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Technology at GPL

VHS Conversion

VHS Conversion Equipment

The Greenburgh Public Library has equipment that allows you to convert your analog media - VHS videocassettes - to digital files.

Reserve time with the equipment and bring your media, plus a storage device, to the Greenburgh Public Library at the scheduled time. The Library will provide a laptop with the appropriate software and any other needed equipment and cables. 

  • Patrons can reserve the VHS conversion equipment for a period of 60-180 minutes at a time.
  • Patrons may only reserve the equipment once a day.
  • Reservations must be made at least 5+ days in advance.
  • Reservations are not immediately confirmed. You will receive a follow-up email confirming your requested date and time.
  • Service is only available Monday - Friday.

Request a time

What can be transferred?

  • VHS Cassettes
  • VHS-C Cassettes (patron must provide the VHS-C adapter)

General Policies

  • You must have a valid adult library card from a Westchester Library System participating library. 
  • You must bring in your own storage device (flash drive, external hard drive, cloud storage). 
  • The equipment will be checked-out to your library card while you use it. You are responsible for your own as well as the library's equipment while you're using it. The Library is not responsible for lost or damaged equipment.
  • GPL staff will provide the digital conversion equipment, but the Library does not assist with the conversion process. Patrons must also bring in their own storage device for their files. 
  • The digital conversion process takes place in real time. For example: if your tape or record runs 20 minutes, it will take 20 minutes for it to be digitized.

Can I digitize a VHS recording without burning it to a DVD?

Yes. You can convert the VHS recording to a video file that can be copied to a USB flash drive, external hard drive, or uploaded to an online storage or video hosting service.

Is it safe? What if the VCR eats my tape?

Please note that the Library cannot guarantee original media will not be damaged when using this equipment. The Library is not responsible for lost or damaged equipment during the conversion process. Assess the risk you are willing to take with your VHS tapes before starting the conversion, especially when digitizing media with sentimental value. If you are concerned that your VHS tape might get damaged, you should consider taking your tape to a professional service that offers a safety guaranty. 

 

 

Do I have to stay during the entire conversion process?

Staff will not convert media or finalize projects in the absence of the content owner. Patrons must be present at all times while projects are digitizing and/or rendering. The conditions of the film need to be sufficient and clear for digitizing. We cannot restore damaged film.

What if I need help? Will you do this for me?

While we cannot do the whole conversion process, we are happy to help get you started and work through any issues you come across! Step-by-step instructions are available with the digitization equipment.

Copyright

Concerns about copyright infringement extend to the use of equipment to duplicate copyright-protected documents and graphic materials. Each patron assumes all responsibility for observing copyright restrictions when using equipment in the library.