Most archives, libraries and heritage institutions have VHS video tapes in their collections. These tapes are often the primary video format found in these institutions, as they were previously a cost-effective and easy-to-use video recording technique.

Unfortunately, as with other types of magnetic tapes, the preservation of VHS tapes presents significant challenges: the tapes have a limited lifespan and eventually degrade; the technology for reading these tapes and the expertise needed to repair the readers are disappearing.

In order for VHS-recorded information to remain accessible, it must be transferred to a new technology. This Technical Bulletin contains information and procedures for scanning VHS video tapes. It is aimed at small and medium-sized heritage institutions that lack the funds to carry out professional digitization.