The Digital Archivist: Digitizing Video Tapes
I recently purchased the Elgato Video Capture (Mac) device to help me digitize some of our old family videos. This device plugs into my Mac’s USB port and then connects to the VCR (or whatever input device you’re using) either with RCA plugs or the s-video jack. The recording software is quite simple – record, trim, save.
One tip I discovered the hard way. Old VHS tapes that haven’t been used for sometime should probably be played through and then rewound before you play it to record. My old tapes tended to hesitate here and there on the first pass. The hesitation was most noticeable when there was music playing. On the second try, the tape was a lot smoother. Also, since my VCR hadn’t been used in some time, I took a can of compressed air and blew out the dust before I started recording.
If you are thinking of digitizing any of your family videos, the Elegato device is a delight to use. Other video capture devices include:
No related posts.
September 3rd, 2009 at 11:52 am
Great advice!
Those old VHS and BETA tapes are deteriorating at a rapid rate. What I do is fast-forward then rewind the tapes before playing.
Peace,
“Guided by the Ancestors”
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:51 pm
George is 100% correct.
1. Magnetic tape (audio or video) needs to be forwarded + rewound all the way BEFORE you hit play. This is to re-distribute the lubricants that tend to pool when tape sits for long periods of time.
Here’s a very helpful inspection guide:
http://www.specsbros.com/whitepaper.html
2. Magnetic media is fragile. Migrate what you have before it disappears, and be gentle with it!
Here’s a cautionary tale from NASA:
http://www.moonviews.com/archives/2009/07/damaged_tape_and_murky_moon_vi.html
Cheers!
-Sally J.