Converting VHS to digital

[overkill22]

I have a bunch of VHS that would like to convert to digital. A quick search on amazon and I found that there are cheap devices that convert the RGB to digital:
https://www.amazon.com/REDGO-Video-Capt ... 49036b01ec

https://www.amazon.com/Roxio-Easy-Plus- ... aaa7773ec6

but they are Windows compatible, and some not even MAC compatible.
I was wondering if there's anything for linux mint, or what are the solutions for linux.
Any advice about how to do the job would be really appreciated. I'm sure here there are many that already did the conversion.

[Pierre]

all of those hardware devices, seem to be Windows Based,
& even the Hardware device, that I've got, is used on an old win-xp machine.

most folks would suggest to use Handbreak,,
as the FOSS version when using Digital Sources.

the Guy that I've always know & who does heaps of these conversions,
is using Pinnacle Studio Video Converter,,
but - again - that's on his win-7 based machine.

[overkill22]

all of those hardware devices, seem to be Windows Based,
& even the Hardware device, that I've got, is used on an old win-xp machine.

most folks would suggest to use Handbreak,,
as the FOSS version when using Digital Sources.

the Guy that I've always know & who does heaps of these conversions,
is using Pinnacle Studio Video Converter,,
but - again - that's on his win-7 based machine.

Son, handbrake as software and any compatible hardware should be good.

Any suggestion for the output format? I always had problems understanding the different types of containers, codecs, and etc...

[Pierre]

generally - you would save as MP4 format,
but again, I've always burnt straight to Disk,, but again, that's also part of the Software that I'm using.

the thing is, that getting this sort of stuff is to work on a Linux System is always Fun - - NOT
your main issue, will be, in obtaining the Hardware, in order to Test it Out - without having to Buy it First.

[overkill22]

generally - you would save as MP4 format,
but again, I've always burnt straight to Disk,, but again, that's also part of the Software that I'm using.

the thing is, that getting this sort of stuff is to work on a Linux System is always Fun - - NOT
your main issue, will be, in obtaining the Hardware, in order to Test it Out - without having to Buy it First.

I guess if I go with amazon and look for something sold as compatible with linux and it's not, I can always send it back. But I agree, video editing with linux is fun -- NOT

[phd21]

Hi overkill22,

I just read your post and some of the good replies to it. Here are my thoughts on this as well.

1.) There are some of those VHS to Digital devices on Amazon that do not require a computer at all and convert to digital format on a microSD card, hard drive, etc... so it does not matter what computer operating system you use. This is what I would get if I did not already have a VHS DVD combo player recorder that can copy VHS to DVD and visa-versa. I would get at least a 32gb microSD card for any player recorder that uses one, and they are low cost.

Here's how it works...

1) Connect your Video2Digital Converter to your VCR, camcorder, or any other video source. A VCR/camcorder is required and not included. (RCA cable included!)

2) Press the "Record" button on the converter and watch your video on the 2.3" LCD as it transfers.
(No computer is required to capture your videos!)

3) Press "Record" button again or "Stop" button to stop recording.

4) Transfer your digitalized videos to your computer with the included USB cable. Then put them on your tablet, smartphone, or burn a DVD.

Amazon.com: DIGITNOW Video To Digital Converter,Vhs To Digital Converter To Capture Video From VCR's,VHS Tapes,Hi8,Camcorder,DVD,TV Box and Gaming Systems $89.99 us & FREE Shipping
https://www.amazon.com/DIGITNOW-Digital ... NBY97BPPFM

Amazon.com: ClearClick Video to Digital Converter - Capture Video from VCR's, VHS Tapes, Hi8, Camcorder, DVD, Gaming
$119.95us & FREE Shipping
https://www.amazon.com/ClearClick-Video ... lectronics

Amazon.com: Video to Digital Converter , Video Capture from VCR/ VHS/ Hi8/ Camcorder/ Gaming Systems, Video Recorder and Player with Microphone, Record Analog Video to TF Card: Home Audio & Theater $99.99 & FREE Shipping
https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Converte ... NBY97BPPFM



2.) Any of the stand-alone VHS and DVD combination player recorders can burn (copy) a DVD from the VHS tapes which can then be easily "ripped", converted, into digital files on your Linux Mint system

Amazon.com: Combination VCR and DVD Recorders
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss ... D+Recorder



FYI: For people who have older film reels like Super 8, etc...

Amazon.com : Wolverine 8mm and Super 8 Film Reel Converter Scanner to Convert Film into Digital Videos. Frame by Frame Scanning to Convert 3 inch and 5 inch 8mm Super 8 Film reels into 720P Digital : Camera & Photo
https://www.amazon.com/Wolverine-Conver ... 55DAEFBBNY

Amazon.com: KODAK SCANZA Digital Film & Slide Scanner – Converts 35mm, 126, 110, Super 8 & 8mm Film Negatives & Slides to JPEG – Includes Large Tilt-Up 3.5” LCD, Easy-Load Film Inserts, Adapters & More: Electronics
https://www.amazon.com/KODAK-SCANZA-Dig ... NBY97BPPFM

Hope this helps ...

[overkill22]

Hi overkill22,

I just read your post and some of the good replies to it. Here are my thoughts on this as well.

1.) There are some of those VHS to Digital devices on Amazon that do not require a computer at all and convert to digital format on a microSD card, hard drive, etc... so it does not matter what computer operating system you use. This is what I would get if I did not already have a VHS DVD combo player recorder that can copy VHS to DVD and visa-versa. I would get at least a 32gb microSD card for any player recorder that uses one, and they are low cost.

Here's how it works...

1) Connect your Video2Digital Converter to your VCR, camcorder, or any other video source. A VCR/camcorder is required and not included. (RCA cable included!)

2) Press the "Record" button on the converter and watch your video on the 2.3" LCD as it transfers.
(No computer is required to capture your videos!)

3) Press "Record" button again or "Stop" button to stop recording.

4) Transfer your digitalized videos to your computer with the included USB cable. Then put them on your tablet, smartphone, or burn a DVD.

Amazon.com: DIGITNOW Video To Digital Converter,Vhs To Digital Converter To Capture Video From VCR's,VHS Tapes,Hi8,Camcorder,DVD,TV Box and Gaming Systems $89.99 us & FREE Shipping
https://www.amazon.com/DIGITNOW-Digital ... NBY97BPPFM

Amazon.com: ClearClick Video to Digital Converter - Capture Video from VCR's, VHS Tapes, Hi8, Camcorder, DVD, Gaming
$119.95us & FREE Shipping
https://www.amazon.com/ClearClick-Video ... lectronics

Amazon.com: Video to Digital Converter , Video Capture from VCR/ VHS/ Hi8/ Camcorder/ Gaming Systems, Video Recorder and Player with Microphone, Record Analog Video to TF Card: Home Audio & Theater $99.99 & FREE Shipping
https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Converte ... NBY97BPPFM



2.) Any of the stand-alone VHS and DVD combination player recorders can burn (copy) a DVD from the VHS tapes which can then be easily "ripped", converted, into digital files on your Linux Mint system

Amazon.com: Combination VCR and DVD Recorders
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss ... D+Recorder



FYI: For people who have older film reels like Super 8, etc...

Amazon.com : Wolverine 8mm and Super 8 Film Reel Converter Scanner to Convert Film into Digital Videos. Frame by Frame Scanning to Convert 3 inch and 5 inch 8mm Super 8 Film reels into 720P Digital : Camera & Photo
https://www.amazon.com/Wolverine-Conver ... 55DAEFBBNY

Amazon.com: KODAK SCANZA Digital Film & Slide Scanner – Converts 35mm, 126, 110, Super 8 & 8mm Film Negatives & Slides to JPEG – Includes Large Tilt-Up 3.5” LCD, Easy-Load Film Inserts, Adapters & More: Electronics
https://www.amazon.com/KODAK-SCANZA-Dig ... NBY97BPPFM

Hope this helps ...

It definitely helps, but in this case, you buy kind of device that substitute the laptop+software, correct?
If I want to buy a device that convert RCA to usb (like the $19 ones), then I'll need a software to convert that signal to a MP4 or other, correct? At this point is the part where linux has a bit of lack in programs or what?

[overkill22]

I'd also like to have an advice about storing those video.
I was thinking to buy a dedicated HD and put everything there. Which type of HD is better for this purpouse, normal one or SSD?

[phd21]

Hi overkill22,

It definitely helps, but in this case, you buy kind of device that substitute the laptop+software, correct?

You do not need a computer (laptop) or software to record the videos from the VHS player or any other video source with the devices I linked to, they record directly to a microSD card, then you can connect it using a USB cable to any computer to transfer the digital video files to your computer.

You could also get a microSD to USB adapter where you can take the microSD card out of these devices, smartphones, cameras, etc... and put the microSD card into the USB adapter and plug that directly into your computer. Laptops may already have a built-in microSD reader.

Amazon.com: Transcend USB 3.0 SDHC / SDXC / microSDHC / SDXC Card Reader, TS-RDF5K (Black)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009D79VH4/re ... B01BXSKPES

If I want to buy a device that convert RCA to usb (like the $19 ones), then I'll need a software to convert that signal to a MP4 or other, correct? At this point is the part where linux has a bit of lack in programs or what?

The low-cost $11-$30 RCA to usb video converters are not as good as the ones I mentioned, but they can also work, if they are compatible with Linux and some are (read descriptions and user comments).

You can install and use "guvcview" and some other applications and the "video for linux" (V4L) applications in the "Synaptic Package Manager (SPM)" to record from those devices into digital formats like ".mkv", ".mpeg", or ".mp4". There are a few other good posts on doing this in this forum. Keep in mind that almost any video format can easily be converted into other video formats (".mpeg" to ".mp4", ".mkv" to ".mp4", and visa-versa) using many different multimedia converters, video editors, etc... I just tested guvcview with my webcam and it recorded to ".mkv" video format.

Amazon.com: USB 2.0 Video Audio Capture Card Adapter VHS VCR TV to DVD Converter support Window, Mac, Linux: $25us
https://www.amazon.com/Capture-Adapter- ... rter+linux

Amazon.com: The VHS to Digital Converter USB 2.0 Video Converter Audio Capture Card VHS Box VHS VCR TV to Digital Converter Support Win 2000/Win Xp/ Win Vista /Win 7/Win 8/ Win 10 Linux Mac/Android: $13.99
https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Converte ... rter+linux

Amazon.com: UVC Usb2.0 Video Capture Card, Compatible Window/Linux/max Black $11.99us
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RMYWGWC/re ... 42493&sr=2

As for storing the videos, that depends on your needs and how big the videos are after converting into digital files. How many videos are we talking about? SSDrives last longer than mechanical platter drives and DVD/Blu-ray discs last longer than those, especially the "m-disc" DVD/Blu-ray discs with a 1,000 year lifespan (requires an "m-disc" DVD or Blu-ray burner and "m-disc" discs).

- You can fit a lot of digital video files copied onto a "data" DVD 4.7gb or dual-layer DVD 8.5gb, or Blu_ray discs (25gb, 50gb, or 100gb). Most VHS videos are in a lower resolution format (appx: 480p) like most DVD's whereas newer Blu-ray videos would be much higher resolution, and the higher the resolution the larger the size of the video file. For an example: Most videos from VHS tape conversion would be around 500mb, so on a regular 4.7 gb DVD disc could hold around 9 digital video files at around 500mb or 4.7 videos at 1gb per video, etc...


AverMedia EZMaker 7 - Linux Mint Forums
viewtopic.php?t=271671

VHS video to computer...SOLVED - Linux Mint Forums
viewtopic.php?t=250310

Tv viewing and recording solutions for Linux: GUI TV
http://easycap.blogspot.com/p/gui-tv.html

Tv viewing and recording solutions for Linux: Recording
http://easycap.blogspot.com/p/recording.html

Hope this helps ...

[overkill22]

Hope this helps ...

Real good explanation.
I think I'll go for the USB adapter + burning on DVD then. I have normal laptop with a normal DVD player, it should be ok.

As for the VHS I don't know how many, but I guess at least one hundred hours of recording in total.

[phd21]

Hi overkill22,

You are welcome...

I just updated my last reply when you answered, so please re-read it.

Let us know how it goes for you.

[kukamuumuka]

How to capture VHS videos to computer -> viewtopic.php?f=42&t=184419&p=1261713#p955420

[Hoser Rob]

Hope this helps ...

Real good explanation.
I think I'll go for the USB adapter + burning on DVD then. I have normal laptop with a normal DVD player, it should be ok.

As for the VHS I don't know how many, but I guess at least one hundred hours of recording in total.

It's actually very difficult getting decent quality video from VHS capture due to the poor quality of the source video, even recorded at the fastest speed. If you capture to x264/.mp4 and you burn them to DVD and want to be able to play them using any player you'll have to re encode the files to DVD compliant video/audio. It'll take significantly more time to do it that way and impossible to get decent quality. If you just want to use DVDs to store the mp4 files it'd be better, no encoding twice.

[JerryF]

I have a bunch of VHS that would like to convert to digital. A quick search on amazon and I found that there are cheap devices that convert the RGB to digital:
https://www.amazon.com/REDGO-Video-Capt ... 9036b01ec
but they are Windows compatible, and some not even MAC compatible.
I was wondering if there's anything for linux mint, or what are the solutions for linux.
Any advice about how to do the job would be really appreciated. I'm sure here there are many that already did the conversion.

I have one exactly like that REDGO and have used it in Linux. It was some time ago, so I don't remember the details but I think I recorded using Openshot in real time and used a USB 3 port.

[Joe2Shoe]

Back in the day, I used to convert many VHS movies to DVD digital movies. But, you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear!
The VHS quality is what you get when converting, the quality does not get any better, even though the media is converted to digital.
So, I gave all my VHS movies away and trashed the converted VHS-to-digital DVDs and bought used DVDs of the movies I wanted to keep on Amazon for $1.00-5.00 USD (including S/H). The digital quality on a real DVD movie is far superior to conversions from VHS.
Then, I eventually gave away over 200 DVD movies. No sense in stockpiling junk that keeps piling up.
Now, I watch movies online and download a few to watch over again, but not more than a dozen.

[overkill22]

Back in the day, I used to convert many VHS movies to DVD digital movies. But, you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear!
The VHS quality is what you get when converting, the quality does not get any better, even though the media is converted to digital.
So, I gave all my VHS movies away and trashed the converted VHS-to-digital DVDs and bought used DVDs of the movies I wanted to keep on Amazon for $1.00-5.00 USD (including S/H). The digital quality on a real DVD movie is far superior to conversions from VHS.
Then, I eventually gave away over 200 DVD movies. No sense in stockpiling junk that keeps piling up.
Now, I watch movies online and download a few to watch over again, but not more than a dozen.

Yeah, I used to collect DVDs (over 1000) and after getting used with BluRay, there's no coming back. Now that I'm travelling, streaming and files are the way to go.

However, I need to convert the homemade VHS, birthdays, Christmas, all those family staff.

[JerryF]

...
The VHS quality is what you get when converting, the quality does not get any better, even though the media is converted to digital.
So, I gave all my VHS movies away and trashed the converted VHS-to-digital DVDs and bought used DVDs of the movies I wanted to keep on Amazon for $1.00-5.00 USD (including S/H). The digital quality on a real DVD movie is far superior to conversions from VHS.
...

That's ok, if they're movies and you can afford to repurchase them as DVDs or Blueray.

Another issue is that the VHS tapes might be personal recordings.

[phd21]

Hi overkill22, JerryF, and Everyone Else,

Although converting or capturing VHS videos may not be as high quality as converting DVD/Blu-ray, it is still very much worth doing to preserve the videos into digital format because the "tape" inside the VHS cassettes will not last.

I tried most of the options for using a video capture device, and "guvcview" is still the easiest to install and use and it works great. Some of the other options for capturing (recording) from Video For Linux (V4L) devices do not work anymore because they have not been updated for newer versions of Linux.

I use Kdenlive for most of my video editing needs, but I also have most of the other video editors installed for testing and reviewing for other Linux Mint users and myself.

To "JerryF": How did you get the "OpenShot" video editor to view and record from a Video For Linux source (V4L) like a webcam or video capture device? I do not see that option? Although I love the Kdenlive video editor and it too can capture from Video For Linux devices, it has never worked well for me and my webcam and crashes Kdenlive although everything else works great.

The "Cinelerra-GG" video editor worked well for Recording from V4L devices with various recording options. The "Lives" video editor also worked.


The great multimedia player VLC can also do this and it works too with various options.

WebCam Recording with VLC PLAYER !!! | dwaves.de
https://dwaves.org/2016/06/18/linux-deb ... lc-player/

How to record video using VLC and DVI2USB 3.0
https://www.epiphan.com/solutions/recor ... i2usb-3-0/


FYI: Kdenlive can increase (upscale and improve) the lower resolution of VHS quality videos or other videos fairly well (and can apply some effects like sharpen, etc...), by selecting a default profile of let's say 720 at 25-30 fps, and importing (adding) the converted (recorded) video clip from the VHS tapes without changing the Kdenlive project's video profile if asked, and answering yes if asked to change the video clip to match project's profile, then when you output (create, render) the video, it will be at a higher resolution. You can also "transcode" the videos in the project clip manager (right-click), but not really necessary as this can be done when rendering. Obviously, you may have to experiment with the output options to see what works best for your converted videos (advanced options for interlaced vs progressive, slider quality settings, various video file formats, etc...). But, once you found the "best" options, you can use that for "upscaling" and or converting all the other videos. I just tested this upscaling again on a small video length of 3min. 40secs (.webm, 640x360, 23fps, 16:9 widescreen, 6.35 mb) and it worked very well actually improving the video quality, but the file size also increased a lot resulting in a 4x times larger video (.mp4, 1280x720, 29fps, 16:9 widescreen, 26.5mb) - well worth it. To the same video format but higher resolution (.webm, 1280x720, 29fps, 16:9 widescreen, 15.3mb)


Hope this helps ...
.

kdenlive1.jpg

[kukamuumuka]

VLC is easy, but it makes huge files.

[JerryF]

Hi overkill22, JerryF, and Everyone Else,

Although converting or capturing VHS videos may not be as high quality as converting DVD/Blu-ray, it is still very much worth doing to preserve the videos into digital format because the "tape" inside the VHS cassettes will not last.

I agree. I've converted all my VHS tapes to digital.

To "JerryF": How did you get the "OpenShot" video editor to view and record from a Video For Linux source (V4L) like a webcam or video capture device? I do not see that option? Although I love the Kdenlive video editor and it too can capture from Video For Linux devices, it has never worked well for me and my webcam and crashes Kdenlive although everything else works great.

I just checked to refresh my alleged memory, and it wasn't Openshot. I used Nero Video in Windows.