VCR to Macbook VHS to digital conversion?

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VCR to Macbook VHS to digital conversion?

I’m trying to view my VHS tapes on my Macbook Pro (2020). I have RCA composites plugged into the output from the VCR, into a little “mini converter.” The converter has an HDMI output, so I then have the other end of the HDMI plugged into an HDMI port “dongle” that plugs into my USB-C ports on my Mac. I know this is a LOT of pieces, but I don’t know a better way to do this.

I have tested each piece individually to make sure nothing is faulty — it isn’t. The Mac still won’t detect that there is anything plugged in at all. I’ve tried two different converters, different HDMI cords, and different USB-C port adapters. Why can’t my Mac find the signal from the HDMI cable?

Posted on Mar 29, 2021 4:07 PM

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Answer 1

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Jaym_8

Community Specialist

Mar 30, 2021 1:57 PM in response to mikaela297

Hi mikaela297,

We understand you have some questions about the HDMI port on your computer. We're happy to offer some guidance.

It sounds like you're trying to input video to the computer from an HDMI device. The HDMI port on a Mac is only for output. The HDMI port is used for mirroring your computers display on something like a TV or external monitor. You can't use the computer as a display for something like a VCR, DVD player, gaming system, etc.

Connect to HDMI from your Mac

There may be third party options that you can search for that can help with what you're wanting to do though.

We hope this helps. Take care!

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VCR to Macbook VHS to digital conversion?

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