Read this.
There are three ways to digitize old tapes: a cheap converter box, a mail-in service, or the RVT Digitizer. We compare all three below, including the cost.
The RVT Digitizer 3.0 turns VHS and camcorder tapes into digital video files. You don't need a computer. Your tapes stay at home.
▶ Start converting
We tried all three. Here's how they stack up.
| 📼RVT Digitizer 3.0 | 📦Typical $129 converter | ✉️Mail-in service | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Convert unlimited tapes | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ ~$30 per tape |
| Tapes never leave your home | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ shipped to strangers |
| No computer needed | ✅ | varies | — |
| Files go straight to your phone | ✅ USB works with your phone | usually ❌ PC only | — |
| Built-in preview screen | ✅ | usually ❌ | — |
| Premium cables included | ✅ | thin unshielded cables | — |
| Consoles, camcorders & vinyl too | ✅ | rarely | ❌ |
| Warranty & support | 2 years · US team | 90 days typical | — |
| Cost for 30 tapes | $257 once | ~$129 | $900+ |
- ✅ Convert unlimited tapes
- ✅ Tapes never leave your home
- ✅ No computer needed
- ✅ Files go straight to your phone
- ✅ Built-in preview screen
- ✅ Premium cables
- ✅ Consoles, camcorders & vinyl too
- ✅ 2-year warranty · US team
- ✅ Convert unlimited tapes
- ✅ Tapes never leave your home
- ⚠️ Needs a computer — varies by model
- ❌ PC only, files don't reach your phone
- ❌ No preview screen
- ❌ Thin unshielded cables
- ❌ Rarely handles consoles or vinyl
- ⚠️ 90-day warranty is typical
- ❌ About $30 per tape, every time
- ❌ Your originals ship to strangers
- ❌ Weeks of waiting
- ❌ No preview, no control
- ❌ Can't do consoles or vinyl
- ❌ Nothing to keep when it's done
See it in action
Watch it work
▶ tap to play · sound on recommended
How it works
Plug it in
Connect your VCR, camcorder or console with the included cables.
Press record
Watch your tape on the built-in screen while it converts.
Save it
Digital video files save straight to USB or SD. Share them anywhere.
On your phone
Three ways to get your old tapes onto your phone
Your tapes save as digital video files on the included USB drive. From there, pick whichever is easiest:
Plug it in.
The dual-end USB goes straight from the Digitizer into your iPhone, iPad, or Android. No cable. No computer.
Copy it over.
Drag the files to your laptop or a cloud folder. Keep them forever.
Play it big.
Plug the USB into a smart TV and watch on the big screen.
No subscriptions. No cloud fees. No account.
What shows up at your door
We give you everything you need.
VHS & VCR · Camcorders & Hi8 · Retro game consoles · Anything with RCA or S-Video cables. No extra parts to hunt down.
It works with more than VHS
You can also record from camcorders, video game consoles, and turntables.
Included free
Two bonuses in every order
🎁 Yours at no extra cost
- 📘 The RVT Digitizing eBook — our step-by-step playbook for getting clean transfers off old tape. free with every order
- 🎧 6 months of peace-of-mind support — a real US-based person on the phone whenever you get stuck. valued at $58
Questions
How is this different from other converters?
Most cheap converters need a computer, drivers and capture software. The RVT Digitizer 3.0 is fully standalone — built-in screen, records straight to USB or SD, and also handles camcorders, retro consoles and vinyl.
What format are my recordings saved in?
Standard MP4 video (MP3 for audio) — plays on any phone, TV or computer, and uploads straight to Google Photos or YouTube.
Do I need any tech skills?
If you can plug in three color-coded cables, you can do this. Setup takes about 5 minutes and the included guide walks you through it.
What if it doesn't work with my tapes?
You're covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 2-year warranty, with a US-based support team a phone call away.
Free resource
Learn to digitize — free guides
Setup walkthroughs, software tips and troubleshooting. No email required, no purchase needed.
Watch the free guides →