Digitize video tapes with Save your videos

It's a shame to waste VHS, Video 8 and Betamax tapes in cardboard boxes in the attic. The quality does not get better with age. Analog video tapes have a relatively short lifespan and therefore it is high time to digitize them. You can with Red your videos from MAGIX.

Tip 01: Software package

For digitizing analog video tapes, you can hardly do without a commercial software package. You need a suitable program to convert the recordings into a digital file. Furthermore, this job requires tools to convert the analog signal from the VCR into digital images for the PC. You can arrange this with a special USB converter. The MAGIX Save your videos package is available for 49.99 euros and contains everything you need. There is also a Premium version of this software package available at a price tag of 99.99 euros. The manufacturer supplies a more luxurious converter in the form of a beautiful box. However, the result is exactly the same, so you should be fine with the cheapest version of this MAGIX product. Also read: Digitize all your photos in 10 steps.

Tip 02: Video Recorder

Of course, you also need an original playback device to transfer video tapes to the PC, such as a VHS or Betamax recorder. It is important that the quality is still good. For example, if there are hitches in the original recording due to an inaccurate display, you will also see these errors in the digital version. Plug the video device into the wall outlet. Make sure that the VCR coil heads are clean by using a suitable cleaning cassette. You then put the video tape that you want to digitize in the recorder. To be on the safe side, rinse it back and forth first to reduce the chance of any jams.

Tip 03: Installation

Now install the program Save your Videos on your computer. Insert the DVD into the PC and boot the disc. If you do not have a DVD drive in your PC, you can download the software from the MAGIX website. Several programs are available from the introduction window. Choose MAGIX Video easy Save your videos. This program helps you to save the contents of video tapes on the computer. Always click on Next one to go through the installation wizard and agree to the license terms. You choose a standard installation. Don't forget to uncheck Install Simpliclean, because this program component is completely useless. Confirm with to install and after a while click Complete.

When finished, the USB converter driver installation procedure will start automatically. As soon as the software asks for it, connect this converter to a free USB port. Confirm with OK to complete the installation. Then start the program and enter the correct serial number. MAGIX supplies this serial number on a separate license card. Finally, you enter a valid e-mail address and click Register and activate online now. If necessary, create a MAGIX account to register the product.

Optimize sound

The MAGIX Video Sound Cleaning Lab program is also available in the start screen of the DVD. This allows you to add advanced corrections to the sound of analog video recordings. This way you limit the presence of disturbing noises and you can accurately adjust the volume level. Furthermore, you are free to add all kinds of sound effects and audio commentary. In this article we will not discuss the possibilities of this program in more detail. Would you like to try the Video Sound Cleaning Lab yourself? You will find the necessary serial number on the supplied license card.

Tip 04: Connecting a recorder

Before you transfer analog recordings to the PC, first connect the video recorder to the USB converter. You can choose from three connection options. Which option you choose depends on the available outputs on the video device. You should have already connected the USB shaper in tip 3 to a USB port on your PC. On the other side, various analog inputs are available to which you can connect the video recorder. If you use the cheapest version of MAGIX Save Your Videos, these inputs consist of special adapter plugs. The vast majority of video recorders have a scart output. In that case, use the supplied scart adapter cable and connect the yellow, white and red RCA plugs to the USB converter. Do not forget to set the switch of the scart plug to OUT. If your VCR has an S-Video output (four dots), this connection is a great alternative. This provides the best video quality. You then use white and red RCA plugs for the transfer of audio. Finally, you can also use the yellow composite connection for video transmission.