How to Digitise Old VHS Tapes in Folkestone
If you've got a stack of old VHS tapes gathering dust in a Folkestone loft, you're not alone. Those tapes hold precious memories: children's first steps, wedding days, holiday fun on the beach near the harbour. But the tapes degrade over time, and finding a working VCR is getting harder. Here's how to get them digitised locally.
Local Transfer Options
Several companies in and around Folkestone offer VHS to digital conversion. They'll take your tapes, transfer the footage to a USB drive or DVD, and return them. The cost is usually charged per tape and depends on the provider. Use the provider checker on this page to compare services near you. Typically, you send your tapes or drop them off, and within a week or two you get back digital files. It's a convenient option if you have many tapes or don't want to buy equipment. Some providers also offer cleaning and stabilisation for old, fragile tapes. Always ask about their process and whether they return the original tapes. Digital files are commonly delivered as MP4 or on a hard drive. Compare a few services to find the best value.
Caring for Your Tapes Before Transfer
VHS tapes are fragile. Store them upright in a cool, dry place away from magnets and direct sunlight. If tapes have been in a damp loft, they may have mould, which can damage the VCR. Before transferring, inspect the tape for any sticky residue or white powder. If you see mould, do not play it; seek professional cleaning first. Handle tapes by the edges to avoid fingerprints on the magnetic strip. Rewind them fully before storage to reduce tension. If you're not transferring immediately, keep them in their original cases. Tapes from the 1980s and 1990s are now over 30 years old; they will eventually become unplayable. The sooner you digitise, the better.
DIY Digitisation
If you prefer to do it yourself, it's straightforward. You'll need a VCR (check charity shops or local ads), a USB capture card (inexpensive and easily bought from eBay or Amazon; price is around around £20), and a computer. Follow our step-by-step DIY guide to connect the VCR to your computer and record the footage. It takes a bit of time, but you keep full control. You can edit and share the files as you like. The process is simple: connect the VCR to the capture card, then to your computer via USB. Use free software like OBS Studio to record. You can capture in real time, so a 2-hour tape takes 2 hours. Make sure your hard drive has enough space; a 2-hour tape can be several gigabytes. Test a short section first to ensure audio and video sync. DIY is great for a few tapes, but for a large collection, a professional service may be more efficient.
The Real Problem: Tapes in a Box vs. Files on a Drive
Once your tapes are digital, you might think the job is done. But digitised files alone can end up forgotten in a folder on a hard drive, just like the tapes in the loft. You might watch them once, then they sit unseen. And what about the other family members who have their own old photos and videos? That's where a private family archive changes everything.
Bring Your Memories Together with Memrial
Start your own Memrial family archive today, for free, from your phone. Upload the photos and videos already on your phone, pin dates to build a shared family timeline, and invite relatives to add their own memories. No need to wait for digitised tapes, they can join later. As archive owner, you have full control. Imagine your family far apart, watching the same old video in sync, reacting together in a Watch Party. Or tagging the people in every photo and video so nobody is forgotten, your grandparents, your cousins, your children. Do not let another birthday pass unseen. The digitised tapes from Folkestone can be added to the timeline alongside existing photos, creating a complete family story. Your relatives likely have their own old photos and videos, and Memrial brings them all together in one private place. It's like a private, ad-free Facebook just for your family. Start now, for free, and build your timeline today.
Get Started Now
You don't need to wait for your tapes to be digitised. Start building your family timeline today at Memrial. It's free, private, and permanent.
Landmarks Referenced
- Folkestone Harbour