How You Can Watch Old VHS C Tapes in 2023

Option 1: VHS-C Adapter

The first option is to use a VHS-C adapter, which is the original playback method. You will also need a standard VHS VCR or combo DVD/VHS player, so if you already have one this is an easy and affordable choice. Even if you don’t have one, you can buy one to view your home video cassettes. 

The adapter is simply a way to turn your VHS-C tapes into a standard VHS size for playability on a VCR system. You can buy them on Amazon, Best Buy, and other electronics stores for around $20 to $30. Then, you simply insert the VHS-C tape into the adapter, close the lid, and place it into your VCR. 

There are two types to consider when it comes to VHS-C adapters. Motorised versions will require AA batteries and will automatically stretch the tape and allow you to view it. Non-motorised versions will require you to apply a little pressure while closing to stretch the tape. Then, you may need to tighten the white reel or spindle clockwise so that it’s tight enough. 

Either option is easy to use, affordable, and a great way to view your VHS-C cassette tapes as they were originally intended. If you’ve never used a VHS-C adapter before, we recommend a motorised VHS-C cassette adapter, but either one is potentially the easiest way to view your home movies. 

Option 2: Camcorder

The second option for viewing your full video memories is to use a camcorder. It will have to be a camcorder specifically made for your VHS-C videotapes, but since you have VHS-C tapes you may already have one lying around somewhere. Even if you don’t you can find them on eBay for around $160 to $780 depending on the model. 

The best things about this option are the fact that you can instantly view your memories on the camcorder screen while also being able to use RCA cables to connect it to the television for sharing your home movies. You can also use the cable to view the memories on your computer! Basically, you will simply place the tape in the camcorder, rewind it all the way, and then play it. 

To connect it to your television or monitor, you will just have to connect an HDMI cable to the HDMI jack on your camcorder and connect the other RCA end to your TV. If you have a newer TV, then it could simply be a HDMI-to-HDMI connection. Then, turn your camcorder to playback mode and change the input on your television to the port you’re using. That’s it! 

Option 3: Transfer to Digital Format

Another way to learn how to view your VHS-C tapes on your Mac or Windows computer, tablet, cell phone, and anywhere else is to save them to a hard drive or cloud as digital files. To do this yourself, you will still need some way to play the tapes, which means you’ll still need a camcorder or VCR player and adapter, but it will also create ways to view your VHS-C tapes from anywhere, anytime. 

There are plenty of DIY digital converters that you can choose from to transfer your analogue videotapes to digital format. Then, you can create disc copies to view on a Blu-Ray or DVD player, share digital video over social media and email, and ensure the memories last forever. 

Some digital converters require a computer while others work as a standalone device with a screen to transfer your memories. For example, the Elgato Video Capture device costs HK$690 and works through your computer with a software program that’s pretty easy to use. 

ClearClick capture card will transfer VHS to digital without requiring a computer. In fact, the screen means you can view your memories directly on the digital converter while turning them into digital files. 

While there are plenty of options, some are easier to use than others so it’s important to read reviews and compare prices. While these are great DIY options, there are a couple of downsides. First, they are time-consuming and will only convert your tapes at real-time viewing speed. 

Second, the quality may not be great, especially for cheaper devices. Finally, some of them are targeted toward tech-savvy users and may be hard to get used to. For these reasons, many people decide to choose a professional digital conversion service. 

Option 4: Professional Digitisation    Services

The final option for how to watch VHS-C tapes, as mentioned earlier, is to use a professional digitisation service to convert your VHS-C tapes to digital. This is the only option that won’t require you to have a camcorder or VCR and will create lasting digital copies of your most precious home movies. 

These types of services will convert your memories to digital format using specialised equipment and can even create USB flash drive versions as heirlooms, gifts, and easy ways to share physical copies of your digital videos. 

There are many digital conversion services available, so you must weigh your options. Capture is one of the most popular choices because we offer a track record of 12 million satisfied customers and go above and beyond cleaning mouldy or dirty cassettes and repairing the cases if needed. 

Plus, with our service, you get automatic integration with Google Photos, which makes it easier to consolidate all your precious memories. We take care of every memory we process using an advanced security and tracking system to monitor your old VHS tapes through every hand and all the way back to you. 

Whichever service you choose, though, make sure you read reviews, compare prices, and choose a reputable option that will ensure the best care and quality for your home movies.