Is it possible to view VHS tapes on a TFT/CRT monitor?

Belly · 2 Jun 2007 at 12:17

Is it possible to view VHS tapes on a TFT/CRT monitor?

I’ve still got a VHS video recorder and a scores of recorded TV programmes etc. Is it possible to connect the video recorder direct to a monitor and watch the pre-recorded tapes?

I’m thinking of watching them away from home and if I did so would I need to buy another TV licence? As far as I understand if one watches DVDs on a computer monitor one doesn’t need a licence, so what if any would be the fundamental difference?

………………………………………………………………………………………………

A Poll: The TV Licence Man knocks on your door and says:

“Why haven’t you got a TV Licence Sir”

Do you answer:

I haven’t bothered buying one this year because I only watch repeats and last years licence should suffice?

Or

I only watch Australian Soaps and their licence only costs £10s a year so I’ve bought one of theirs?

chrismox · 2 Jun 2007 at 12:47

If your monitor just has standard inputs (VGA/DVI) then I don't think you'll be able to connect a VCR to it.

The only way I can think of doing it would be to connect the VCR to a TV card on your computer (probably using S-Video). This would, however, mean that you would theoretically need a second licence - "You need a TV Licence to use any television receiving equipment such as a TV set, set-top boxes, video or DVD recorders, computers or mobile phones to watch or record TV programmes as they are being shown on TV."

Memphis · 2 Jun 2007 at 13:28

chrismox said:
The only way I can think of doing it would be to connect the VCR to a TV card on your computer (probably using S-Video). This would, however, mean that you would theoretically need a second licence - "You need a TV Licence to use any television receiving equipment such as a TV set, set-top boxes, video or DVD recorders, computers or mobile phones to watch or record TV programmes as they are being shown on TV."

Not completely accurate.

You would only need a second licence if you connect the TV card or VCR to an aerial. If you let them know that you will not actually be receiving TV signals, you won't have to buy a licence, though they will more than likely come and check you're not fibbing.

unknowndomain · 2 Jun 2007 at 13:32

I think this is what you are looking for but there a bit conflicting, I expect if your watching video's of tv shows then you have to pay but if your watching bought from the shop videos you would be ok.

http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/information/index.jsp#link1

Do I need a licence?

You need a TV Licence to use any television receiving equipment such as a TV set, set-top boxes, video or DVD recorders, computers or mobile phones to watch or record TV programmes as they are being shown on TV.

If you use a set-top box with a hi-fi system or another device that can only be used to produce sounds and can't display TV programmes, and you don't install or use any other TV receiving equipment, you don't need a TV Licence.

http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/gethelp/faqs.jsp#link1

What if I only use a TV to watch videos/DVDs/as a monitor for my games console? Do I still need a licence?

You need to notify us in writing that this is the case and one of our Enforcement Officers may need to visit you to confirm that you do not need a licence.

Belly · 2 Jun 2007 at 14:14

Thanx so far

I was hoping to just plug the vhs recorder into a monitor (no computer in situ) and watch my previously recorded TV documentaries then dump the VHS Cassettes. I expect I’ll have to reconnect the recorder to the TV at home and then do some serious watching.

Thanx again

Jaap74 · 2 Jun 2007 at 14:19

Belly said:
I only watch Australian Soaps and their licence only costs £10s a year so I’ve bought one of theirs?

no TV licenses in Australia.....

or fishing licenses for that matter.....

unknowndomain · 2 Jun 2007 at 14:23

In responce to your original question while it is possible to connect a VCR to a computer monitor via DVI/VGA you would require an adapter which is very expensive and most likly not worth the expense. Also you would likly need a tv licence to watch the recorded documentaries as you must pay to watch TV. However it is not likely that they will be able to track this. However unless you are extremely tight for cash you can get a TV licence on quaterly basis and therefor only pay for 3, 6, 9 months and then stop using the VCR.

Energize · 2 Jun 2007 at 19:08

You could buy a scart to vga converter. Component ones cost about £30.

However you'd be best just buying a capture card and watching them through that on your pc.

Kipper67 · 3 Jun 2007 at 01:58

Belly said:
Thanx so far

I was hoping to just plug the vhs recorder into a monitor (no computer in situ) and watch my previously recorded TV documentaries then dump the VHS Cassettes. I expect I’ll have to reconnect the recorder to the TV at home and then do some serious watching.

Thanx again

You aren't really giving a lot away for example what inputs the monitor has and the VCR.

For example for me it would be easy - Dell 2405 with s-video input and a panasonic super-vhs from years ago with s-video out so no problem .

Or -if no s-video- scart lead or rf lead from old video into dvd-recorder then component out again into the Dell.

Like i said depends what you have to play with .