Transfer VHS video to Laptop... Any ideas?

[GrizzlyBear]

I have done it again... accepted a challenge from one of the family

They have lots of home videos; various University graduation days, birthdays etc. and want to watch them on their laptops.

Anyone any idea of how I can transfer a VHS to a computer as it would be easier and not dependant on a video player living forever, all of these are home videos so there is no copy protection (is there any on VHS? other than breaking the little tab?).

If it makes any difference, most of the original camcorder tapes are also available, they are in Video 8 format if that helps? Even still have the Sony camcorder.

I looked around and the local photo-print shop wanted what seems like a lot of money to transfer them.

Any ideas, anyone done it?

I really have to stop shouting "Challenge Accepted" whenever a relative asks me to fix something...

Also, they can de-clutter their house a little by getting rid of the remaining VHS tapes, the recorders can go to recycling etc etc

[otherman]

There's two ways. You need a player of course, and you'll need to connect up the signal out into a video capture card, but you can get a usb one for a few quid. Then you need some video software and there's plenty around. The ball ache is splitting it up into scenes so that you can find ones you want.
Alternative there are plenty of mail-away services from people who've worked it all out do it for you.

[CubanPete]

Something like this to do it cheaply

https://www.wish.com/product/5bd705470005994ed5219...

Or something more complete from roxio or the like.

Windows has its own video editor, or something more advanced if you want cleaning features

[Mr Pointy]

You'll get better results from the Video-8 original tapes than the VHS copies. You can get them done for around £8 a tape online. Is that too much?