How to Convert VHS to 4K Video Resolution: Full Guide

VHS is a groundbreaking video analog format that is in the form of cassette tapes, which are now considered vintage, serving as a storage medium for old-time video footage. Now, in modern times, the presence and use of VHS tapes has declined and are now used only for display or collection. However, modern technology allows the creation of various tools, enabling old technology to function in modern times. In simpler terms, VHS cassette tapes can still be used today with the help of third-party tools, and among those functions is to extract VHS footage from the cassette tapes and upscale VHS to 4K video resolution. And within this guide, you will learn more about what a VHS tape is, the need for extracting VHS footage to digital, and lastly, how to use a third-party tool for upscaling VHS to 4K video resolution.

Part 1. What is VHS?

VHS (Video Home System) is a type of video format developed in 1976 by JVC. During that time, it became the primary storage of video footage, allowing people of that time to record, store, and watch movies and TV shows in it. VHS is in a physical rectangular casing about 7.4 inches wide and 4 inches tall, where it contains two spools of black tape-like strip containing the video footage frame by frame.

Moreover, before people can use, record, or play video footage of VHS, a device called a VCR (Video Cassette Recorder) that is connected to a TV is needed. With it, people can record, rewind, fast-forward, and pause—making it a popular way to save television shows at home and movie rentals.

Part 2. What You Need to Convert VHS to Digital

Before you proceed with the steps on how to upscale VHS to 4K, you will have to convert the VHS footage into digital first. Within this section, we listed the things you need to convert VHS to a digital version.

1. Hardware

• VCR (Video Cassette Recorder) - a hardware device to play your VHS tapes.

• Video Capture - a device that is connected to your VCR and computer that records the VHS tapes digitally.

2. Video Recorder Software

• Video Screen Recorder - a screen recorder software on your computer that is tasked to screen record your VHS video footage when you play it on your computer.

3. Computer

• PC or Laptop - Windows or Mac devices that have a port that supports the VHS Digital Converter.

Part 3. How to Convert VHS to Digital

Using the necessary tools above, you may proceed to first record or digitize your VHS video footage by following the steps below.

Step 1. Connect your Video Capture to your VCR and Computer.

Step 2. Insert your VHS cassette tape into your VCR. Next, on your computer, install the software of your chosen Video Capture device, and once done, select the USB capture device as your video source.

Step 3. Once you manage to set your Video Capture device as the video source on your computer, open your Video Recorder software of your choice (Vidmore Screen Recorder). And from its main interface, click on the Video Recorder function before playing your VHS footage on your computer.

Step 4. Once you hit the REC button of your screen recorder, it will automatically start recording your computer screen. Proceed to play your VHS video file. Once you are done playing your VHS footage, press the Stop button on your screen to immediately stop the screen recording activity by your screen recorder software.

Step 5. Once you stop the video recording, your screen recorder should allow you to preview the recorded screen. After reviewing the clip, you may click on the Done button to save it to your computer, and just like that, you managed to convert your VHS to digital.

Part 4. How to Upscale Recorded VHS to 4K

Once you have managed to make a digital copy of your VHS video footage on your computer, the next step is to upscale VHS to 4K using the best VHS upscaler tool, VidHex Video Upscaler. This tool can easily enhance your VHS video footage with poor or low resolution to produce vibrant, higher-quality footage in no time. Thanks to its AI, it makes video enhancement a lot more convenient as it has various AI models that address specific video upscaling needs, perfect for low-resolution video, such as VHS footage.

Key Features

• Equipped with AI technology for precise video upscaling results.

• Capable of upscaling video up to 4K resolution, you can use it to make anime look 4K.

• Can batch process multiple videos in one go.

• It has various AI models to use in enhancing videos.

• It supported a wide range of video file formats.

• Easy to work around tool with a simple yet straightforward user interface.

• It has fast processing hardware for more rapid video enhancement export.

• It can eliminate video blur and grain.

Steps in Using VidHex

Step 1. Download the VidHex Video Upscaler on your desktop device.

Step 2. Once you have installed the VidHex software on your desktop device, open the software and from its main interface, upload your low-resolution VHS video through the Click or Drag & Drop section located on the upper part of the software.

Step 3. Once you manage to upload your VHS video into the software, proceed to choose an AI model situated on the right side of the software’s interface. And you can select the video clarity and magnification effect in the Output Resolution.

Step 4. Once you have decided which AI model best fits your video, proceed to click on the Export button to start the AI upscale VHS process.

See, easy and simple, it can help you upscale your video easily, so don’t hesitate to give it a try!

Part 5. FAQs about VHS Upscaler

Why do I need a VHS upscaler?

You need a VHS upscaled tool, as most of the videos stored in VHS cassette tapes are considered low quality. The quality of video stored in them varies. Sometimes, it possesses blurry videos, grainy videos, or lacks vibrant color, which can only be resolved by getting your VHS videos into the VHS Upscaler tool.

Can I upscale VHS with just a VHS player and TV?

No, as video upscaler tools are software-based, they can only be used on computers or laptops, which TVs don’t have.

What’s the best resolution to upscale VHS to?

A standard and decent video resolution to keep in mind when upscaling a VHS video is 1080p resolution. This makes it faster to export, but when you want the best resolution possible in your VHS upscaling, you may aim for 4K video resolution if your software offers such resolution.

Conclusion

Through this guide, you have learned that before a VHS video can be converted to 4K resolution, it must be digitized via screen recording. Only once it has been transformed into a digital file, you will be able to AI VHS upscale it using a software tool on your desktop. This article has elusively tackled starting from explaining what VHS is, what tools and software you need to convert your VHS to digital, a step-by-step process for converting it to digital, up to upsampling your digital VHS file using a VHS 4K upscaled tool.