Guide To Convert VHS Tapes to Digital

Hi, I’m Matt, the founder of ConvertMyTape.com. My journey into video and photo preservation started in Newton, Massachusetts, where I worked at a video editing service. There, I helped clients convert their old VHS tapes into digital formats, and that sparked my passion for helping people save their memories in a modern way.

Since then, I’ve tested many VHS-to-digital converters and worked with different video transfer services. I know how important these memories are—whether it’s a wedding video, old family movies, or recordings of milestones from the past. I’ve seen how valuable these tapes can be, and I want to make sure they last for years to come.

In this blog post, I’ll share my personal experience testing various VHS-to-digital converters and services. I’ll walk you through the process of converting your tapes and help you figure out which method is best for preserving your memories. Whether you want to do it yourself at home or send them to a professional service, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!

One of the trickiest aspects of preserving memories is figuring out how to keep track of all the photos, videos, and audio clips you’ve collected over the years. With VHS tapes, camcorder videos, and old film reels slowly becoming obsolete, it’s easy to feel like your precious memories are slipping away. That’s why I decided to test out iMemories, one of the top services for converting old VHS tapes and other media formats to digital files.

But iMemories isn’t the only option out there. After testing various services and DIY methods, I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 options for converting your VHS tapes to digital. Whether you’re looking for a professional service like iMemories or a more hands-on approach, I’ve reviewed the best choices for making the switch from analog to digital. Here’s a closer look at how iMemories works, followed by other options you can consider for preserving your memories.

Top 10 Services for Converting VHS to Digital: iMemories is Our First Choice

One of the hardest parts of preserving memories is figuring out how to store all the photos, videos, and audio clips you’ve collected over the years. As we move away from VHS tapes, camcorder videos, and old film rolls, it becomes harder to watch and enjoy those memories. That’s where iMemories comes in—a service that helps you turn old media formats like VHS tapes, 8mm film, and photos into modern, easy-to-access digital files.

I’ll admit, it was a little nerve-wracking to send my precious memories off to someone else, but iMemories is known for its careful handling and attention to detail. So, I decided to give it a try. Here’s how the process worked for me, along with the pros and cons of using iMemories for converting VHS tapes.

How it Works

First, you choose the iMemories kit that fits your needs. They offer different packages depending on how many tapes, photos, or films you want to digitize. For example, you can pick a package for 10 VHS tapes or 100 photos. You can also decide how you want your memories returned—whether as downloadable files, a DVD, or a thumb drive. I chose to get everything digitally delivered so it would be easy to store and access.

Once you’ve made your selections, iMemories sends you a free shipping kit with a prepaid label. It also includes barcodes that you place on your tapes or photos to keep track of everything during the process. After you pack everything up and ship it back, the iMemories team starts working on digitizing your media.

I sent in a mix of old VHS tapes—family vacations, birthday parties, and a wedding video from over 15 years ago. I wanted to make sure these memories were preserved and could be watched again without worrying about the tapes deteriorating.

The Pros

At first, I was a little nervous about sending off my box of memories. These tapes were irreplaceable, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. But iMemories impressed me right from the start. They were very communicative and kept me updated throughout the entire process.

The barcode system they use is a great touch. Once I attached the labels to my tapes, I could track each one individually, getting updates on when my media was being processed, when the originals were shipped back, and when everything was ready for download.

For reference, I placed my order on December 10th, 2023, shipped everything back, and it arrived at their warehouse in Scottsdale, Arizona, by December 14th. The processing started a few days later, and by the first week of January 2024, I was able to download my digital files. The whole process took about 6 weeks. It wasn’t the quickest service, but the constant updates and the care they took with my memories made it worth the wait.

The Cons

Like any service, there were a few downsides. First, the cost. iMemories isn’t the cheapest option. Packages start around $30 for just a couple of tapes, but I went with the 10-item package for $159, which seemed like the best deal. I ended up adding a few more items after receiving my kit (they make it tempting to send more), and this added to the total cost.

Another downside was that one old VHS tape didn’t convert very well. It had been stored in a hot garage for years, and even though iMemories did their best, the final result was blurry. They sent me a note explaining that it didn’t meet their usual quality standards, but since the tape was in bad condition, I couldn’t argue with the result. If you have really old tapes that are in poor condition, they may not convert perfectly.

Lastly, iMemories offers several options for receiving your files—digital downloads, DVDs, or a thumb drive. However, they don’t convert existing DVDs or CDs. I had some home movies I’d burned to DVDs, but unfortunately, iMemories can’t digitize those. If you need to convert DVDs, you’ll need to look for a different service.

Overall Thoughts: Is iMemories Worth It?

If you’re looking for a reliable and trustworthy service to carefully convert your tapes into high-quality digital files, iMemories is a great option. The process was straightforward, I was kept informed every step of the way, and the final digital files turned out great. While it’s not the cheapest service, the peace of mind knowing your memories are handled with care is definitely worth the cost.

So, if you have a box of old VHS tapes or other media lying around, I highly recommend giving iMemories a try. It’s an easy and convenient way to preserve your memories and ensure they’ll last for years.

Now that you’ve seen how iMemories works, stay tuned as I review other top options for converting your VHS tapes to digital.

Researching iMemories Before Trusting Them with My Precious Memories

Before I decided to send my old VHS tapes to iMemories, I wanted to make sure they were a trustworthy and reliable service. After all, these tapes hold precious memories, and I needed to know they would be in good hands. Here’s how I did my research.

iMemories Reviews

The first thing I did was check Google Reviews. iMemories has a 4.8-star rating based on over 3,900 reviews. Many people were happy with the service, praising the quality of the digital files and how easy it was to access them. People shared that they could finally enjoy old home movies again, which made me feel positive about their service. However, some reviewers complained about delays in getting their media back, and a few people mentioned that some clips were missed or didn’t convert well.

I also checked Trustpilot, where iMemories has a 3.5-star rating out of 5, based on 311 reviews. 75% of the reviews were 5 stars, with people saying the service was great and the quality was high. A few people mentioned that they had issues with added costs or delays, but overall, most people were happy with their experience.

Other Reviews and Recommendations

I found more good reviews on other websites like Consumer’s Guide Review and Times-Standard.com. Both of these websites recommended iMemories for its great customer service and the quality of the digitized videos. This made me feel even more confident about choosing them.

Company Information

I also looked into the company itself. iMemories is based in Scottsdale, Arizona, and they’ve helped more than a million customers digitize their media. They have a solid reputation and have even been named one of the world’s most innovative companies by Fast Company. This helped reassure me that they had the experience and knowledge to handle my tapes carefully.

Conclusion

After reading reviews from customers and learning more about iMemories, I felt good about my decision. While some people had small complaints, the overall feedback was very positive. They seemed like a reliable service that could handle my VHS tapes with care and turn them into high-quality digital files. The cost was a bit higher than some other options, but I felt it was worth it for the peace of mind.

If you’re thinking about using iMemories, I recommend doing your research first. After reading reviews and learning about their history, I was confident that they were the right choice for me.

Second Best Choice for Converting VHS Tapes to Digital: Costco Photo Center

After using iMemories, I decided to try Costco Photo Center as my second choice for converting VHS tapes to digital. Here’s how the process went and my experience.

Where I Took My Items

I took my VHS tapes to the Costco Photo Center at the Costco Warehouse in Everett, Massachusetts, located at 60 Mystic Avenue, Everett, MA 02149. The photo center is located inside the Costco store, where they offer a variety of photo and media conversion services.

How the Process Went

1. Drop-Off: I arrived at the Costco Photo Center on November 5th, 2024, and was greeted by a friendly staff member. I told them I wanted to convert my VHS tapes to DVDs. The staff quickly took my tapes and asked me to fill out a form with my contact information and the services I needed. The process felt smooth and straightforward.
2. Payment: After dropping off my tapes, I paid for the service at the counter. The cost for converting each VHS tape to DVD was $19.99 per tape. I also paid a small additional fee for a couple of extra tapes. The staff clearly explained the pricing, so there were no surprises.
3. Processing Time: The staff informed me that the turnaround time would be about 2 weeks. I was given a receipt with the pickup date set for November 19th, 2024. They assured me that the DVDs would be ready by then.
4. Pick-Up: On November 19th, I returned to Costco, and the DVDs were ready for pickup. The staff handed over my DVDs and my original tapes. Everything was well-organized, and the DVDs played the content from my tapes perfectly.

Customer Experience

The customer service at Costco Photo Center was excellent. The staff was professional, helpful, and clear about the process and pricing. The photo center itself was clean and easy to navigate, making the whole experience quick and pleasant. I was able to drop off my items with ease and pick them up on time, without any delays.

Overall, my experience at Costco Photo Center was positive. If you’re looking for a reliable and straightforward service to convert VHS tapes to DVDs, Costco Photo Center in Everett, MA, is a great option.

Why I Chose Costco Photo Center?

Before I decided to use Costco Photo Center for converting my VHS tapes, I did some research online to make sure it was a good choice. I wanted to be sure my tapes, which hold precious family memories, would be treated well. Here’s what I found:

1. Good Reviews: I read reviews on Google and other sites, and many people were happy with Costco’s photo services. Customers said the service was reliable, the quality was good, and it was easy to drop off and pick up your items at a local Costco. This made me feel more confident about using them.
2. Clear Prices: The price for converting VHS tapes to DVDs was listed online as $19.99 per tape, which seemed fair. It was nice to see the price upfront with no hidden costs, so I knew exactly what I would be paying.
3. Convenience: The Costco in Everett, MA is close to where I live, so it was easy for me to drop off my tapes. Knowing that Costco is a well-known and trusted company made me feel more comfortable trusting them with my tapes.

My Experience at Costco

I visited the Costco Photo Center in Everett, MA on November 5th, 2024. The staff was friendly and explained the process clearly, which made me feel at ease. I liked that I could drop off my tapes in person, as I wasn’t just mailing them away. It felt safer knowing that I could speak directly to someone if there were any issues.

What really stood out about my experience at Costco wasn’t just the VHS service. I’ve had great experiences at Costco in other areas too. For example, I’ve ordered photo prints and photo gifts in the past, and the quality was always excellent. Plus, I’ve used their grocery and bulk items, and every time I visit, the store is clean and well-organized. The staff is helpful, and I’ve always felt like they care about my shopping experience.

When I returned to pick up my DVDs on November 19th, everything was ready and exactly as I expected. The DVDs were in good condition, and the videos played perfectly. The whole process was easy and quick, and I was happy with the results.

Why Costco Felt Like a Safe Choice

Having positive experiences with Costco in the past—whether it was getting high-quality prints, ordering photo books, or simply shopping for groceries—helped me trust their VHS conversion service. Knowing I could rely on them for other services gave me confidence that they would handle my tapes with the same level of care.

Overall, my experience with Costco was great. The combination of good reviews, fair prices, and the friendly service at the Everett location made me trust their service. If you need VHS tapes converted, Costco Photo Center is a reliable option. And beyond that, their overall customer service and high-quality products make it a place I’ll keep returning to.

Third Best Choice for Converting VHS Tapes to Digital: Elgato Video Capture

After using iMemories and trying Costco Photo Center as my second choice for converting VHS tapes to digital, I decided to give the Elgato Video Capture a try as my third option. Here’s how the process went and my experience with this simple but effective device.

Step 1: Unboxing and Setup

When I opened the box, I found the Elgato Video Capture hardware, a software CD, a short cable, and a few other small items. I didn’t get the SCART adapter (because I bought it used), but I didn’t need it. I just plugged the Elgato device into my computer’s USB port and followed the simple instructions to install the software. It was quick and easy.

Step 2: Setting Up the Software

After installing the software, I opened it and started the setup. First, I named my video file and picked how long I wanted to record (this helped me keep track of the file size). Then, I chose whether I wanted to use Composite or S-Video, and picked the aspect ratio (4:3 or 16:9). Since my VHS tapes were old and non-HD, I selected 4:3, and that worked best for me.

Step 3: Recording

When I was ready to record, the software made it really easy. I just pressed the big red “Record” button, and it started without any delay. I could see a timer and how big the file was getting, which helped me keep an eye on my hard drive space. A 30-second clip took up about 6MB, so I made sure to have enough storage.

Step 4: Editing and Exporting

After recording, I could trim the beginning and end of the video if I needed to. This was useful to cut out any unnecessary parts. Once I was done, I could save the video as an MP4 file, which I could watch on QuickTime or add to iTunes. If I wanted, I could even upload it to YouTube or edit it with iMovie.

Step 5: Video and Audio Quality

I was a little worried the video wouldn’t be great, but I was pleasantly surprised. It wasn’t HD, but for an old VHS tape, it looked good. The video was a little fuzzy, but not bad at all. The audio was clear with no problems.

Step 6: A Couple of Small Issues

There were a couple of things I didn’t love. The software creates a new folder in my Documents called “EyeTV Archive,” even though it’s empty. It’s a small thing, but I don’t like having extra folders around. Also, the app asks me to check the input and audio settings every time I use it. Once they’re set up, I don’t need to check them again, so it felt a little unnecessary.

Final Thoughts

After using the Elgato Video Capture, I can confidently say it’s a solid choice for converting VHS tapes to digital. Priced at $85.99, it has an impressive 4.4 out of 5 stars rating from over 10,000 reviews, which shows it’s a popular and trusted option. Plus, over 1,000 people have bought it in the past month alone, which speaks to its reliability.

I picked this device for a few key reasons:

• Ease of use: The setup was straightforward, and the software was user-friendly. I didn’t need any technical expertise to get everything running.
• Compatibility: It works on both Mac and Windows, so I didn’t need to worry about compatibility issues. This was important to me, as I wanted a versatile device.
• Solid video quality: While the video isn’t HD, the quality was more than enough for my purposes. I was able to convert my old tapes without the fuzzy or grainy problems I encountered with other cheaper devices.
• Affordable price: At $85.99, it strikes a balance between cost and quality. It’s affordable without sacrificing performance, especially compared to other options I checked before making my choice.

Before choosing the Elgato, I considered a few things:

1. User Reviews: I looked at ratings and customer feedback to ensure it was a reliable product. The Elgato had consistently high ratings and positive experiences.
2. Ease of Setup: I didn’t want to deal with complicated installation or software. The Elgato stood out for being easy to set up and use right out of the box.
3. Price vs Features: I wanted something that wouldn’t break the bank but still offered solid features. The Elgato met this criteria with its great balance of price, quality, and functionality.

Overall, I’m really satisfied with my decision to go with the Elgato Video Capture. It delivered exactly what I needed—simple, effective VHS-to-digital conversion.

Fourth Best Choice for Converting VHS Tapes to Digital: Walmart Photo Center

After trying iMemories, Costco Photo Center, and the Elgato Video Capture, I decided to give Walmart Photo Center a try for converting my VHS tapes to digital. Here’s how the process went and what I experienced.

Dropping Off My Tapes at Walmart Photo Center

I took a few old VHS tapes to Walmart Photo Center and dropped them off at the counter. The process was straightforward—I filled out a form with my contact information and selected how I wanted the files delivered (DVD, USB drive, or digital download). I chose digital download, thinking it would be the easiest. The staff was friendly and told me the conversion would take about a week.

The Conversion Process and Results

A week later, I received a notification that my tapes were ready to be picked up. When I reviewed the digital files, I noticed the quality wasn’t as good as I expected. The video was a bit blurry, and the audio wasn’t as clear as I hoped. I had expected better quality, especially after seeing better results from other services like iMemories.

Customer Service Resolution

I contacted customer service about the quality issue. They were understanding and explained that the age and condition of the tapes might have affected the outcome. They offered me a partial refund for the lower quality. I could have tried redoing the conversion, but I decided not to since I wasn’t confident it would improve.

Final Thoughts

Walmart Photo Center’s VHS-to-digital service is a budget-friendly option for converting old tapes. However, the quality wasn’t as good as I experienced with other services like iMemories or Costco Photo Center. If you’re looking for a more affordable solution and your tapes are in decent condition, Walmart might work for you. But if you want higher quality, I’d recommend exploring other options.

Fifth Best Choice for Converting VHS Tapes to Digital: ClearClick Video to Digital Converter 2.0

After exploring several options for converting my VHS tapes to digital, I decided to try the ClearClick Video to Digital Converter 2.0 as my fifth choice. I bought it directly from Amazon for $159.95, which was an 11% discount off the listed price of $179.95. I opted for Amazon because it offered free shipping and a reliable return policy, giving me peace of mind in case the device didn’t meet my expectations.

Unboxing and Setup

The ClearClick Video to Digital Converter 2.0 arrived within a few days, well-packaged and with everything I needed to get started. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy the setup was. The device is compact and well-designed, which made it easy to handle. There were clear instructions on how to hook it up to my VCR using the included RCA cables. After inserting my memory stick, I simply pressed play on my old VHS tape and let the device handle the rest. I didn’t need to install any software or worry about tying up my computer, as this was a stand-alone device that worked on its own.

Performance and Video Quality

The performance was exactly what I was looking for. I used the ClearClick to convert several old family VHS tapes. These included home movies from birthday parties, vacations, and other special events, as well as a few tapes of childhood memories from my old gaming sessions on classic systems. The quality of the converted videos was excellent, considering I was working with tapes that were over two decades old. The videos were clear, with vibrant colors and decent sound quality. The converter supports both 720×480 and 640×480 resolution, which was suitable for my older tapes. I found that 640×480 worked best to prevent the video from looking stretched.

One of the key features I liked was the built-in timer function. I could set the device to record for a specific amount of time and then walk away, knowing it would stop recording automatically. This was especially helpful for me as I could leave the device running while I worked on other things without having to monitor it constantly.

Issues and Troubleshooting

While the ClearClick worked well overall, I did encounter a couple of minor issues. For example, I tried to use the 720×480 resolution, but the videos looked stretched, which led me to switch to the 640×480 resolution. It provided much better results for my older tapes.

Another small issue was related to the memory stick. If I removed the stick before the counter fully disappeared after recording, I encountered a corrupted file. However, I quickly figured out that waiting a few extra seconds for the counter to finish fixed the problem, and the files transferred to my computer without any issues after that.

Why I Chose ClearClick

I decided to choose the ClearClick Video to Digital Converter 2.0 for a few key reasons:

• Ease of Use: The device doesn’t require a computer, which means I didn’t have to worry about complicated software setups or taking up my computer’s processing power. It was a true plug-and-play experience.
• Affordable Price: At $159.95, it was more affordable than sending tapes to a conversion service or buying an expensive video capture card and software.
• Quality: The device delivered good quality conversions for old VHS tapes, which is exactly what I needed to preserve my family’s memories.
• Convenience: I loved being able to walk away and let the device do the work, freeing up my time to do other things.

Final Thoughts

The ClearClick Video to Digital Converter 2.0 exceeded my expectations. It’s a reliable and affordable option for anyone looking to convert VHS tapes or other analog video formats to digital files. I was able to convert several VHS tapes, including my family’s vacation videos, birthday parties, and some nostalgic gaming moments, without much hassle.

While it may not have all the advanced features of other devices, its simplicity, stand-alone functionality, and solid performance made it a great choice for my needs. The price I paid was reasonable, and I was able to preserve those precious memories for the future.

If you’re looking for an easy and affordable way to digitize your old VHS tapes, I highly recommend giving the ClearClick Video to Digital Converter 2.0 a try. It’s a great option that delivers great results without the complicated setup or high costs of other methods.