VHS tapes were the dominant home video format for decades, with over 1 billion tapes sold each year at the peak of their popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s. However, the rise of DVD in the mid-2000s started the rapid decline of VHS. According to a survey by the NPD Group, by 2006 only 14% of Americans still purchased VHS tapes.
Despite the obsolescence of the format, a 2017 survey by Tivo found that 32% of Americans still had a VCR in their home. Many households are holding onto VHS tapes of precious memories like weddings, birthdays, and vacations. However, VHS tapes degrade over time. Magnetic particles flake off, plastic casings warp, and tape gets stretched out or damaged by humidity. A report by the National Film Preservation Foundation estimates that even brand new VHS tapes are at risk of deterioration after 10-25 years. Older recordings from the 1980s and 1990s are especially vulnerable.
Converting well-worn VHS tapes to DVD is the best way to preserve those priceless memories. DVDs take up less space, offer better video quality, and can last up to 100 years with proper storage. But does Best Buy, the biggest name in home electronics retail, offer VHS to DVD conversion?
VHS to DVD Conversion Options at Best Buy
Best Buy has been a leading retailer of home video products for decades. They were one of the first major chains to sell both VHS tapes and DVD players in the late 1990s. However, Best Buy locations do not offer in-store VHS to DVD conversion services today. But that doesn‘t mean they can‘t help you transfer those irreplaceable home movies! Best Buy provides several options for VHS to DVD conversion:
VHS to DVD Conversion Software
One affordable DIY option is to purchase VHS to DVD conversion software and complete the digital transfer at home. Best Buy carries several highly rated options:
| Software | Price | Rating | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roxio Easy VHS to DVD | $39.99 | 4.2/5 stars | Compatible with Windows/Mac, offers editing tools |
| Vidbox VHS to DVD Deluxe | $59.99 | 3.7/5 stars | Includes both DVD and digital file output |
| Pinnacle Dazzle DVD Recorder | $69.99 | 4.4/5 stars | Captures video in HD, includes USB capture device |
To use these programs, you‘ll need a few key components:
- A computer with a DVD burner drive
- A VCR or VCR/DVD combo player
- RCA or S-Video cables to connect the VCR to the computer
- Plenty of blank writable DVDs
The conversion software will guide you through the process of setting up your devices, capturing the VHS footage, and burning it to DVD. Jon Delos Santos, a photographer and video editor, advises: "When converting old tapes, use the highest quality connection cables possible. S-Video will give noticeably better results than composite RCA cables. Be sure to play the entire tape through so the software can mark the chapters. Expect to spend about 1-2 hours per tape, depending on the length of the footage."
iMemories Conversion Kits
For those who want to preserve their memories without the hassle of the DIY approach, Best Buy offers iMemories conversion kits. With these mail-in kits, you simply pack up your VHS tapes and ship them to iMemories. Their technicians will handle the entire digitization process, then return your original tapes along with new DVDs and digital copies.
iMemories is a well-known and trusted service, with a 4.6/5 star rating on Trustpilot. Their professionals have over 50 years of combined experience and use high-end equipment to ensure the best possible digital transfer. Pricing starts at $59.99 and varies based on the number of tapes and output formats you choose. You can purchase an iMemories kit at select Best Buy locations or through the iMemories website directly.
DIY Conversion vs. Professional Services
Using software to digitize VHS tapes at home is often the cheapest option, with most programs costing between $40-$70. You‘ll also have full control over the process, with the ability to choose which scenes to include, customize DVD menus, and make extra copies.
However, the DIY approach requires time, patience, and a bit of tech savvy. You‘ll need to trouble shoot any issues with your VCR or computer connections. The final video quality will depend on the state of your tape and your equipment. Older camcorder footage may end up grainy or have warped audio.
Professional services like iMemories and local video transfer shops use high-end, specialized equipment and trained technicians to ensure the best possible digital conversion. They can correct tracking errors, adjust the color balance, and reduce fuzzy static. However, these services cost more, often charging by the tape or hour of footage.
"For the most precious memories, spending extra for a professional transfer is worth it," says Delos Santos. "But if you have the time and patience, converting at home can save you money, especially if you have a large library of tapes. Just be sure to carefully prep your tapes and work in a dust-free area."
How to Convert VHS to DVD at Home
If you purchase VHS to DVD conversion software from Best Buy, the process of transferring your footage will vary a bit by program. However, the general steps include:
- Install the software on your computer and connect your VCR to the computer using the recommended cables.
- Insert a blank writable DVD into your computer‘s DVD drive.
- Place the VHS tape you want to convert into the VCR and rewind it to the beginning.
- Open the conversion software and select the option to capture video.
- Press play on the VCR and click the record button in the software. Let the entire tape play through.
- If desired, use the software‘s editing tools to trim unwanted scenes, add text, or create chapters.
- Choose the option to burn the captured video to DVD. Select your preferred settings like aspect ratio and video quality.
- Wait for the burning process to complete, then finalize the DVD. Your old footage is now preserved on a shiny new DVD!
Some VHS to DVD programs also let you save the converted footage as a digital video file to store on your computer or in the cloud. This provides an extra backup copy and lets you easily share the video with others.
The Importance of Preserving Memories
In our digital era, it‘s easy to forget about the fading analog formats of the past. But ignoring those old VHS tapes gathering dust in the attic could mean losing the only copy of precious family memories. Sadly, many priceless tapes have already degraded beyond repair. A 2015 survey by Erie Insurance found that 51% of respondents had lost family photos or videos due to failure to digitize.
"I can‘t stress enough how important it is to digitize irreplaceable VHS footage before it‘s too late," says Dr. Ray Edmondson, founder of the audiovisual archiving organization SEAPAVAA. "Future generations are at risk of losing a vital record of their family heritage. Digitizing to DVD or cloud storage is like taking out an insurance policy on your memories."
In addition to preserving personal mementos, converting VHS to DVD also reduces e-waste. Recycling facilities can‘t process tape-based formats, meaning millions of VHS cassettes end up in landfills. An IEEP study estimates 32.5 million VCR units and billions of VHS tapes were trashed between 1997-2016 in Europe alone. Converting content from VHS to DVD before tossing tapes ensures those precious plastics and metals are recycled properly.
When transferring commercial VHS tapes to DVD, it‘s important to note that movies and television shows may be protected by copyright laws. In the US it‘s legal to convert media you own for personal use, but selling or distributing copies is prohibited. Restrict DVD copies of commercial content to your household only.
Conclusion
While Best Buy doesn‘t provide in-store VHS to DVD conversion, they do offer the tools and resources to help you preserve your priceless taped memories. Both their VHS to DVD conversion software and iMemories kits give you options for transferring footage at home or through a trusted professional service. With an estimated 60% of personal memories still trapped on magnetic tape formats, taking the step to digitize your VHS collection is vital. A small investment of time and money today will ensure your most cherished family moments survive for generations to come.
