Should I convert my VHS tapes to DVD or Digital?

At DVD Creation, we specialise in VHS to DVD conversions, as well as VHS to Digital conversions, among a host of other transfer types, with various formats.

DVDs have been around since 1999 and, for many, are still the media format of choice for movies, TV shows and, of course, home video storage. They're not going away any time soon! More and more, however, people have started looking for digital conversions. Like it or not, the world is moving away from physical media and into the digital space, so you might be wondering:

Is DVD still the best format for my home video conversion?

It all depends on what you value in a storage medium. It could be versatility. It could be physicality. It could be a combination of the two. First of all, let's weigh up the pros and cons of each medium. Afterwards, you'll be able to pick which works best for you.

The Pros of DVD Conversion

With a DVD, the main pros are that you get something you can physically hold and that lasts for many years. If you're putting together a gift for a loved one, this is a huge plus, as you have something to wrap and present on the day, rather than a simple digital file, which can feel a little “cold” and impersonal. A physical DVD is something you can keep hold of and cherish for decades, enjoying those treasured memories for years to come.

The Cons of DVD Conversion

Naturally, the downside of a DVD is that you're limited to playing your videos through a DVD player or through your PCs disk drive. With the focus switching to digital, fewer and fewer PCs are being sold with disk drives nowadays and, regrettably, even the higher-end DVD players only have a shelf-life of around 5 years. This means that, as time goes by, it will be more difficult to find ways to play your memories back.

The Pros of Digital Conversion

The main pros with digital are versatility and longevity. If you convert your old VHS tapes to a digital format, you'll receive a USB or a digital file transfer, which means you can store your treasured memories right on your PC, without having to worry about disk drives and DVD players and other tech. Just click a button and you can watch. Having a digital file also means that you'll be able to edit your footage and that the quality doesn't deteriorate over time. If you're looking to compile a series of clips, digital files make things easy. You can even use Cloud storage where, in theory, they'll live forever, easily accessible.

The Cons of Digital Conversion

A digital file will have to be stored either on a USB stick or a hard drive. While a DVD can sit quite happily in its box on your shelf for decades without being played, the same isn't true of USBs or hard drives. The standard lifespan of an HDD hard drive is between 3 and 5 years, which means that they'll need to be replaced regularly if you want to keep your memories alive. If you opt for Cloud storage instead, you'll need a consistent, steady internet connection if you want to access your files, too. You'll need to be vigilant, or risk losing your footage altogether!

So, which format should you convert your VHS tapes to?

If you're looking for a way to make your memories last longer than their VHS tape constraints currently allow, then DVD may be your best bet, lasting for decades, untouched (except when the grandkids are around and you need to embarrass them, of course!). If you're a bit more media-savvy, then digital will be the way to go. You can do a whole lot more with a digital file than with one that's confined to a physical disk – editing, altering and combining classic footage, as and when you need to. The choice is yours!

Whichever you prefer, DVD Creation can help

We're specialists in file transfers, working extensively with all different forms of media. While VHS to digital or DVD are among our most popular services, we're also proud to work with other classic media formats, helping to preserve footage and memories for years to come. Conversion formats we offer include:

• Tape, including Betamax, VHS and DVCAM & camcorder cassettes, among others.
• Cine film, including, but not limited to Standard 8, Super 8 and 16mm.
• Audio, including reel-to-reel, cassettes and micro cassettes.

Trust DVD Creation With Your Media

If you have any old video or audio footage that you're looking to transfer, from birthdays or parties, DVD Creation can produce high-quality DVD or digital versions for you. Maybe you're looking to preserve your wedding video, or beloved memories with the family? We understand the true value of your footage and take great care with it.