Video-editing software: Transfer VHS video to DVD

Converting VHS video tapes to DVD

If you have old video recordings on VHS tape, you might like to convert them to DVD so you can play them on your DVD player. 

DVDs take up less space so they are easier to store and send, and they’re more durable than cassette tape. Plus DVD recordings are stored digitally rather than the magnetic analogue format of VHS, so they're more versatile and not susceptible to wear and tear when regularly watched.

One way you can convert your recordings is by paying a company to do it for you, but, if you have several recordings you wish to transfer to DVD, it is more cost-effective to convert them from VHS yourself. Video transfer companies charge around £5 per hour of VHS footage. A DVD copy of a VHS tape won't be able to improve on the picture quality of the original VHS tape, but with VHS video recorders now obsolete at least making a DVD copy will mean that precious video memories will remain playable in the future.

Bear in mind that most commercial VHS videos of films feature copy protection which will mean it's not possible to copy them to DVD. In this case, it's likely to be cheaper for all but the rarest of films to buy the DVD version, or download a digital version online.

In this short video, Which? shows you two ways of converting VHS tapes to DVD, and explains the kit you need to buy.

Video: Transferring VHS to DVD

 

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To record from VHS you'll need a DVD recorder - read Which? expert DVD recorder reviews to help choose one which will give the best results

Once you have all of your VHS tapes converted into DVDs, it may be worth considering investing in a new DVD player or even a new HD TV.

See our Which? DVD player reviews and our reviews of the best HD TVs to watch your movies on.