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Computer Help and Support

phylny

(8,380 posts) Sat Apr 7, 2018, 04:14 PM Apr 2018

Need advice: Having VHS tapes transferred - do I ask for DVDs or USB? [View all]

We have 40+ videotapes of our family dating back to 1988 (we rented that camcorder, I'm sure of it!) Our daughter and I just went through and labeled all of the tapes and I've found someone locally who will digitize them. I'm not sure if I should ask for DVDs (old technology, I know) or USB/thumbdrive. I have a newer computer with a built-in DVD so I can easily watch them. We also have a few DVD players in the house.

Can I transfer them to USB by myself? Has anyone done this before? Thanks in advance for advice

19 replies

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Need advice: Having VHS tapes transferred - do I ask for DVDs or USB? [View all] phylny Apr 2018 OP

Do both?? One for back-up Angry Dragon Apr 2018 #1

That's what I'm thinking, too. phylny Apr 2018 #3

Also have similar situation; help please from anyone with advice. northoftheborder Apr 2018 #2

Do them yourself with a good video capture device Hokie Apr 2018 #4

This is perfect advice - thank you! n/t phylny Apr 2018 #5

You shouldn't Hokie Apr 2018 #6

They will open and play if stored on a usb thumb drive? brush Apr 2018 #7

Yes, on a PC Hokie Apr 2018 #8

My newer TVs will play videos from USB files csziggy Apr 2018 #14

depends, Eko Apr 2018 #9

Another option is YouTube Hokie Apr 2018 #10

Thats a good one Eko Apr 2018 #11

The problem with that Eko Apr 2018 #12

Most of the ones I digitized were the recorded in original VHS format and were copies Hokie Apr 2018 #13

Each time you recode something Eko Apr 2018 #15

Semi-related question. Susan Calvin Apr 2018 #16

You should be able to digitize them the same way Hokie Apr 2018 #17

Thanks! nt Susan Calvin Apr 2018 #18

Commercial video cassettes usually have copy protection. hunter Apr 2018 #19