hard, in this video I show you the BEST way I capture my VHS and HI-8 TAPES.
**FIRMWARE UPDATE: To update the firmware of the device, contact support here: [e-mail]
They will get back to you asking you for your AMAZON ORDER NUMBER to verify the model for the firmware as the wrong one could "brick" the machine. Depending on when you get it, you might not even need update it. The CS is fantastic and very quick to respond.
MUSIC and SFX from EPIDEMIC SOUND, try it free for 30 days here: share.epidemicsound.com/markho...
SOCIAL
Follow me on Instagram: / mholtze
Follow me on Twitter: / markholtze
0:00 - Introduction
0:39 - ClearClick Video 2 Digital 2.0, WHAT is it?
0:56 - What's In The Box
1:35 - What YOU Need
2:11 - VCR/VHS SETUP
3:59 - RECORDING VHS TAPES
4:51 - TRANSFER FILES TO COMPUTER
5:27 - FIRMWARE PATCH Note
5:57 - Getting Blown Away
6:35: HI-8 Sony Setup HandyCam Intro
8:22: INDIANA JONES PART THREE AUDITION?
DISCLAIMERS:
Some of these links have an affiliate code, if you purchase gear with these links I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

[@MarkHoltze]

Are you embarrassed easily? I am, but it’s nothing to worry about, it’s all apart of growing up and watching old VHS videos to remind yourself how far (or not so far) you’ve come. This thing makes it so much easier to do that, also time stamps below or check out the chapters for the relevant parts. 0:00 - Introduction 0:39 - ClearClick Video 2 Digital 2.0, WHAT is it? 0:56 - What's In The Box 1:35 - What YOU Need 2:11 - VCR/VHS SETUP 3:59 - RECORDING VHS TAPES 4:51 - TRANSFER FILES TO COMPUTER 5:27 - FIRMWARE PATCH Note 5:57 - Getting Blown Away 6:35: HI-8 Sony Setup HandyCam Intro 8:22: INDIANA JONES PART THREE AUDITION?

[@kurtb8474]

Ahhh... Monty Python reference.

[@JackCobalt-pf5ox]

What is the name and cost of this device? Please

[@roslyncohen2273]

Hi Mark, have a technical question. I haven t use this gadget with the screen that you use for transferring videos , but I have tried a few other similar looking devices without the disk storage and the screen, and the quality of the picture is poor going into the computer. I've tried tweaking the video programs (cause the signal goes out of the device and into the computer to a software program for recording, unlike your gadget) and there are tracking issues that don't seem to get resolved. and the picture is fuzzy. Does the quality of the video deteriorate using this little box that you recommend. Again, I'm transferring old family videos and understood that the quality is not amazing, but the original shows up well on our tv monitor before transfer. and much less quality after I record. Does the video you create look about the same as the original? thanks so much, await your reply!

[@dumbeternal]

@@kurtb8474 i saw that too

[@daxtonharrison8208]

instaBlaster

[@jgates]

I just found my wedding video (on VHS) after searching for it on/off for a few years and told my wife that I needed to find a device to transfer it over to the computer. Then you posted this video a couple of days later. Thanks for creating this and going through the processes of how it works. I look forward to spending time going through old tapes and reliving the memories. Thanks again!

[@MarkHoltze]

My pleasure, it's been a huge asset for me and figured there's loads of people out there like me who feel the same about this stuff. KZbin loves to tell me how badly this video does compared to my other ones, but I keep telling this...it's the long game, this one is for not just the lens geeks, but anyone who's captured old memories are stuck on old tech.

[@StilltheOneTCF]

​@@MarkHoltze Im 38 years old

[@rodrrico]

Holy Smokes! I've been waiting for a simple, straight forward system like this to come along for years! It's pretty amazing if it can eliminate the issues created from interlaced footage too. I think I'll have to get one of these units and try it out for myself. Excellent tutorial and great find Mark!

[@MarkHoltze]

This one wins hands down, why I had to update my VHS video as that old adapter i was using is no longer OS compatible. Wanted something i didn't have to worry about software ;)

[@tvtimes3402]

THESE LITTLE BOXES HAVE BEEN AROUND IN CHINA FOR YEARS, AND SO HAVE GAME CAPTURE CARDS WHICH DO THE SAME THING

[@MarCuseus]

@@tvtimes3402 SO WHAT

[@emw747]

Hi Mark, thank you so kindly for your valued service. I have been thinking about converting the dozens of family vhs tapes, but dredded the process. You have saved me. Many, many thanks.

[@ehJoe]

I recently sent out some tapes to be digitalized as I no longer have the original camera, was pretty reasonable too, Mark your story telling style and editing is 🔥

[@MarkHoltze]

Thanks Joe. Ya the media is tricky, I got lucky with this hi-8 still being fully functional. That would have to be an additional purchase if it wasn’t. Let me know how you like that service! Excited to hear about what you find on those!

[@rogriffiths4338]

I can’t thank you enough for posting this video. I recently discovered my copies of vhs home movies when I was a kid had all been ruined. I then decided I had better convert my hi8 tapes of my kids as babies before they became unwatchable too. Over the years I have made several attempts, wasting money on cables I couldn’t get to work. This time I looked up companies to do it for me but that would mean sending the tapes away & I was worried about losing them in the post. Then I found this video. After watching, I found the converter for sale. It cost more than I would normally risk on something I didn’t know would work for me, especially coming from a different country. It might not be compatible. This video made it look so easy though so I took a chance. And I’m so glad I did. Best purchase I ever made. My memories are safe for years to come. Again, thank you so much :)

[@karlreinke9653]

If you send tapes away they may go to Mexico an$ you may not get them back. You are lucky !

[@MarkHoltze]

@karlreinke9653 ya I wouldn’t recommend ever sending tapes away. Worth it to figure out yourself. It’s not hard…at all :)

[@hotstreak864]

Very good video! I would just recommend using a VCR that has Stereo L+R outputs as to preserve the original audio.

[@thedondeluxe6941]

Trainspotting was awesome. Had that "Choose Life" poster on my bedroom wall!

[@Lavi-Aemilia-Astori]

This is exactly what i needed I just found my dads JVC that my grandpa brought him before he went to Italy

[@TylerCinema]

A little throwback video! Love it! I have been helping my mom with digitizing her VHS tapes of my brother and me as well as some of the stuff her and my dad shot. But this device looks like a game changer!! Keep making stuff dude, always love seeing what you are up to.

[@MarkHoltze]

Ya, I figured I'd update an older topic with a more efficient way of doing it lol. How are you guys liking going through the old stuff. My dad called me and wanted to borrow this one, first time one of my videos inspired him in that way lol.

[@TylerCinema]

I did a lot of my childhood stuff but since my parents moved they found a bunch of tapes from before I was born and now they are looking at them. It’s kind of cool to see my parents when they were my age. Also I just bought the recorder lol. I’m going to let my mom use it so I dont have to keep remoting into her computer to fix it haha

[@lesliewb9059]

Thank you so much for this very informative and clearly explained and demonstrated how to video! It helped tremendously to see someone else show and explain how to do this.

[@MarkHoltze]

Pleasure Leslie.

[@wimm3927]

I use a firewire card in my pc to capture 8mm, Hi8 and D8 tapes with my still working Sony D8 camera. The plus of this is that the D8 tapes are not converted to analogue as inbetween format, but are directly converted to a pc digital format. Also the analogue tapes are converted inside the camera to the firewire interface and are also coming out the camera digitized. I find this a very convenient way. Usual glitches or the wellknown stripes at the bottom of the analogue tapes will also be captured perfectly, so I have to edit them out somehow. But for other analogue material this kind of device you've shown may be a very convenient solution . Thanks for this insight.

[@LeroyUwaifo]

I'm so sad watching this because my one year birthday tape got missing a few years ago and I always wished to convert it to digital at some point in time. all the same, thanks Mark and great job as always... this is very helpful

[@letsplayclassicgames5024]

This is a game changer for the average person trying to convert their tapes, especially considering the interlacing is done for you. Most pc programs in the past were not straightforward for the less than tech savvy.. I have a nice upscaler with interlacing options that I normally use with my retro gaming consoles, but I'm still going to check this out in the case that it may be a better solution. Thanks!

[@MarkHoltze]

The other video I did got so many questions on a similar device you are describing. Fine for us, but most ppl want simple solutions.

[@34Media]

Gold mate , as usual great job love that tv intro was very well done! great reference to 97 i was backpacking through europe and def like trainspotting :)

[@MarkHoltze]

😂 god I loved that movie. Still do, game changer for me. I’m going to ship your lens back to you next week mate. Thanks again !

[@34Media]

@@MarkHoltze No rush mate, when you can fit in is fine.

[@rjmonteith]

Dude, I have a box or tapes and was like I’m never going to get through digitizing them all... no longer my mindset. Thanks for this! I also have 2 or 3 hi8 cams for this exact purpose, and fully plan to wear out the heads during this process lol

[@MarkHoltze]

My dad just called me and asked if he could borrow it. He’s got loads he wants to do too lol. It’s infectious and once you see how easy it is lol. There is always a risk, but if you avoid it all together, you’ll never get a chance to save what you can lol.

[@dahdahditditditditditditda7536]

We had an old machine that had only the purpose to do VHS/DVD transfers, about 20 yrs ago. That was more indirect, and the machine was about 18" wide, 7" high, and 10" deep. I like your idea better, but we already transfered (IIRC) VHS content to about 40 DVD disks. Took forever.

[@lvnmykdz]

What a simple and excellent video! I’m inspired.. to do this. Thank you for making this!

[@dominik.symann]

Great video! I would love to see a tutorial on how to record digital video from a computer to VHS and back. The back part is clear now, tho... ;) I would like to use a video tape recorder as outboard gear for some authentic analog effects some day.

[@Raychristofer]

Love this man, this is a very important device, it might even be historic

[@MarkHoltze]

Most definitely mate!

[@pgprobass]

Hey Mark thanks for showing all this. I used to have a Dazzle converter back in the day and it did work really good with then windows vista. I've been looking for a new one and only been reading bad reviews of many brands. I like this that will bypass the computer all together which is something I have not thought of. I didn't see any options to enhance the video and or audio. Is there any? Or what comes out of your vcr is what you get? the old dazzle did have that option and I was able to improve the old videos. Especially the dark ones that I could bright them up a bit and for the audio there was some EQ settings that did make a difference. Please let me know if those are available here on this comment. Thank yo so much once again!

[@greatpix]

Some tips for folks. You'll get the best playback results if you use the VCR, or camera, that was used to record the tape. If you have some type of head cleaning device for the VCR use it before making your transfers. For dirty heads you might have to make two or more passes. Before you copy, fast forward the tape to the end and then rewind it. This will put even tension on the tape and sometimes tape that has sat for a long time can get a little sticky and this will help with that. Be aware that how your tape has been stored, and for how long, will affect the quality of playback. Time is the enemy as the magnetic coating on the tape can start to shed. If it was kept out in the garage where it saw extremes of temperature and humidity the tape will shed more of its oxide coating. If it was kept near a magnetic field, like an unshielded speaker, or electric motor, it may in fact have been erased or have severe drop outs. Always store tapes wound to the end, not the beginning of the tape, then rewind to even tape tension. Store tapes in places, like your closet, that don't see much change in humidity or temperature. Store tapes on their edges, not laying flat. If you haven't used the VCR for years turn it on and let it sit for awhile, run all the controls with a non-important tape. Devices to copy VHS tapes to your computer start at less than $15. The only thing you might need is an adapter or two to attach the wires. I had to get a set of RCA male/female adapters. I used Windows built-in Camera app to do the recording and recorded directly to a file on my computer.

[@MarkHoltze]

Thanks for the additional info Robert!

[@kas2388]

Thanks for the advice man, just have one question. I’m about to transfer all my videos and I was wondering if I used my VHS-C Camcorder to hold the tapes and have it plugged it in at the same time along with this having an Algato AV cable capture card connected from the camera built in port to this straight to my computer. If I do this method can I skip not using a VCR machine because my camera has the deck playing the video? Thanks and let me know 👍🏽

[@moniquem783]

Some really helpful tips there. Thanks!

[@greatpix]

@@kas2388 Sorry to take so long answering. I'm not sure about your connection but you can use a camcorder for playback, in fact that's a plus for any tapes made by that camera as tracking and head alignment will be better than using some other device for playback. If by some chance your camcorder doesn't do the job then you might already have a VHS-C to full size VHS adapter, if not you should be able to find some for sale at your local electronics store or online like on eBay. Remember to keep the heads clean because old tapes will shed oxide which will clog heads.

[@StilltheOneTCF]

Folks?Duh!

[@overdigitize]

Looks like a great device! I can't believe how hard it is to find a working VCR nowadays. Something to keep in mind when postponing digitizing your home videos

[@MarkHoltze]

I know, they should start making them again as people want to relive those moments and capture those memories.

[@overdigitize]

@@MarkHoltze agreed! Currently trying to borrow any used equipment I can find to back them up asap. But will definitely pay up for the most modern way possible

[@overdigitize]

@@MarkHoltze have you noticed any quality issues/improvement when using the AV cables provided, or if you've upgraded to higher quality, shielded ones?

[@120fps]

You know you’re actually inspiring me to go out and get a hi-8 Camera. This conversion is so easy!! Right of to eBay GOOOOOOO!!!

[@MarkHoltze]

GOoooooooooo!! See if anyone has one laying around first 😂.

[@carlomerazaudiovisuales]

Really cool info thank you Here in Mexico 🇲🇽 it’s becoming a thing people are asking for that I could get it an make part of my services 🤟🏻🤟🏻

[@MarkHoltze]

Brilliant mate! It's coming into that era where this old stuff is now "OLD" and people want to look back on it. I think it could be a big addition to the value you offer your clients! Best of luck with it my friend!

[@rossnitschke1449]

Hey Mark, just discovered your channel, love your work! Very tempted to buy this device. One question though - I noticed you have digitized a number of 8 mm film rolls and posted them on your channel - what is your process for converting 8mm film?

[@MarkHoltze]

Thanks Ross. 8mm stuff was just recorded off a screen projected. Quite crude in a setup but quite effective.

[@faras145]

Thank you! This is so helpful! 👍🏼

[@penfx1]

Thanks Mark, this video was really helpful 🤗🤗🤗

[@MarkHoltze]

So happy to hear that! Best of luck with it!

[@paulm8157]

Well done, Mark! 👍. Cool product - have a ton of VHS tapes of old TV shows (with commercials that should be amusing to see again). My concerns are tape sticking/tearing after 20 plus years of storage, and the time it would take to run them at play speeds. Your thoughts? Can you pause record on the device while playing a tape? Looks like Mark is auditioning to replace the “Brawny Paper Towel” model.😁

[@MarkHoltze]

Commercials are the best, I get a kick out of those the most lol. Honestly if a tape sticks it sticks (my thoughts on it) it's only going to get worse so that's why I'm spending the time now to capture what's most important. It's either that or they stay in a dark closet for the rest of life as I know it. This stuff has more relevance to me now than it did at the time it was shot, it's like we shot this stuff so we could enjoy it when we're older!

[@WilkoBonniWell]

Hey Mark, Love your videos, you talk about interlacing, i love that effect! i was thinking it came from your sony TRV99, but is it only a question of adapter (conversion)? in that case what was your old adapter? Thanks a lot! Clément

[@chrisrice1042]

Enjoyed your video and bought the product. It works very well. Question, what is the simplest or easiest way to split the finished clips into smaller segments? Thank you for the video and good advice!

[@MarkHoltze]

You can use QuickTime I believe and trim clips that way. Any free editing software would work as well

[@alesamon3665]

Great video...regarding it 2 questions before i buy: 1. if recording from a VHS recorder...does it make sense to upscale from scart to hdmi and then record with this device? 2. when recording from VHS does it stretch the picture (4:3 -> 16:9) ? Thanks in advance for answering.

[@buildersedge888]

This is an very well thought out video and I really like how Mark demonstrated the product. Thank you to Mark Holtze for sharing this. I am now a subscriber and will check out your other videos.

[@MarkHoltze]

Thanks Larry! A lot of old lenses around here. Some very old films way back. Anyway thanks for the kind words and all the best my friend

[@stevelaporta5791]

mark, terrific video. thanks for sharing this and for making such a well-thought out video. question, do you recommend any device that can transfer/convert 8 mm film (not super 8) to a digital format. thanks, steve

[@MarkHoltze]

Hi Steve, 8mm film requires a film scanner. I haven't used them myself but I've seen some mixed reviews on them. I actually transfered by simply using a good camera and cinema lens to record off the wall. I had to ride the exposure levels as the settings shifted from bright exterior to low light interior but it was fun to screen them and capture them. Depending on how many you have, you might want to check local listings for a service that does this for you. It's not particularly easy to do, but if you're in it for a bit of a challenge.....:)

[@PFRRRR]

Video was pretty helpful. Quick question, how do I export the clips to a phone without the frames being low & choppy.

[@Lampofilm]

Hi, you mentioned interlacing and that it does away with that. Very nice, what about file size and compression, I want the best I can get, does this offer that? do I need to input frame rate? What is the size of the file, 720X480 or 640X480?

[@MarkHoltze]

720x480, compression is h.264 which is fairly efficient. Smaller sizes while retaining quality. Other adapters that have let me set the compression quality didn’t compare to this one. You want the best quality definitely consider using S-video if your camera has it.

[@brettogden6104]

Does it say what de-interlacing method it uses? There are many from just throwing away one picture field (provides lowest resolution) to clever algorithms that interpolate when movement occurs.

[@badreality2]

@@brettogden6104 If I were you, I would use a RetroTink 5x. It utilizes both video fields.

[@shdvf767]

i prefer to digitize them with a vcr dvd combo recorder. dvds (.vob files) have better quality than mp4 videos and you can deinterlace the videos with handbrake (you can get this software for free)

[@Imagineyourmusiccom]

thank you very much for this very detailed information!

[@beacomedian]

Hi Mark - I appreciate the video and am looking forward to going through old videos as my quarantine winter project. I'm curious what you think the pro's are of a device like this over the seemingly more popular, and less expensive Elgato Video Capture. Seems like you're paying more for extra hardware (which I don't need) and maybe some "smart stuff" auto settings (which I might).

[@MarkHoltze]

It’s just a way better overall product vs the other adapters. I like that I don’t have to tie up the computer to do it as well. It simplifies based on best settings and don’t have to worry about software no longer being supported. If yours works keep it. Mine I couldn’t carry with me on OS update so I needed a new one and wanted a more robust self contained option.

[@beacomedian]

@@MarkHoltze Oh I haven't bought it yet just researching. Good info to know, thanks for your perspective.

[@lfisher8154]

Great and clear information. Did you consider other converters like the Elgato and if so why did you choose this one? Thanks!

[@MarkHoltze]

I had my previous one which served me wel enough but was stopped being supported so upgrading OS rendered it a brick. This is software free, plus loads easier, so for me it was the right evolution.

[@Surf_Vidz]

Thank you for this video. I'm an editor as well and have been looking for an alternative to Elgato's video capture which has been giving me a bunch of bitrate and interlacing issues.

[@elykalontar3847]

Thank you very much for this! Just a question - have you used other VHS to DVD/PC softwares like ROXIO or HONESTECH? It works very similarly but connects to a PC to record instead of a handheld device. I’ve used both of these and the quality has been below average to say the least - ROXIO had a weird purple color discoloration and wavy lines while HONESTECH glitched after recording and wouldn’t sync right. It was a major headache - as you can imagine, especially when faced with deadlines and really needing that footage! 😂 In your opinion is ClearClick the best option for the highest quality transfers available and what other settings do you have prior to recording - such as resolution size and NTSC/PAL frame rate. Thanks again! 👍

[@cdv.8244]

Thank you Mark so much. I have a lot of VHS-C tapes I wanna digitize...I thought of transferring them to my laptop so that I can put them on DVD. But is that ok ? Or keep them on SD card? And if you do recommend on DVD do I use DVD+ or DVD- ??? I don’t want to store the image/video on laptop cuz it can crash or get virus. Thanks again Mark for this awesome video. I’m excited to finally do this.💕

[@gerardomunoz5965]

hi, excellent video!! just a question, when you use the minijack in videcamara, you use the svideo mode or av mode in the clearclick video?? thanks

[@MarkHoltze]

Just go to input options and you can switch inputs :)

[@jaymaryfred]

Great video man! cheers!

[@MarkHoltze]

Thanks Jay! Appreciate it mate.

[@mysticstylus]

Thanks for this, appreciate the attention to detail in your review. This could be useful as a portable recorder for non-camcorder video cameras such as CCTV cams or smaller game consoles with an AV out, like a PSP. You'd just need a USB power bank to keep the ClearClick juiced, but that definitely beats lugging around a PC and capture card dongle. A couple questions about the device: What are the duration/file size caps for individual recordings on this device? Is there a maximum SD card capacity or card class limitations? Can the HDMI Out be used for sending the live signal to a monitor at the same time that AV recording is happening, or only when playing back files? Thanks!

[@MarkHoltze]

I haven’t encountered any restrictive recording limits. I tend to capture in chunks because it’s just easier to manage and in case any issues recording. Lingering technique since my earlier DV days 2005. Even logging I would just do 10 min intervals. But you can capture indefinitely

[@fabiancurto6484]

Can I make my old tapes transfer and make it best quality ? Thank you so much for the info

[@Stahlengelmusic]

Thank you for this video !

[@MarkHoltze]

My pleasure, best of luck mate

[@cheatsheet3325]

Are there any advantages to capture systems that upscale the A/V signal? I'm very interested in this device for an archiving project, but I got started researching these options after watching Technology Connections talk about his system, which incorporates an upscaler. I guess, ultimately, I'm curious as to whether more information from the original source is preserved in a "native resolution" mp4-compressed file or an upscaled mp4-compressed file.

[@sos.gamers]

i think the best is record the original size, then use dione app to convert to 59.97 fps, then use topaz ai to reduce noise and anti aliazing, and upscale to 4k for future proof

[@S955US84]

I just bought one of these and had serious issues with video levels. Yours looked okay. Composite level was dark and color oversaturated. S-Video levels were too high - video washed out, low contrast and color badly muted. Any ideas? CCCS said nothing about a firmware update. Also the MP4 files the CC produced would not play in my editing software though they played on my TVs and computer.

[@chata1397]

Big ups needed this

[@laffilmfest3759]

Great review...thank U!....I need to get started on my mountain of vintage data :)

[@kevyndignum4636]

Great stuff found it informative

[@MarkHoltze]

🙏

[@alex-bq7os]

Great video. Do you know if it’s possible to record directly from the hi8 camera without playback? As in just turning the camera to camera mode as opposed to VTR mode, and then clicking record on the ClearClick?

[@MarkHoltze]

You can yes. It will record your display content from the camera so if you turn all that off and it will work

[@macorourke2222]

Thanks for sharing Brother. Super Cool idea😀👍❤🇨🇦💯

[@stargazeronesixseven]

Thank You So Much for this knowledge since many out there do like to convert their VHS into Digital format for their family to enjoy in the future! 🌷🌿🌍💖

[@MarkHoltze]

Thanks for watching!

[@pinkthooka]

Love the video, quick question: does this device have an internal battery that you can charge? I’d love to take my hi8 camcorders on the go again without having to use wall power. Thanks!

[@MarkHoltze]

It doesn’t no. USB plug or wall adapter.

[@thomasolsen4094]

@@MarkHoltze Wich means you can use a powerbank on the go i guess

[@shippy555]

Thanks for this. I assume that the exact one you're using here has been superseded by one that doesn't have a usb. (the one you have here does have a usb) The one your link leads to, does not. I think I'll buy one just the same. I transferred my tapes to dvd in 2006, but now need to transfer again to video files, which is very time consuming using a laptop. Thanks again,very informative.

[@deet7884]

Thank you for posting! Do you still recommend this product? Or something newer?And where is the best place to purchase?

[@MarkHoltze]

This one still rules, Amazon might be good, but you can check out their site for direct orders I think. I got mine on Amazon. Links should be in description.

[@aidab7542]

Thank you for this information. Is there an "all in one" device that can play each type of tape...such as VHS, VHS-C, 8 and mini dvd's? Our VCR has been gobbling up our older VHS tapes. Thank you!

[@bowbookbike]

Great video!

[@MarkHoltze]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful!

[@claytonn4371]

Hey great video! Is there a setup to where I can film on my vhs camera but the footage be recorded to an SD in live action while actually filming in real time?

[@selfmade25100]

How did you edit the NYC in the beginning of this video ? How did you add that ?

[@papandreasg]

Excellent video! Just to be sure, the interlaced old vhs is eliminated with this unit? Does it go interlaced to progressive? Also, does this unit also upscale the vhs up to 1080p in digital? Is that because the unit is made to play vhs through the unit to HDMI? I can’t wait to know so I can get this little guy to save my memories! Thank you!!

[@oliviertalouarn6258]

"Does it go interlaced to progressive? " It just throw away half of the lines ... so half the definition. complete crap

[@finneganshereck6003]

Do you need a VCR or can you just use the tape in the camera and then capture everything

[@bernicerogersbooker6333]

What is the name of that little device you’re using and where do you get it I got some old videos that I’ve never seen on my Sony camcorder and I really want to see them

[@kevinderek5826]

This is great! Does it have a Time Base Corrector so the VHS cuts are not jumpy when its transfered? Thanks

[@denzil932]

Mark, I have old edited VHS videos and I find when transferring from VHS to Digital where effects have been added the video transfer stops and the audio continues. This result is a disjointed recording. Does your recommended device do the same or does it record as per the original recording?

[@basketsresale]

awesome im gonna use this for my hi8 skate videos

[@MarkHoltze]

Man I’ve got so much of this.

[@anjamalu]

Excellent review and tutorial. Thanks.

[@MarkHoltze]

✊

[@joshuaprets2044]

How do you deal with dropped frames during the conversion process? Or does this device not have that problem? I've used other devices that end up dropping like 20 or 30 frames which make the audio out of sync with the video.

[@Virtual-Media]

Thanks, so many HI8 memories I need to get backed up. Could I ask if an SD is preferable to USB3?

[@MarkHoltze]

They can both handle it no problem. No preference really.

[@knoptop]

Thanks for sharing! You mentioned not needing to worry about interlacing, but the clip shared looked like the interlacing wasn't fixed. Was that just a sample to show what interlacing looked like? Thanks!

[@MarkHoltze]

Which clip? Time code? I need to see it to be able to address it accurately. Thanks

[@knoptop]

@@MarkHoltze 6:02 thanks!

[@MarkHoltze]

@@knoptop Ah yes, the old adapter. I used that one when i did my Sony Handycam review and just wanted the viz of it up here for reference. This was not captured with the THIS adapter. Thanks for the time code. :)

[@Musket33]

I have a trove of Mini DV's to save, and my old camcorder is inoperative. I bought a used one on EBay and it is working ok using the Panasonic software and USB directly to my computer. I'm still wondering if I can get higher quality duplications with the device you demonstrated. Thoughts? Great video BTW. I also have a lot of Sony Video 8 tapes to archive. They're not the same as High8 are they? Suggestions?

[@simonsbuddy1806]

Great vid...thanks for explaining.

[@MarkHoltze]

My pleasure

[@bertplus]

Thanks for this, just what I needed! Time to charge up the ol' lead-acid batteries... edit: says it has bad S-VHS performance in one of the reviews. Any insight Mark?

[@MarkHoltze]

I thought it was fine, the RCA colours are more saturated, but the S-VIDEO was fine, it also really depends on the cable. Some S-Video cables are crap.

[@StringerNews1]

Robert, if you're talking about the S-video connector, forget about it. S-video was only intended to be used as a dub cable between S-VHS VCRs, and even then it was sub-par compared to Sony's RF dub cables. For S-video to be any use at all, you'd need a digitizer with two A/D converters, one for luminance and one for chrominance. None do, they all use a simple capacitor to merge luma and chroma in the simplest way possible. In contrast, the NTSC encoder in a good S-VHS deck will do the job better, and the single ADC will work just fine for this task. But because this is a standalone device, you're stuck with whatever software it uses, and that software will be limited by the dinky little microcontroller inside. If you have an old computer with IEEE-1394 (FireWire), or a desktop that you can plug an adapter card into, you can pick up a used DVCAM recorder cheap on eBay, and use it to digitize the video and send it to your computer. I found a Sony PDW-1500 for $150 that takes composite video, and a DSR-45 for $415 that also takes S-video (and in this case, using S-video cables might work better) and there's a lot of free software to import the DV format into a computer file. Not the cheapest or easiest way to do it, but that's the best quality that you can get for any price today.

[@ianpowell6443]

Hi Mark, nice video. I have just bought a Pinnacle Dazzle unit, which along with it's software has been problematic and I'm considering sending it back. I appreciate how simple your device is, and that any tape images are going to be pretty wooly compared to modern video, but have you had any experience transferring the same video with Dazzle and this device to compare the capture image quality? I have a lot of tapes and only really want to do this once (for that reason!). If it's barely noticeable I'll go with this device. Thanks, Ian

[@MarkHoltze]

It’s much easier.

[@ianpowell6443]

@@MarkHoltze Thanks Mark, I can see that. But have you any comparison with the final video quality of the two methods?

[@randyblosio3919]

Mark, great video. Thanks for sharing. I have this converter and was recording vhs tapes to a wd easystore drive ( 2 TB) and was going well. I have 70 tapes. Tried to continue the other night and heard a "shreek" when I hit record. Ended up erasing all the videos I had on my wd drive. ClearClick says it's the drive. What do you think?

[@TheNotoriousNemo]

Is it a drive with a plug in power? I've used wd portable drive powered from the USB for many years.

[@gabithemagyar]

I have an old version of something like this from Pinnacle. One problem I always run into is that when capturing long videos (longer than about 10 minutes) the sound goes out of sync with the picture on the captured video. Does this gadget have the same problem ?

[@HAWXLEADER]

Technical question, If you run the same tape a few times and record it, could you get better results when integrating all of the recordings? It is an analog format after all and it never plays the same.

[@loriburke928]

Hi Mark, Just came across your videos. A couple questions, I have dozens of VHS-C tapes but no longer have the camcorder or the adapter that the vas-c tapes fit into to play in the VCR. Also don't have a VCR! I would love to be able to do this myself instead of sending them away somewhere which will cost me hundreds of dollars. I was just about to purchase a used camcorder on e-Bay but it doesn't have RCA outputs?? I'm having trouble finding one/ Any ideas?? The one I was about to buy has one audio/video jack to insert in camera and then a 2 prong to plug in your VCR. Also, I think on one of your more recent videos, you didn't use a VCR. So can I go straight from my Camcorder to my MAC? Thanks so much for all the great info!

[@bss6273]

Super cool. Thanks

[@Cfc12804]

Also, the iLINK output port is the same as the HDV/DV on the camera. Thank you for your assistance.

[@StringerNews1]

Sony's I.LINK port is just a brand name for a standard IEEE-1394 port. If your camcorder has such a port, it's already recording digital video, so you don't need to buy an analog to digital converter. You do need a computer with an IEEE-1394 port, and those are rare these days. But if you do, software to import DV is here: www.videohelp.com/software/sections/dv

[@robertoalvarezjr4165]

Very Helpful 👍

[@MikeJackVideo]

Great video! Was wondering if this ClearClick unit distorts the standard video format? I watched another video of someone reviewing the HD model and they mentioned a distortion of the 640x480 video VHS input. I just need to convert a bunch of old VHS tapes, just didn't want them to look distorted...

[@MarkHoltze]

Keeps it the standard SD format. No distortion. It will happen when it gets scaled up to HD because of the aspect ratio.

[@MikeJackVideo]

@@MarkHoltze My demand is pretty simple as I'm going to just be digitizing old VHS tapes... not really going to dig into my Hi8, Digital8 or MiniDV stuff... just want to go way back to the VHS. Is there any other unit I should be looking at or is this one adequate (the Amazon link you provided)? Since VHS is only 640x480, I don't see the need for any high resolution recording / encoding.

[@NemechekFan87]

I was attempting to record some vhs tapes that i have some time. From the 2 VHS's one had distorted color from time to time while another had FPS issues (records and then the footage stops). Will that product eliminate those issues?

[@bruce-le-smith]

this was very helpful and practical thank you, also makes me wonder how hard it would be to RaspberryPi that solution...

[@air-view3606]

Great video! Is the clearclick as good as the grabmaster pro?

[@MarkHoltze]

Not sure mate, haven't used the grab master. Might have to look it up now ;)

[@evanjohnson6168]

Great video! Do you know is buying the “Ultimate” version of this device (which can record in 1080p) would capture better quality on old VCR tapes? Or, would this version of the device suffice because the source (a VCR tape) is not in 1080p quality to begin with?

[@missybee]

Also interested.....

[@tvtimes3402]

UNLESS YOUR VIDS WERE RECORDED IN HI8 ....DONT BOTHER AND HI8 IS ONLY AROUND 520 STUDIO QUALITY I HAD HI 8 IN 1992 AND IT BLEW ME AWAY

[@MarkHoltze]

As far as I can tell unless you have a specialized device you can't capture 1080 because the source signal isn't that high. Horizontal lines of resolution and that will depend on the camera it that captured it. Broadcast facilities have expensive devices that can capture the best signal, but you will have to scale up the video in post production. Technically VHS is - 333×480 pixels luma and 40×480 chroma resolutions

[@StringerNews1]

@@MarkHoltze that's not right. First off, analog video resolution is expressed in TV lines. NTSC has a visible raster of 480 interlaced lines. While the broadcast standard yields about 330 TV lines of horizontal resolution, plain VHS has 220-240 depending on whether HQ circuitry is used, and which ones. Chroma resolution is less, of course, but there's no such thing as a chroma pixel, especially not in the sense of DTV pixels. S-VHS roughly doubles the H bandwidth, and so resolution. In either case you should transfer at 720x480 or 704x480 because that's the D-1 standard. 640x480 gives you square pixels for best presentation on a computer monitor, but I always ingest at D-1 and then convert to the final digital format on a computer. VHS was never used for broadcast, so no broadcast facility had any VHS equipment for broadcast use. The only VHS machine I ever saw at a TV station was used by the overnight crew to watch movies. By the time ATSC was ready for simulcast, most stations were already on their second or third generation digital tape (like DVCAM) or disc (like XDCAM) formats, and most analog tape was already digitized. When the stations needed the occasional archive tape transferred, they'd farm it out to someone like me. All I used was a cheap Grass Valley AVDC-500 A/D converter and a $50 IEEE-1394 card and FOSS Linux software. I used the same gear to import some off-air recordings that I had made at home on VHS. Grass Valley was (still is) a big name in production switchers costing upwards of a million bucks, so a Grass Valley box that cost under a grand was cheap-cheap.

[@cscooper2000]

@@StringerNews1 Good answer. Great info. However, one thing you said is not quite correct. Yes, many stations had "pro" S-VHS equipment. And for some of the less-funded stations a $5,000 "Broadcast" VHS deck (like the JVC BR lineup) might be all they could afford. Especially if they needed a play deck, a record deck and an edit controller. That alone was about $15,000 in "Broadcast" VHS equipment. Where I worked we even acquired some footage on "Broadcast" S-VHS camcorders. I still remember dreaming about owning my own JVC KY-19 camera with a "Digital S" VHS recording module, and a JVC Pro VHS Edit Desk. "Digital" HAHAHAHA!! I wonder how many people that fooled. Thanks for reminding me of the "good" old days. :)

[@ceceyangg]

So. I have all the types of the tapes (mentioning because the vhs adaptor is only compatible with one of the tapes). But don't have a vhs player, the video recorder or the adaptors. Which ones do you think would be easier and best for me to purchase in order to convert these with the ClearClick? I'm not tech savvy so I have no idea what to get!

[@sylviaisgod6947]

Just bought one of these, need to get an SD card, anyone know the minimum rec. read/write speeds? The instructions don't say. Also, the instructions say uses a maximum of 128 GB SD card or flash drive, but then it says, if you use a bigger one, make sure it is Class 10 or better...does this mean it will work with larger than 128 gb card?

[@MrLudjero]

can i re/use the tapes multiple times ?

[@sharptoothtrex4486]

Now that is something great to have. Very useful.

[@MarkHoltze]

Yes indeed!

[@Cfc12804]

Hi, I have a Sony 3 CMOS HDV DVCAM to convert the recording on the HI8 tape to digital on my computer there is a iLINK 4 Pin cable output on the camera, but there is no iLINK 4 Pin input port on my computer. What are there other options to convert the tapes to digital on the computer?

[@drockherb2073]

This was very helping, I’m trying to get some 📼C tapes to a flash drive an I been looking at this and the Wolverine TransMedia.. most of the stuff I want to switch is tapes so I dunno if I’d need the TransMedia one for 📀 type 🤔 but either way, thank you for the video

[@vasilistsaknakis]

Hello Mark , I just found an old Sony hi8 handycam trv60e inside a forgotten wardrobe and I came at your content…I charged the batteries and the camera is fully usable …my question is ..I own an hp laptop and working on premiere ..which adaptor do you think I should buy for transferring the content ?? And my next question is where do you buy old tapes from Sony Mpc 8mm f.e because I think they stopped producing this stuff from 2007 .Thanks in advance 🙏🙏

[@1willFALL]

@Mark, do you think this will work with the Quasar VM-D51 VHS-C Palmcorder? I have several of those VHS-C tapes that I would like to digitalize and would like to know your opinion before adding this device to my Amazon cart 😀

[@MarkHoltze]

It should work, just make sure you have the correct A/V cables. I'm not sure if that uses an RCA to MINI jack or straight up RCA cables. Either way it will work, the cables are cheap.

[@pacoreguenga]

I’d love to know if this can record directly to usb harddrives as well...

[@pablotabloz]

Do you know if these work with Mini DV camcorders? I've seen where some people say they don't, which seems odd to me since Mini DV has analog A/V outputs.

[@brandonalldredgeba]

Is it possible to connect the recorder to a power bank to power it and then connect it to your camera you are using. But instead of having the camera turned to vcr to record what is on a tape could you turn the camera to record mode and push record on the recorder and record your footage straight to that without even needing to put a tape in the camera? If that makes sense

[@theycallmegodkid]

I'm wondering if you have any opinions on tapes that may need cleaning. I remember when growing up we would use a head cleaner for the VCR, but I don't remember anything for the tapes themselves. I recently acquired some VHS tapes from the 80's and I'm not sure what playback or quality issues they may have. Thank you for this succinct and we'll made video!

[@MarkHoltze]

Ya you can get a tape head cleaner which is just a cassette type thing. Pop it in and hit “play” let it run for a few mins

[@jc4792.]

Thanks im going to check it out

[@MarkHoltze]

It’s just a great option. A bit more but won’t ever get outdated because of support. These companies are tiny and if they’re not supported anymore, there it goes