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VHS Decode

github.com/oyvindln/vhs-decode Video Editing & Animation Open-source projectOpen source

vhs-decode is software for decoding VHS signals from raw RF captures, according to its repository description.

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github.com/oyvindln/vhs-decode
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About VHS Decode

vhs-decode is open source software for decoding VHS signals from raw FM RF captures, according to its repository description. The project describes itself as a software defined VHS decoder and a fork, possibly temporary, of the ld-decode Laserdisc RF decoder. The repository says it handles FM RF signals captured directly from the heads of colour-under and composite FM videotape formats, before the VCR's internal video and hi-fi processing. It is part of the FM RF archival approach to media preservation. The repository also includes hifi-decode and an experimental CVBS decoder for raw digitized NTSC and PAL composite video.

Support varies by tape format. The repository lists VHS 625-line and 525-line (NTSC, NTSC-J, PAL, PAL-M, MESECAM) as generally well supported for video and hi-fi. Other formats, including U-Matic, Betamax, SuperBeta, 1-inch Type B and Type C, EIAJ, Philips VCR and Video2000, and 2-inch Quad, are listed as supported, basic, preliminary or in development. The FM RF captures it decodes are not the same as the signals on a VCR's antenna connectors, and the repository warns about this distinction.

Key features

  • Decodes FM RF captures from VHS and other colour-under and composite FM videotape formats
  • Lists support levels per tape format, from supported to basic, preliminary or in development
  • Covers VHS 625-line and 525-line NTSC, PAL, PAL-M and MESECAM variants
  • Decodes hi-fi audio for VHS and Video8/Hi8 captures as well as video
  • Includes an experimental CVBS decoder for raw digitized NTSC and PAL composite video
  • Offers downloadable builds for Windows, macOS and Linux
Best for: Archivists and media preservationists who digitize VHS and related analogue tapes from FM RF captures and are comfortable with technical software.
Good for
  • Open source, with the source code available in its GitHub repository
  • Lists supported and well supported VHS formats, including hi-fi decoding for some captures
  • Offers builds for Windows, macOS and Linux
Watch out for
  • Several tape formats are listed as basic, preliminary or still in development
  • The CVBS decoder is described as experimental and works best when the source is somewhat stable
  • FM RF captures are not the same as signals from a VCR's antenna connectors, so the workflow differs from simple capture

VHS Decode at a glance

Type
Open-source project
Pricing
Not confirmed. Check the site
Open source
Yes · Source code
Language
English
Last checked
Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
Listed
Oct 5, 2026
open sourcevideo editing

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VHS Decode FAQ

Is an FM RF capture the same as capturing from a VCR's antenna connectors?
No. The repository cautions that FM RF archival captures are not to be confused with the TV modulator and demodulator signals on the antenna connectors at the back of a VCR.
Which tape formats does vhs-decode support?
VHS 625-line and 525-line formats are listed as generally well supported. SVHS, U-Matic, Betamax, Video8 and Hi8 are listed as supported. Other formats, including SuperBeta, 1-inch Type B and Type C, EIAJ, Philips VCR and Video2000, and 2-inch Quad, have basic, preliminary or development-level support.
Can it decode composite video captures?
The repository describes an experimental CVBS decoder that can decode basic raw digitized NTSC and PAL composite video, including colour if the source is somewhat stable.
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Listing maintained by Chris McClure and the WebIndexly editors · Updated Oct 12, 2026 · How we rank