Converting Videos for personal use

[memoriesbyrobin]

Is it legal to convert VHS tapes that were bought in a store to DVD if it's for your own personal use? I think it's legal to have one personal copy of music that you have purchased, but not sure if it's the same for videos. Thanks for any help or insight on this!

[redwudz]

If you own the video, you can back it up and shift the format for your own use in most countries, including the US. Our forum rules under 'Fair Use' explains it a bit better: https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/72386-Forum-rules-Acceptable-Use-Policy-(AUP)

And welcome to our forums.

[memoriesbyrobin]

Thanks for the quick feedback and welcome! I bought the hardware to convert our home videos and have had family ask about transferring some tapes they've bought since they don't have a VHS player anymore. This helps a ton.

[Khaver]

Just be aware you will need a Time Base Corrector or some sort of electronic device to defeat the Macrovision protection on almost all commercial VHS tapes.

[classfour]

I use a Hauppauge PVR-250 (yes I know it's old - but fine for VHS conversions) capture card with a Panny AG-1980 (also old):

Without the need for a TBC, unless the video requires it.

If you use a DVD recorder, you'll need the TBC or device - most capture cards would not see the MV or CGMS.