If you've got a stack of old VHS tapes gathering dust in a Blackpool loft, you're not alone. Many families around the Fylde coast have boxes of home videos, weddings, birthdays, seaside holidays on the beach near Blackpool Tower, that they haven't watched in years. The good news: digitising them is easier than you think, and you don't need to wait to start preserving your family memories.
How Transfer Services Work
Using a professional transfer service is straightforward. You drop off your tapes (or post them) to a local provider, and they handle the conversion to digital files. They typically return the files on a USB drive, DVD, or via a download link. The cost is usually charged per VHS tape and depends on the provider; you can compare options using the provider checker on this page. In Blackpool, you might find services that also offer same-day drop-off at local shops or courier collection. Most providers can handle damaged or sticky tapes, and some even offer basic editing to trim the beginning or end. The turnaround time is usually a few days to a week, depending on the volume. This option is ideal if you have many tapes or prefer a hassle-free approach.
Caring for Your Tapes Before Conversion
Before sending your tapes off, there are a few things you can do to ensure the best results. First, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and magnetic fields (like speakers or microwaves). If you have tapes that haven't been played in years, gently fast-forward and rewind them once to loosen the tape and reduce the risk of sticking. Check for mould, white or brown powdery spots on the tape window, and if present, avoid playing the tape as it can damage the VCR. Some providers clean tapes for an extra fee. Also, label your tapes clearly with the date and event if you remember. This will help you later when organising your digital files. Finally, handle tapes by the edges to avoid fingerprints on the magnetic surface.
DIY Option with a Capture Card
If you prefer a hands-on approach, you can digitise your VHS tapes at home using a USB video capture card. This device connects your VCR or VHS player to your computer via USB. The capture card is inexpensive and easily bought from eBay or Amazon, and for its price you can expect a token of around £20. You'll also need a VCR (or a VHS/DVD combo), RCA cables, and software like OBS Studio or VirtualDub (free). Our step-by-step DIY guide on this page walks you through connecting the cables, setting up the software, and recording the footage in real-time. One tip: use a high-quality VCR with a TBC (time base corrector) for smoother playback. The process takes the same length as the tape, so a 2-hour tape takes 2 hours to capture. After capturing, you can edit and save as MP4 or another digital format.
The Problem with Digitised Files Alone
Once your tapes are digitised, you'll have files on a hard drive or USB stick. But then what? They can end up forgotten, just like the tapes in the loft. Digitised files alone don't give your family a way to share, tag, or relive those moments together. That's the problem: the memories stay isolated on a drive.
A Better Way: Start Your Family Archive Now
Instead of waiting until all tapes are converted, you can start today, for free, from your phone. With Memrial, a private family memory archive, you can upload the photos and videos already on your phone, pin dates to build a shared family timeline, and invite relatives to add their own. The digitised VHS clips join later, sitting alongside every other memory in date order.
Imagine your family, scattered across Blackpool and beyond, watching the same old home video in sync, laughing and reacting together. That's a Watch Party. Or picture the family Timeline: every photo and video from every aunt, uncle, and cousin, all in one place, from the 1980s Blackpool Illuminations trip to last year's birthday party. The memories your children will thank you for.
You are the archive owner with full control. No ads, no algorithm. Just your family history, permanently preserved (originals never compressed or deleted). And yes, you can colourise faded or black-and-white footage to bring it back to life. Start your free Memrial archive now, add what you have, and invite your family to contribute. The old VHS tapes will join later, but the memories start today.