Convert Video tapes to USB Stick

I only have personal experience with one service (a local one here), so I can't recommend any in particular.

As for DIY, I suspect that unless you want to make what might be considerable investment in equipment that it will be cheaper to simply have it done by somebody else. You would need a tape player, then a digitizer. I don't know if they make stand alone ones. The last time I checked it was a card you would put in a computer, but those days are pretty much long gone with Apple unless maybe on some of the highest end machines. 15 years ago I had one in my G4 but it saved a really tiny format movie which even back then was grainy.

In terms of quality, it depends upon what you want. The standard format for computer video now is mp4. Each time you encode to mp4 you lose some quality. So when I take my tape to someplace I will ask them if they can just give the me raw (and much larger) uncompressed video files instead. Then I can use my own encoder (such as the free Handbrake) to encode to mp4 using the quality settings I select. Mind you, with old tape video (particularly the old tube TV format) the starting quality isn't all that great so maybe I am being picky.

Back when I last had it done it was about $30 per video. They gave me a DVD. If they still do that I would instead give them a thumb drive and ask them to give me the raw video file. Since I am saving them encoding time and burning a DVD I would hope to get a bit of a discount.

Note that they may only do this for home videos. If you're thinking of replacing all those old VHS movies with digital files they might refuse. It would frankly be cheaper to buy them again.

A few years ago, my husband used Legacybox to convert our wedding video from VHS to digital, and the result was excellent. We paid around $29.99 for the service at that time.

However, I've noticed that places like Costco and Walmart offer similar VHS-to-digital services for about $19.99, which could be a more affordable alternative. Other services, such as iMemories and Southree, are also worth considering. I suggest looking into these options and reading any complaints or reviews before making a decision to ensure you find the best service for your needs.

If you’re interested in a more budget-friendly DIY approach, you can convert VHS tapes yourself using digital converters. Options like the ClearClick or Elgato Video Capture are available for under $100 on Amazon. This could be a good alternative if you prefer to handle the conversion process yourself

I recently used iMemories to convert some old VHS tapes, Mini-DV tapes, and reels, and here’s a balanced view of my experience:

iMemories did a good job with the conversion process. They kept me informed throughout, providing regular updates on the status of my order, which was reassuring.

The tracking system was clear and easy to use, so I always knew where my order was in the process. The final results were generally good, and the digitized files were delivered as either DVDs or thumb drives, depending on my choice.

The service is on the pricier side compared to some alternatives. The basic package for converting VHS to DVD or thumb drive starts at a higher rate. Additionally, I encountered a few issues with the quality of some older tapes. While iMemories did inform me about these issues, I couldn’t avoid paying for the conversion. Also, they don’t offer CD digitization, which could be a drawback if you have old CDs you want to convert.

Overall, iMemories provides a reliable service with good communication and quality. It’s a solid option if you’re willing to invest a bit more and appreciate regular updates.

If you want to convert VHS tapes to digital, services like iMemories and Legacybox are good options. iMemories can turn your tapes into digital files and give you choices like USB drives, DVDs, or cloud storage. Legacybox does something similar, converting various types of media into digital formats and offering storage options such as USB drives, DVDs, or cloud storage. If you only have a few tapes and want to handle it yourself, the Elgato Video Capture is a good, easy-to-use option. But if you have a lot of tapes or prefer a professional service, iMemories or Legacybox can save you time and hassle.

I’ve used iMemories for converting some old family tapes and thought I’d share my experience. I sent in about 10 tapes for conversion, and it took around 6 weeks from when I shipped them to when I got the digital copies back. The quality was pretty good, and they kept me updated throughout the process. However, it was a bit pricier compared to some other options.

If you’re exploring alternatives, Southtree is another popular service with similar quality and service. It might offer different pricing or packaging options, so it’s worth comparing.

Additionally, don’t overlook local options. Many local photo and video shops offer VHS-to-digital conversion services, and you might be able to get your tapes converted more quickly. Plus, supporting local businesses can sometimes be more cost-effective, and you get the benefit of face-to-face customer service.

I recently tried converting my VHS tapes to USB for $59.99, and here's how it went. The service I used was straightforward and reasonably priced. I sent in my tapes, and within a few weeks, I received a USB drive with all my videos digitized. The process was smooth, and the quality was decent for the price.

The turnaround time was about 3 weeks, which was pretty reasonable. The instructions for sending in the tapes were clear, and customer support was responsive when I had questions. For $59.99, it was a good deal if you're looking to digitize a few tapes without breaking the bank. Overall, I’m happy with how it turned out.

You could also check out VHS converters on Amazon. They’re a good choice if you want to do the conversion yourself and save some money. Each option has its own benefits, so it’s worth comparing them to see what works best for you.

For local vhs conversion services, I’d suggest looking into Costco or Walmart. They offer simple services for converting old videos. iMemories is another good option, but Costco and Walmart might be easier to use.

If you're considering converting your VHS tapes and are weighing between iMemories, Southtree and VidBox, here's a summary of the pros and cons for each to help you decide.

Southtree is a strong option if you’re looking for a reliable mail-in service. Their quality service is well-regarded, and they offer good customer support throughout the process. You can conveniently send your tapes to them and receive the digital copies without having to leave your home. Southtree provides a variety of packages based on the number of tapes and the quality you want, which can be tailored to your needs. However, it can be more expensive compared to DIY solutions. The costs can accumulate, especially if you have many tapes. Additionally, the processing time may be longer, so you’ll need to be patient as you wait for your tapes to be converted and returned.

On the other hand, VidBox offers a more cost-effective solution for those who prefer a DIY approach. It’s generally more affordable than professional services like Southtree, and it allows you to handle the conversion process yourself, giving you control over the final product. You can start and complete the digitization at your own pace, which can be convenient. However, VidBox does come with a learning curve, as you’ll need some technical know-how to set it up and use it effectively. The quality of the results can also vary depending on your equipment and setup, so it might not be as consistent as the professional services.

In summary, Southtree and iMemories are ideal if you prefer a hands-off, professional service with good quality but are willing to pay a bit more and wait for processing. VidBox, on the other hand, is a great choice if you want to save money and don’t mind doing the work yourself, though it requires some technical skills and may have variable results.

I've been using LifeFlix on my Mac to convert my old VHS and MiniDV tapes, and it's worked really well for me. The process is pretty simple—just plug in the camcorder, and LifeFlix automatically detects and imports the scenes. One of the things I like most is how it detects the end of scenes and makes separate files if you enable it.

With the recent launch of version 5, there are even more features, like organizing your video library, which makes it easy to keep everything in order. I considered using professional services like Legacybox, but being able to do it all at home with LifeFlix was a better fit for me. Plus, I didn’t have to worry about sending my tapes away.

Nafeel23 wrote:

I've been using LifeFlix on my Mac to convert my old VHS and MiniDV tapes

That requires you have equipment capable of DV output. Not all old VHS players or camcorders have that. If all you have are VHS tapes then you have to buy something that will play them that also had digital output. In that case unless you have a ton of tapes you are better off having them done commercially.