A few years back, while decluttering, I stumbled upon a collection of old Super 8 films. I can still picture the joy on my mom’s face when I converted videos from her late brother Harold Jr.’s wedding. Sadly, he passed away in a car crash just a week after the wedding.

Such memories are invaluable, but how long has it been since you watched your family videos? If they’re on VHS, it can be a hassle to view them. Plus, every year that passes, those tapes gradually deteriorate.

Satish from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, reached out to my national radio show for advice on digitizing old tapes, and I realized he’s not alone.

Take the DIY Approach

To digitize your VHS tapes, you’ll need either a VCR or a VHS camcorder. If you don’t own one, consider checking eBay, OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace, or other local selling apps. Additionally, be prepared to transfer your VHS recordings in real-time; carve out a few hours for this task if you can.

Once you’re ready, you have two main choices:

Option 1: Obtain a converter like one from Elgato that transfers video directly to a computer. Plug it into your USB port, then connect your analog video source (VCR, DVD player, DVR, or camcorder) using the provided cables. The included software will walk you through the process.

Option 2: Use a handheld video-to-digital converter. This option does not require a computer or any software. Simply connect it to your video source, insert a USB drive or SD card, and press the “Record” button to see the digitization happen in real-time on the LCD display. Pretty cool!

Hire Someone to Handle It for You

Places like Costco, Walgreens, and Walmart offer conversion services, starting at around $20 per tape. This is quite reasonable. They’ll take your VHS footage and provide it on a DVD while also giving you a digital version.

Alternatively, consider a service that focuses on this type of conversion. These services might be pricier.

◾ iMemories: Prices begin at $29.99 per VHS tape.

◾ Legacybox: Starting at $60; their starter pack accommodates up to two tapes or 50 photos. (By the way, I just noticed a 50% discount on their site!)

◾ Capture: Starts at $29.99 for each tape.

Taking Your Time Is Essential

Breaking it down into smaller steps can be beneficial. Collect your tapes, gather the necessary equipment, or determine the service that suits your needs best. I’ve uploaded my digitized videos to YouTube using a private link, allowing me to share it selectively with family and friends.

Bonus: Remember to Digitize Old Photos

I’ve digitized many pictures over time, but I appreciate this quick method for converting a print that’s been on display in someone’s home.

Google’s PhotoScan is a free app for both iOS and Android that captures multiple shots of your photos, then stitches them together to eliminate glare and enhance quality. The app works seamlessly on both matte and glossy prints, as well as photographs found in albums.

This is what you do: Capture one image, then take four more as instructed by the app. PhotoScan will use a smart algorithm to trim and crop the photo, auto-detect edges, adjust rotation, and correct the perspective for an accurate view.

◾ Launch the PhotoScan app and position the phone over a photo.

◾ Press the capture button to take pictures, which will be saved on your device.

◾ Maneuver your phone so that the circle aligns with each of the four dots.

◾ After the processing is finished, tap on the photo thumbnail.

◾ Choose a photo to rotate, adjust its corners, or delete if necessary.

You can then utilize Google Photos to store and manage your scans. From that point, you can edit your images and share them with others, making the process incredibly easy!

The opinions expressed in this article belong to the author and do not reflect the views of YSL News. Stay updated on the latest technology on the Kim Komando Show, the biggest weekend radio talk show in the nation. Kim fields calls and shares advice on the modern digital lifestyle, covering everything from smartphones and tablets to online security and data breaches.