What Is VHS?

Photo by Swapnil Sharma

Unless you’re lucky enough to be in the Gen Z or even Gen Alpha generations, you will probably remember the humble VHS video tape. If you’re under 30 though, maybe you’ve seen these weird, bulky black cassettes in your mum and dad’s attic and wondered what the hell they were. 

At Digital Converters however, we are very much part of the Millennial generation that straddles both the analogue and digital ages, so these strange plastic bricks were a big part of our childhood. And as adults, thanks to starting Digital Converters, they’re now a big part of our lives once again, so we feel we’re pretty well-placed to talk about them! 

 

So, let’s start with the absolute basics. What is a VHS then? Well, the VHS, or Video Home System, was a total game-changer in home entertainment. Launched in Japan in the late 1970s, VHS revolutionised how we watched films and recorded TV.

VHS tapes are simply magnetic tapes housed in plastic cassettes. They store audio and video signals that a VCR (Video Cassette Recorder) can play back. Each tape could hold up to six hours of content, perfect for recording movies and TV shows.

The introduction of VHS in the 1980s changed home viewing habits forever. Before VHS, you had to catch your favourite programmes live or miss out - tough luck. With VHS, you could record shows and watch them whenever you liked. This convenience made VHS a household must-have for every upwardly mobile 80’s family.

But it wasn't just about watching pre-recorded films or taping stuff off the telly. Families (including our own) recorded home videos using giant, early camcorders which recorded onto mini versions of VHS like Mini DV, Video 8, and Hi8. These could be transferred onto VHS tapes, creating a personal library of memories. Birthdays, holidays, weddings, and bar mitzvahs were all captured on these tapes, becoming treasured keepsakes to entertain, or bore the rest of the family with, depending on the tape!

VHS tapes also created an entirely new industry - the movie rental market. Enormous chains like the iconic Blockbuster popped up, allowing people to rent films instead of buying them. Blockbuster was so successful that at its peak, it had over 9,000 stores around the world! This business model thrived throughout the 80s and 90s, becoming a weekend tradition for many. The excitement of a trip to Blockbuster to browse the shelves of new releases, horror movies and comedies was hard to beat!

In short, VHS tapes were more than just a way to watch films. They were a cultural phenomenon that brought the cinema and personal memories into our living rooms. For those who grew up with VHS, the sight of one of these tapes still brings back memories of simpler times; a time before the internet, smartphones and all the pressures of modern adult life. 

What does VHS Stand for?

VHS stands for Video Home System, and it was aptly named as it was all about bringing video into the home, which as we said before was a real luxury back in the day. See our full article 'What does VHS stand for?'.

Who Invented VHS?

The VHS was invented by the Japanese company JVC (Japan Victor Company). Led by engineers Yuma Shiraishi and Shizuo Takano, the team developed the VHS format in the early 1970s. They aimed to create a user-friendly, durable, and affordable video format, and they certainly smashed those goals.

Developed by JVC, VHS came out on top in one of the most fiercely contested format wars in history, vs Betamax. Why? Because despite VHS being lower quality, it had a longer recording time and was cheaper than Sony's Betamax, which was crucial to its success. 

Another key innovation was the tape loading system, making tapes easy to insert and play. Due to these factors, VHS quickly gained popularity due to its practicality and effective marketing. 

When Did VHS Come Out?

VHS debuted in 1976, introduced by JVC after years of development. This launch started a new era in home entertainment, and as mentioned, competing against and eventually soundly beating Sony's Betamax. VHS tapes quickly became the dominant home video format by the early 1980s. The widespread adoption was further driven by video rental stores, cementing VHS as the home viewing standard throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

What Was Before VHS?

 

Obviously before there were tapes, there was Cine reel films, but that’s another story! In terms of closer relations to VHS, before VHS became successful, several other formats attempted to bring video tapes to homes. We’ve already mentioned Sony's Betamax, introduced in 1975, which was known for superior picture quality, but crucially had a shorter recording time. Before this, Sony had the U-matic format, developed in the early 1970s, but this was mainly used in professional settings and wasn’t really suitable for the home. Earlier systems like the Telcan (a British effort built by the Nottingham Electric Valve Company in 1963) and Cartrivision (Created in the US by Frank Stanton) had limited success due to high costs (the Cartrivision TVs were the equivalent of £7,000 in today’s money!) and technical issues. The Philips N1500, introduced in the mid-1960s, was the first domestic VCR but also faced limitations. These early formats set the stage for VHS's success by highlighting the need for better recording time, ease of use, and affordability - all of which the VHS eventually trumped them at.

How Do VHS Tapes Work?

VHS tapes work through magnetic tape and mechanical components. Inside the VHS cassette, a spool of magnetic tape is coated with iron oxide particles. When inserted into a VCR, the tape is threaded around a rotating drum with video heads that read and convert the magnetic patterns into electrical signals. These signals are processed to create video and audio output. Recording involves imprinting new magnetic patterns onto the tape. The VCR controls the tape's movement speed, affecting recording quality. Tracking adjustments ensure clear playback.. Or at least, they should! 

When Did VHS Die?

The sad decline of VHS began in the late 1990s with the rise of DVDs, which offered superior picture and sound quality. By 2006, major studios had stopped releasing new films on VHS. In 2008, JVC ceased production of standalone VHS players, and production of VHS tapes finally ended in 2016. Despite this, a niche market of collectors and enthusiasts remains, preserving the VHS legacy through auction sites and second-hand stores.

Are VHS Tapes Still Made?

No, VHS tapes are no longer produced. The last major manufacturer, a Japanese firm operating out of Osaka called Funai Electric, stopped production in 2016. The shift to digital formats like DVDs and Blu-rays led to a decline in demand. However, a market for used tapes remains, with collectors and enthusiasts buying and selling through online marketplaces and second-hand shops. Blank VHS tapes are still occasionally available from old stock, while some independent filmmakers and artists still use VHS for its nostalgic aesthetic, in the same way that bands sometimes release music on audio cassettes for that fun retro vibe.

Will VHS Make a Comeback?

A mainstream comeback for VHS of the same kind that has seen Vinyl record sales boom in the last 20 years is unlikely, due to outdated technology and the dominance of digital formats. Also, vinyl still works because the sound quality can be pretty good with the right system, but the same cannot be said for VHS unfortunately.  However, nostalgia and retro appeal keep a very niche market alive. Collectors and enthusiasts enjoy the tactile experience and distinct visual qualities of VHS. Despite this, environmental concerns and the dismantled production infrastructure make a widespread revival extremely improbable.

What Resolution is VHS?

VHS resolution is around 240 horizontal lines for NTSC (North America) and 290 lines for PAL (UK and Europe). Modern HD video has 1080 lines, and 4K boasts 2160 lines, making VHS's picture a hell of a lot softer and less detailed. Factors like tape quality, VCR condition, and recording speed can also affect resolution. Despite its lower resolution, VHS was perfectly adequate for the smaller TV screens of the time, balancing affordability and practicality for home viewing needs.

How to Play VHS Tapes

The easiest thing to do if you’ve got old tapes that you want to watch again, is to send them to us so we can convert your VHS tapes to digital formats! But if you really want to relive the whole nostalgia-fest of using the tapes themselves, and you’re prepared to shell out a bit of money to do so, this is how you do it:

To play a VHS tape, you need a VCR and a compatible TV - or one of those snazzy ‘all in one’ TVs with the built-in VCR of course! The tricky bit these days is connecting the old VCR players to a modern telly, which no longer come with the SCART or red, white and yellow RCA / composite inputs once seen on the back of every 90’s box. Happily, however, all you need is an HDMI to analog adaptor - which are cheap. Once you’ve got the equipment set up, turn on both the VCR and TV, then insert the VHS tape into the VCR with the label facing up. Use your TV remote to select the input channel for the VCR, often labelled as AV or Video.

Press play on the VCR to start the tape. If the picture is unclear, adjust the tracking control on the VCR. When finished, press stop and remember to rewind the tape, before ejecting it. Store the tape in a case somewhere dry and out of direct sunlight to protect it from damage. 

Where to Buy a VHS Player

Finding a VHS player today can be done through various channels. People often list used and refurbished models on eBay, so that’s the best place to start. Thrift shops, charity shops, and pawn shops often have VHS players at reasonable prices. 

Specialty electronics stores that focus on vintage items might also carry them. Additionally, local online classifieds such as Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace offer opportunities to find VHS players, often allowing for in-person inspection.

Car boot sales and flea markets are worth checking for VCRs, and joining vintage electronics forums or social media groups can provide tips and leads on where to purchase one.

In terms of which makes and models to aim for, we’d recommend looking for a late 90’s Panasonic, something like the AG-1980, or a JVC SVHS model. 

The Panasonic AG-1980 VCR - perhaps the pinnacle of VHS players?

Where Can I Buy VHS Tapes?

You can find both used and blank, ‘new old stock’ VHS tapes on online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon, including rare editions. Thrift shops and charity shops often stock donated tapes at low prices. Local classifieds such as Facebook Marketplace are where the best bargains are usually found though. You will usually find charity shops and even antique shops will have dusty collections of VHS tapes. And as with shopping for the VCRs, joining online forums or social media groups for VHS enthusiasts can lead to great buying opportunities.

Are VHS Tapes Worth Anything?

VHS tapes can have significant value, especially among collectors. The worth of course depends on the rarity, condition, and content. Rare tapes, particularly horror films, cult classics, and out-of-print movies can fetch high prices. Well-preserved tapes with original packaging are generally more valuable, with sealed tapes being especially prized.

While many common VHS tapes hold little monetary value, nostalgia and unique aesthetics can make certain titles desirable. In summary, rare and collectible VHS tapes can be worth a considerable amount, driven by their rarity and condition.

See our full article ‘Are VHS Tapes Worth Anything Today?’ for more information. 

How to Fix VHS Tapes

Repairing a VHS tape with damaged tape involves a few simple sounding steps. But beware, it’s not for the inexperienced! If you really want to give it a go yourself though, we’d recommend trying it out on a worthless tape first, to practise your skills! 

First, open the cassette with a small screwdriver. Locate and cut out the damaged section of the tape. Use clear adhesive tape to splice the ends together, ensuring they align properly. Reassemble the cassette, making sure the spools are aligned and the tape is taut. Finally, test the tape in a VCR to ensure it plays correctly. With careful handling, you can restore the tape to working condition - but obviously, there will now be a segment of video missing, depending on how much you cut out. 

How to Clean VHS Heads

Inside a VCR are things called ‘heads’. A VCR's heads are miniature electromagnets that read (as well as recording and erasing) a signal on a tape. They achieve this by reading or adjusting the polarity of the oxides on the tape's surface.

To clean VHS heads, first unplug your VCR and remove the cover. Locate the video heads on the drum. Use a lint-free cloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol, gently pressing it against the heads while rotating the drum by hand. Alternatively, use a VHS head-cleaning cassette according to its instructions. After cleaning, reassemble the VCR and test it with a tape to check the playback quality.

How to Clean VHS Tapes

A clean tape is important for maintaining good playback quality, although cleaning one is not for the complete novice - it’s very easy to ruin it forever. If you have a tape with important sentimental value, we’d recommend sending it to us instead. Our highly experienced engineers will professionally clean the tape first, and then convert it to digital for you, before sending the original back to you. 

If you really want to try it though, and you’ve got a worthless tape to practise on, here's a brief guide:

First, inspect the tape for visible dirt or mould. If present, gently remove it using a soft cloth. For deeper cleaning, use a VHS tape cleaner, which you can find online or in stores. These devices carefully clean the tape without causing damage.

Alternatively, manually clean the tape by carefully opening the cassette and using a soft cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol. Gently wipe the tape, avoiding excessive pressure. Allow it to dry completely before reassembling the cassette.

For a longer guide, see our article ‘How to Clean Mouldy Tapes’.

Do Charity Shops Take VHS Video Tapes?

Not many charity shops still accept VHS video tapes, though policies can vary. Some shops welcome them, especially if they are in good condition and contain popular or collectible titles. However, due to limited shelf space and lower demand, we’ve found that shops may decline VHS donations these days.

It's best to call ahead and check with your local charity shop. If they do accept VHS tapes, donating can be a great way to support their cause and give your tapes a second life.

Where to Recycle VHS Tapes

Recycling VHS tapes can be a bit tricky, but there are options available. Many local recycling centres do not accept VHS tapes due to their mixed materials, but specialised e-waste recycling facilities often do. It's best to check with your local council or recycling centre for specific guidelines.

Some companies specialise in recycling electronic waste and may accept VHS tapes by mail. Additionally, certain charities and organisations run recycling programs for old media.

Alternatively, and especially if your tapes have anything of sentimental value on them, send them to us here in North Yorkshire, and we’ll transfer the contents of your tapes to a digital format such as USB, and then we’ll recycle your VHS tapes for you. 

For a longer guide on this, see our article Where to Recycle VHS Tapes.

Where to Sell VHS Tapes

You can sell VHS tapes on online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon, which attract a wide audience. Local classifieds such as Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace offer direct sales in your area. Thrift shops, second-hand stores, and specialty vintage media shops may also buy tapes. Additionally, online forums and social media groups for VHS enthusiasts are excellent places to find interested buyers.

The price you’ll get for them obviously depends on the rarity and condition however. Check our article Where to Sell VHS Tapes for more on this. 

How to Transfer VHS to Computer

To convert VHS to digital, you’ll need a VCR player, a video capture device, video capture software and a desktop or laptop computer. It can be a little pricey to get all this equipment together just to transfer a couple of tapes - so you may find our services such as VHS to USB conversion are more cost-effective and produce much higher quality results than is possible with a DIY effort. 

If you really want to try it yourself, firstly connect the VCR to the video capture device via composite cables, and then plug the device into your computer's USB port. Use the capture software to record the VHS playback, saving it as a digital file on your computer. Edit the file if needed with video editing software and save it in your preferred format.

How to Convert VHS to DVD

To convert VHS tapes to DVD, it’s a similar approach but you’ll also need a computer with a DVD writer - which are now almost as rare as VCR players! 

To try this yourself though, you’ll need to connect your VCR to the computer via a video capture device, or to a DVD recorder with composite cables. If using a computer, insert the VHS tape into the VCR, and use the video capture software on the computer to copy the contents off the VHS. You’ll then need to use the computer’s DVD writer drive to burn the image to a blank DVD using DVD authoring software.

If using a DVD recorder, just follow the instructions for this device to play the VHS and record to a blank DVD at the same time. 

How to Convert VHS to USB

To convert VHS to USB, it’s much simpler than with DVDs. All you need to do is connect your VCR to a video capture device using composite cables and plug the device into your computer's USB port. Use capture software to record the VHS playback, saving it as a digital file on your computer. Then, transfer the digital file to a USB drive.

This can be great for a quick and dirty digital conversion, but the quality is often lacking. For the best results, use a professional service such as Digital Converters. We have professional grade VCR players in tip-top condition, pro software, and highly experienced technicians who will edit and fine tune your converted video, so that what you get back is the best possible quality conversion of your treasured memories.