The following steps are used to convert VHS cassettes to digital format using the Diamond or Clear Click converter (hereafter referred to as converter).
1. Identify the video type. Four types of video include VHS, VHS-C, Hi8, and Mini-DV.
Note: VHS-C tapes are smaller than VHS tapes. Adapters, mini SD cards with an adapter, and SD cards may be obtained from a volunteer.
2. Locate the 3 plug-in ports on the source player, such as the VCR (video cassette recorder) or video camera, hereafter referred to as the source player. The ports are colored yellow, white, and red.
3. Match the cord colors to the corresponding colored ports and plug all of the cords into the source player.
4. Match cord colors to the corresponding colored ports and plug all of the cords into the converter.
Note: The converter inputs should connect to the source player outputs. For more details, refer to the user manual for the converter.
5. Plug in the converter power cord.
6. Insert the micro SD card with the converter, SD card, or external drive into the converter using the corresponding port.
Note: The SD card is upside-down when inserted into the converter.
7. Turn the converter on by holding the power button down for several seconds.
8. On the control panel of the converter, press the menu button.
9. Use the down arrow and scroll to Default Storage Device.
10. Select the correct storage device (SD for SD card or USB for flash drive) using the up and down arrows.
11. Once the correct storage device is highlighted, press the OK button.
12. Turn the source player on.
Note: If applicable, before inserting the cassette into the source player, verify that the cassette has been locked by sliding and opening the cassette tab to expose the red tab. If you try to record without the red tab exposed, you cannot record. The cassette must be locked so that the contents are not recorded over.
13. Load the cassette into the source player.
14. Press the Record button on the converter. The recording indicator light starts flashing in the upper left corner of the converter LCD screen and should remain on the screen until the recording is complete.
15. Press the Play button on the source player.
16. On the converter screen, verify that the display shows the correct images for the tape you are digitizing.
17. In the top left corner of the converter screen, numbers to the right of the red camera should begin counting up. The camera icon and increasing number indicate that the recording is in progress. (For more details, refer to the user manual for the converter.)
18. When the recording conversion has been completed, on the converter, press the Record button.
Note: The Record button must be pushed to stop the recording or the file will be corrupt.
19. If the source player is still running, press Stop.
20. To eject and remove the VHS or cassette from the source player, press the eject button.
21. Turn off the source player by pressing the Off button.
22. Disconnect the yellow, red, and white cords from the converter.
23. Remove the micro SD card with the converter, SD card, or external drive.
24. Transfer the data on the micro SD card or SD card to your personal storage device.
25. Once you have saved the recording files to your personal device, delete the files from the borrowed micro SD card or SD card.
26. Return the borrowed micro SD card, SD card, and all associated equipment to a volunteer.