Hitachi VCR for VHS-C transfer - best workflow?
 

I'm trying to preserve videos of my family from 20 years ago by putting them onto dvds/external hdd, I've been reading everything I can about the process and noticed you to be very knowledgeable and I am coming to you in hopes that you could help me.

I have a Hitachi VHS FX600 VCR. About 40x VHS-C TC-20 tapes (different types like ER, EHG, EX) using a VHS-C to VHS adapter, about 10x SKC T-120 SuperHQ VHS tapes, and a few 8mm tapes.

I'm not sure what the best approach is and could really use your expertise.

Sincerely,
Matt

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Those are excellent tapes -- TDK EHG, JVC EX, SKC S-VHS. :congrats:

But that's not a good VCR -- especially not for S-VHS and VHS-C source! Ideally, you'd want a Panasonic AG-1980P for the VHS-C tapes. Most normal VCRs, even good VCRs like JVC S-VHS decks, eat the tapes. Repear, EAT THE TAPES! That's not good.

Having so few tapes as you do, about 50 total, it would cost the same (or less) to just send the videos to a good service, rather than try to DIY and hope for the best. It's easier for you, and a service should have experience and skill at transferring video. (Keyword: should, so be careful who you select!)

We have services here at The Digital FAQ, but I'm not trying to hard sell you anything. Just telling you the facts of the situation. (If interesting, Contact Us.)