AV Conversion Station

Preserving old media is easy with the Library’s do-it-yourself AV Conversion Station!  Our equipment allows you to convert audio cassettes, records, and home videos into easy-to-share digital files. 

Equipment & software available:

• Windows 10 PC
• USB turntable
• Audio cassette player
• Audacity digital audio editor
• VCR/DVD player
• Elgato Video Capture
• VHS-C cassette adapter
• Headphones
• Vinyl cleaning kit
• Two scanners (overhead & flatbed) are also available in the computer lab
   

Preparing for your visit

First and foremost, please note that the Library cannot guarantee original media will not be damaged when using this equipment. Assess the risk you are willing to take with your tapes and vinyl before using this station, especially when digitizing media with sentimental value.

The following step-by-step instructions will guide you through the conversion process for VHS, vinyl, and audio cassettes.  Please review these ahead of time for the best experience.  While staff can point you to these and other resources, we will not be available to walk you through the process. 

• Instructions - Welcome
• Instructions - VHS
• Instructions - Vinyl
• Instructions - Audio Cassette
• Instructions - Burning Discs

Please bring your own flash drive, external hard drive, blank discs, or be prepared to upload files to cloud storage.  The computer automatically shuts down and erases all data at the end of a session, so please make sure to save work well in advance of your session ending.  For estimating purposes, one hour of video requires approximately 1GB of space.  

Reservations can be made by calling 503-656-7853 x5, but the station is available on a first-come, first-served basis when no one has it booked.  Sessions at the Conversion Station last 2.5 hours and can be extended if no one is waiting.  Conversion is done in real-time, which means a 90-minute video will take 90 minutes.  

Covered drinks are welcome; food is not permitted.