Need to somehow Digitise one VHS tape!

six-h · 12-09-2015, 23:50

Hope you clever guys will be able to show me how to achieve this task!
Had an old Ferguson Videostar VHS machine, long retired so I tested it with an old tape!
Good job I did as it just chewed it all up and that would have been disastrous, I would have lost the only video record of my old Mum!
Yes it's that precious.

Old VCR's are like hens teeth to find and since I only have one tape with an hour of content, it's not worth my while to BUY a machine, even if I could find one!
I've been given a respectable looking "Philips 20 inch TVCR" combi machine ( Model No 20PV164/05) which came complete with the original manual.
It weighs a ton, not what I was expecting, it has a 20" CRT screen, never seen a combi that large!

It has an aerial socket, and a Scart socket on the back nothing else, and I was hoping to connect it via that Scart to either My TV, my YouView Box, or best case, my Wharfdale LP250DTRHDMI.

All the above machines have scart sockets, indeed, the Wharfdale has two Scart's, one marked "TV Scart", the other "Aux Scart".

This is a copy of the manual refering to Scart
The first paragraph refers to "using this Combi to record from another source, eg. a second TV Combi", which gives me hope that the scart is Bi-directional, and I could use the output from it as an input signal to the "Aux Scart" of my Wharfedale PVR.
Would that allow me to record the tape's content onto my Wharfedale's HDD?
If so, I could then transfer it to a USB drive and thence to my PC, Job Done!

Will that work?
How do I get the PVR to "See" the signal from it's Aux Scart, will it be automatic?
Is anything likely to go BOOM?

The first paragraph of the manual page I linked to also (confusingly) mentions an alternative method using a "cinch cable for the Audio/Video input at the front of the set"
The only connection on the front of the machine is a 3.5mm headphone jack!

Failing that, there is the Heath Robinson method, ....play the tape via the Scart connected to my 40" Sony TV, and record sound and vision with my phone!!

emptybox · 13-09-2015, 00:08

It would be unusual for a PVR to be able to record from an external source.
Unless the Whafedale is also a DVD recorder?
(can't find much info on it).

If it can record from an external source it should be quite easy to find the option in the menu.
If it is a DVD recorder, then you can later rip the DVD to your computer hard drive using software such as Handbrake.

If it only records to the hard drive on the Wharfedale (again very unusual) then you might find your video stuck on there.
For long term storage you'd really need to get it onto a computer hard drive.

If the Wharfedale proves to be a non-starter you could buy a device like this, to record direct to your computer.
It takes a scart out from your VCR, and connects to a USB port on the computer. You'd probably need to install the software on the accompanying CD (or find it online if your PC has no optical drive).

six-h · 13-09-2015, 01:24

Hi emptybox I was just off to bed!
If I can get it recorded onto the Wharfedale, there is a facility on that machine which allows "Export to USB", I'm just looking at the manual for it now, and there is a connection diagram showing the "TV Scart" connected to a TV set, and the Scart labelled "Aux Scart" connected to a VCR, but it lists the socket as:-
"AUX SCART. -- Output for other equipment, such as DVD, VCR, ...etc."
So it isn't looking as if it would accept an incoming signal.
Would it be harmful to try connecting the Combi unit output to the Wharfedale Aux Scart?
Just looking at the kit you link to, is that just USB to the various video and audio leads, or is there some other magic involved?
I have a kit of connectors, inter-connectors, and a Scart converter just like that shown, which I bought from Tandy!
Intended for connecting everything to anything at all!
I just need the "leads to USB" adaptor, ...or is it more involved than that?

I see a CD is involved, ...some software required?

Stig · 13-09-2015, 06:06

You can pay to get VHS put into DVD. Lots of places do it. If it's too technical to do yourself that's the way to go.

spiney2 · 13-09-2015, 08:52

some shops will do it for u as said. Or if u got a computer, an "easycap" type device.(google that for more details) .Goes between any vcr video out socket, and computer usb socket. ALDI have some left cheap, about £15. Or at Maplin shops for a bit more.

spiney2 · 13-09-2015, 09:00

once video has been captured, and is a digital file on computer, it can be saved on various backup.media, viewed,in computer media player, or burned onto a standard playable dvd .......

Stig · 13-09-2015, 09:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by spiney2

some shops will do it for u as said. Or if u got a computer, an "easycap" type device.(google that for more details) .Goes between any vcr video out socket, and computer usb socket. ALDI have some left cheap, about £15. Or at Maplin shops for a bit more.

To be honest those cheap capture cars are more trouble than they're worth.

oilman · 13-09-2015, 09:29

I doubt a combi VCR TV system is bidirectional. You might be lucky.

For 1 tape, just get a company to create a DVD for you.

bobcar · 13-09-2015, 10:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by oilman

For 1 tape, just get a company to create a DVD for you.

Yes for one tape and such an important tape then this is by far the easiest solution. It will also be cheaper than buying kit specially for this.

Once the tape is copied then the DVD should be backed up into several places.

anthony david · 13-09-2015, 10:55

Max Spielman and I think Timpsons do this for non copyright material. No point in paying for equipment or learning how to use to for one tape.

six-h · 13-09-2015, 12:51

Thanks guys, I think I'll take your advice and find a shop which will convert it for me.
That seems to be the most expedient way to go!

oilman · 13-09-2015, 13:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by six-h

Thanks guys, I think I'll take your advice and find a shop which will convert it for me.
That seems to be the most expedient way to go!

There are companies online eg

http://www.dvdcopyingdirect.co.uk

no idea how reputable though.

emptybox · 14-09-2015, 00:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by six-h

Hi emptybox I was just off to bed!
If I can get it recorded onto the Wharfedale, there is a facility on that machine which allows "Export to USB", I'm just looking at the manual for it now, and there is a connection diagram showing the "TV Scart" connected to a TV set, and the Scart labelled "Aux Scart" connected to a VCR, but it lists the socket as:-
"AUX SCART. -- Output for other equipment, such as DVD, VCR, ...etc."
So it isn't looking as if it would accept an incoming signal.
Would it be harmful to try connecting the Combi unit output to the Wharfedale Aux Scart?
Just looking at the kit you link to, is that just USB to the various video and audio leads, or is there some other magic involved?
I have a kit of connectors, inter-connectors, and a Scart converter just like that shown, which I bought from Tandy!
Intended for connecting everything to anything at all!
I just need the "leads to USB" adaptor, ...or is it more involved than that?

I see a CD is involved, ...some software required?

You certainly can't do any damage connecting up the scart, and seeing if you get a signal.
Even if you get it recorded to the Wharfedale's hard drive, and exported to USB stick or drive, there's no guarantee that file would playback on your PC. It might only play on the Wharfedale.
But there's no harm in trying.

If you have a video capture card on your PC already (a TV card often also has video input), then you could use the leads you already have. Otherwise you would need the USB capture device. It's a little bit more than a simple adaptor.
The CD will just have the drivers to tell the computer what's been connected to it via USB, and also a program to record video to file.

But I see you've decided to get someone else to convert it for you.

Probably wise, as the quality of these home solutions is never very good, in my experience.

six-h · 14-09-2015, 01:17

Thanks emptybox, Google has been educating me!
The cheap capture devices are it seems, something of a lottery and I cannot justify the expense of the high quality ones so I think the copying services are going to be less hassle for a similar cost.
Thanks again to all for your advice, much appreciated.

spiney2 · 14-09-2015, 06:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stig

To be honest those cheap capture cars are more trouble than they're worth.

they work just fine. The main trouble usually is installing the software, experimenting for best results .....

Bill Clinton · 15-09-2015, 14:25

I'm in Cheshire maybe I could do it for you free of charge. I use a Sony VHS connected to a DVD recorder, I can also record the output to an El Gato Game Capture device which is the easiest way.

VHS recorders I found easy to get on Ebay, I got a Sony one for £15. They couldn't really be described as rare as this would certainly be what you need - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sony-SLV-S...item488388c91c - That's the one I use, very crisp picture.

You could then record it to DVD with a DVD recorder and could also rip it to a video file with Handbrake on the PC.

DVD recorders aren't too much either from Ebay so you could get kitted up for this and any others you might want to do - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Panasonic-...item2359090bc0

six-h · 15-09-2015, 15:09

Hi Bill, I would be really pleased if you could transfer it to DVD for me.
I have to admit that the two things about current technology that I still list under the heading "Black Magic" are setting up WiFi networks and the entire world of video "codecs and containers"!

May I send you a PM to arrange a mutually suitable time/date?

Bill Clinton · 17-09-2015, 01:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by six-h

Hi Bill, I would be really pleased if you could transfer it to DVD for me.
I have to admit that the two things about current technology that I still list under the heading "Black Magic" are setting up WiFi networks and the entire world of video "codecs and containers"!

May I send you a PM to arrange a mutually suitable time/date?

I was told on the satellite forum that my PM's were full but I could clear a couple out, so send one tomorrow. I am roughly in the Neston/Ellesmere Port area if that's any use, I can drive.

six-h · 17-09-2015, 13:25

Hi Bill, see your message box is still "full" so I've used the "email link" hope that's OK.

AidanLunn · 17-09-2015, 14:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by six-h

Hope you clever guys will be able to show me how to achieve this task!
Had an old Ferguson Videostar VHS machine, long retired so I tested it with an old tape!
Good job I did as it just chewed it all up and that would have been disastrous, I would have lost the only video record of my old Mum!
Yes it's that precious.

Don't suppose you'd consider giving away the Ferguson Videostar, would you?

six-h · 17-09-2015, 14:26

Hi Aidan, I would if I still had it!
It pained me to send it to the dump, 'cos it was a really good model.

six-h · 20-09-2015, 14:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Clinton

I'm in Cheshire maybe I could do it for you free of charge. I use a Sony VHS connected to a DVD recorder, I can also record the output to an El Gato Game Capture device which is the easiest way.

You could then record it to DVD with a DVD recorder and could also rip it to a video file with Handbrake on the PC.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Clinton

I was told on the satellite forum that my PM's were full but I could clear a couple out, so send one tomorrow. I am roughly in the Neston/Ellesmere Port area if that's any use, I can drive.

Quote:

Originally Posted by six-h

Hi Bill, see your message box is still "full" so I've used the "email link" hope that's OK.

Hi Bill, I'm getting no response to my email, and you still have a full inbox. I'm wondering if you are still prepared to convert my Tape to DVD as per your kind offer?
...no pressure, time's not a problem, I'm just hoping that you are still minded to do it for me!

Kenny Maclean · 21-09-2015, 00:53

I can personally recommend these guys. All my VHS - DVD transfers I have done in the past few months have come back in great quality. It looks like they even pass everything through a Time Base Corrector which stabilizes / cleans up the VHS source material. They will even provide you with the raw data mp4 files on request.

12-09-2015, 23:50	#1
six-h Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Cheshire Posts: 193	Need to somehow Digitise one VHS tape! Hope you clever guys will be able to show me how to achieve this task! Had an old Ferguson Videostar VHS machine, long retired so I tested it with an old tape! Good job I did as it just chewed it all up and that would have been disastrous, I would have lost the only video record of my old Mum! Yes it's that precious. Old VCR's are like hens teeth to find and since I only have one tape with an hour of content, it's not worth my while to BUY a machine, even if I could find one! I've been given a respectable looking "Philips 20 inch TVCR" combi machine ( Model No 20PV164/05) which came complete with the original manual. It weighs a ton, not what I was expecting, it has a 20" CRT screen, never seen a combi that large! It has an aerial socket, and a Scart socket on the back nothing else, and I was hoping to connect it via that Scart to either My TV, my YouView Box, or best case, my Wharfdale LP250DTRHDMI. All the above machines have scart sockets, indeed, the Wharfdale has two Scart's, one marked "TV Scart", the other "Aux Scart". This is a copy of the manual refering to Scart The first paragraph refers to "using this Combi to record from another source, eg. a second TV Combi", which gives me hope that the scart is Bi-directional, and I could use the output from it as an input signal to the "Aux Scart" of my Wharfedale PVR. Would that allow me to record the tape's content onto my Wharfedale's HDD? If so, I could then transfer it to a USB drive and thence to my PC, Job Done! Will that work? How do I get the PVR to "See" the signal from it's Aux Scart, will it be automatic? Is anything likely to go BOOM? The first paragraph of the manual page I linked to also (confusingly) mentions an alternative method using a "cinch cable for the Audio/Video input at the front of the set" The only connection on the front of the machine is a 3.5mm headphone jack! Failing that, there is the Heath Robinson method, ....play the tape via the Scart connected to my 40" Sony TV, and record sound and vision with my phone!!

13-09-2015, 00:08	#2
emptybox Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Scottish Borders Posts: 11,995	It would be unusual for a PVR to be able to record from an external source. Unless the Whafedale is also a DVD recorder? (can't find much info on it). If it can record from an external source it should be quite easy to find the option in the menu. If it is a DVD recorder, then you can later rip the DVD to your computer hard drive using software such as Handbrake. If it only records to the hard drive on the Wharfedale (again very unusual) then you might find your video stuck on there. For long term storage you'd really need to get it onto a computer hard drive. If the Wharfedale proves to be a non-starter you could buy a device like this, to record direct to your computer. It takes a scart out from your VCR, and connects to a USB port on the computer. You'd probably need to install the software on the accompanying CD (or find it online if your PC has no optical drive).

13-09-2015, 01:24	#3
six-h Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Cheshire Posts: 193	Hi emptybox I was just off to bed! If I can get it recorded onto the Wharfedale, there is a facility on that machine which allows "Export to USB", I'm just looking at the manual for it now, and there is a connection diagram showing the "TV Scart" connected to a TV set, and the Scart labelled "Aux Scart" connected to a VCR, but it lists the socket as:- "AUX SCART. -- Output for other equipment, such as DVD, VCR, ...etc." So it isn't looking as if it would accept an incoming signal. Would it be harmful to try connecting the Combi unit output to the Wharfedale Aux Scart? Just looking at the kit you link to, is that just USB to the various video and audio leads, or is there some other magic involved? I have a kit of connectors, inter-connectors, and a Scart converter just like that shown, which I bought from Tandy! Intended for connecting everything to anything at all! I just need the "leads to USB" adaptor, ...or is it more involved than that? I see a CD is involved, ...some software required?

13-09-2015, 06:06	#4
Stig Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Sandy Heath, Beds. UK Posts: 10,384	You can pay to get VHS put into DVD. Lots of places do it. If it's too technical to do yourself that's the way to go.

13-09-2015, 08:52	#5
spiney2 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 24,123	some shops will do it for u as said. Or if u got a computer, an "easycap" type device.(google that for more details) .Goes between any vcr video out socket, and computer usb socket. ALDI have some left cheap, about £15. Or at Maplin shops for a bit more.

13-09-2015, 09:00	#6
spiney2 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 24,123	once video has been captured, and is a digital file on computer, it can be saved on various backup.media, viewed,in computer media player, or burned onto a standard playable dvd .......

13-09-2015, 09:21	#7
Stig Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Sandy Heath, Beds. UK Posts: 10,384	Quote: Originally Posted by spiney2 some shops will do it for u as said. Or if u got a computer, an "easycap" type device.(google that for more details) .Goes between any vcr video out socket, and computer usb socket. ALDI have some left cheap, about £15. Or at Maplin shops for a bit more. To be honest those cheap capture cars are more trouble than they're worth.

13-09-2015, 09:29	#8
oilman Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 3,854	I doubt a combi VCR TV system is bidirectional. You might be lucky. For 1 tape, just get a company to create a DVD for you.

13-09-2015, 10:34	#9
bobcar Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 14,718	Quote: Originally Posted by oilman For 1 tape, just get a company to create a DVD for you. Yes for one tape and such an important tape then this is by far the easiest solution. It will also be cheaper than buying kit specially for this. Once the tape is copied then the DVD should be backed up into several places.

13-09-2015, 10:55	#10
anthony david Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 3,469	Max Spielman and I think Timpsons do this for non copyright material. No point in paying for equipment or learning how to use to for one tape.

13-09-2015, 12:51	#11
six-h Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Cheshire Posts: 193	Thanks guys, I think I'll take your advice and find a shop which will convert it for me. That seems to be the most expedient way to go!

13-09-2015, 13:47	#12
oilman Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 3,854	Quote: Originally Posted by six-h Thanks guys, I think I'll take your advice and find a shop which will convert it for me. That seems to be the most expedient way to go! There are companies online eg http://www.dvdcopyingdirect.co.uk no idea how reputable though.

14-09-2015, 00:29	#13
emptybox Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Scottish Borders Posts: 11,995	Quote: Originally Posted by six-h Hi emptybox I was just off to bed! If I can get it recorded onto the Wharfedale, there is a facility on that machine which allows "Export to USB", I'm just looking at the manual for it now, and there is a connection diagram showing the "TV Scart" connected to a TV set, and the Scart labelled "Aux Scart" connected to a VCR, but it lists the socket as:- "AUX SCART. -- Output for other equipment, such as DVD, VCR, ...etc." So it isn't looking as if it would accept an incoming signal. Would it be harmful to try connecting the Combi unit output to the Wharfedale Aux Scart? Just looking at the kit you link to, is that just USB to the various video and audio leads, or is there some other magic involved? I have a kit of connectors, inter-connectors, and a Scart converter just like that shown, which I bought from Tandy! Intended for connecting everything to anything at all! I just need the "leads to USB" adaptor, ...or is it more involved than that? I see a CD is involved, ...some software required? You certainly can't do any damage connecting up the scart, and seeing if you get a signal. Even if you get it recorded to the Wharfedale's hard drive, and exported to USB stick or drive, there's no guarantee that file would playback on your PC. It might only play on the Wharfedale. But there's no harm in trying. If you have a video capture card on your PC already (a TV card often also has video input), then you could use the leads you already have. Otherwise you would need the USB capture device. It's a little bit more than a simple adaptor. The CD will just have the drivers to tell the computer what's been connected to it via USB, and also a program to record video to file. But I see you've decided to get someone else to convert it for you. Probably wise, as the quality of these home solutions is never very good, in my experience.

14-09-2015, 01:17	#14
six-h Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Cheshire Posts: 193	Thanks emptybox, Google has been educating me! The cheap capture devices are it seems, something of a lottery and I cannot justify the expense of the high quality ones so I think the copying services are going to be less hassle for a similar cost. Thanks again to all for your advice, much appreciated.

14-09-2015, 06:46	#15
spiney2 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 24,123	Quote: Originally Posted by Stig To be honest those cheap capture cars are more trouble than they're worth. they work just fine. The main trouble usually is installing the software, experimenting for best results .....

15-09-2015, 14:25	#16
Bill Clinton Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: SouthWirral 1986-2002 & 2004-? Posts: 7,082	I'm in Cheshire maybe I could do it for you free of charge. I use a Sony VHS connected to a DVD recorder, I can also record the output to an El Gato Game Capture device which is the easiest way. VHS recorders I found easy to get on Ebay, I got a Sony one for £15. They couldn't really be described as rare as this would certainly be what you need - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sony-SLV-S...item488388c91c - That's the one I use, very crisp picture. You could then record it to DVD with a DVD recorder and could also rip it to a video file with Handbrake on the PC. DVD recorders aren't too much either from Ebay so you could get kitted up for this and any others you might want to do - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Panasonic-...item2359090bc0

15-09-2015, 15:09	#17
six-h Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Cheshire Posts: 193	Hi Bill, I would be really pleased if you could transfer it to DVD for me. I have to admit that the two things about current technology that I still list under the heading "Black Magic" are setting up WiFi networks and the entire world of video "codecs and containers"! May I send you a PM to arrange a mutually suitable time/date?

17-09-2015, 01:39	#18
Bill Clinton Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: SouthWirral 1986-2002 & 2004-? Posts: 7,082	Quote: Originally Posted by six-h Hi Bill, I would be really pleased if you could transfer it to DVD for me. I have to admit that the two things about current technology that I still list under the heading "Black Magic" are setting up WiFi networks and the entire world of video "codecs and containers"! May I send you a PM to arrange a mutually suitable time/date? I was told on the satellite forum that my PM's were full but I could clear a couple out, so send one tomorrow. I am roughly in the Neston/Ellesmere Port area if that's any use, I can drive.

17-09-2015, 13:25	#19
six-h Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Cheshire Posts: 193	Hi Bill, see your message box is still "full" so I've used the "email link" hope that's OK.

17-09-2015, 14:13	#20
AidanLunn Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 5,045	Quote: Originally Posted by six-h Hope you clever guys will be able to show me how to achieve this task! Had an old Ferguson Videostar VHS machine, long retired so I tested it with an old tape! Good job I did as it just chewed it all up and that would have been disastrous, I would have lost the only video record of my old Mum! Yes it's that precious. Don't suppose you'd consider giving away the Ferguson Videostar, would you?

17-09-2015, 14:26	#21
six-h Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Cheshire Posts: 193	Hi Aidan, I would if I still had it! It pained me to send it to the dump, 'cos it was a really good model.

DS Forums

Need to somehow Digitise one VHS tape!

20-09-2015, 14:29	#22
six-h Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Cheshire Posts: 193	Quote: Originally Posted by Bill Clinton I'm in Cheshire maybe I could do it for you free of charge. I use a Sony VHS connected to a DVD recorder, I can also record the output to an El Gato Game Capture device which is the easiest way. You could then record it to DVD with a DVD recorder and could also rip it to a video file with Handbrake on the PC. Quote: Originally Posted by Bill Clinton I was told on the satellite forum that my PM's were full but I could clear a couple out, so send one tomorrow. I am roughly in the Neston/Ellesmere Port area if that's any use, I can drive. Quote: Originally Posted by six-h Hi Bill, see your message box is still "full" so I've used the "email link" hope that's OK. Hi Bill, I'm getting no response to my email, and you still have a full inbox. I'm wondering if you are still prepared to convert my Tape to DVD as per your kind offer? ...no pressure, time's not a problem, I'm just hoping that you are still minded to do it for me!

21-09-2015, 00:53	#23
Kenny Maclean Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: London Posts: 1,242	I can personally recommend these guys. All my VHS - DVD transfers I have done in the past few months have come back in great quality. It looks like they even pass everything through a Time Base Corrector which stabilizes / cleans up the VHS source material. They will even provide you with the raw data mp4 files on request.