You’ve probably heard of the ClearClick converter if you’ve been researching how to digitize your old VHS or camcorder tapes. It’s often recommended as a simple no-computer-required solution, but is ClearClick actually good? How does it work? And can it really preserve your videos the way you remember them?
As a professional digitization provider, Capture has handled every kind of video conversion scenario, from DIY devices to high-volume preservation. In this ClearClick Video to Digital Converter review, we’ll walk you through how does ClearClick works, what format it uses, who it’s best for, and what to know before deciding between a do-it-yourself tool and a full-service approach.
Jump to:
- What is the ClearClick Video to Digital Converter?
- Unboxing the ClearClick Video to Digital Converter: What to Expect Inside
- How to Setup and Install ClearClick
- How to Use ClearClick Video to Digital Converter
- Performance and Quality
- Software and Editing Options
- Pros and Cons
- Customer Reviews and Feedback
- Comparison with Other Video to Digital Converters
- Pricing and Availability
- Conclusion
What is the ClearClick Video to Digital Converter?
The ClearClick video to digital converter is a standalone device that lets you transform your home movies, VHS, Hi8, camcorder tapes, and more, into digital MP4 files. Just connect a VCR or camcorder via RCA or S‑Video, insert a USB flash drive or SD card, press Record, and watch your memories transfer live on the built‑in screen.
ClearClick is a USA-based company with several products from the most affordable options to more expensive and quality versions. In addition to video capture devices, they also make products designed to turn recorded videos from gaming systems into HD video.
Image Source: https://www.clearclick.com/
Why it stands out:
- No computer needed: compact and portable, ideal for quick, easy conversions
- Wide format support: works with VHS, VHS‑C, S‑VHS, Betamax, Hi8, Digital8, Video8, DVCA - just supply your own playback device
- Supports Windows & Mac: plug in via USB for optional computer transfer or backup
What’s included:
- ClearClick unit
- RCA cable
- Power adapter
- USB cable
- User manual
(An SD card is not included in the box.)
While you will need a camcorder or VCR that takes your types of videotapes, you can usually find a VCR for sale for a pretty good price, or a VHS video, Betamax, or Hi8 camcorder online on eBay.
Unboxing the ClearClick Video to Digital Converter: What to Expect Inside
When we received our brand new ClearClick device from Amazon, we were so excited to open it up. The packaging was high-quality and ensured that the screen wasn’t scratched or damaged during transport.
Inside the box, we found:
- The ClearClick converter unit
- RCA cables for connecting to your VCR or old camcorder
- A power adapter
- A USB cable for optional computer use
- A printed user manual with clear, easy-to-follow instructions
This is everything you need to get started except for your old tapes and a playback device. One thing to note: the device doesn’t come with an SD card, so if you plan to use it in standalone mode, you’ll need to purchase one separately.
Overall, the packaging design felt sturdy and professional, though not flashy. First impression? It’s clear that ClearClick focused on function over frills, and that’s not a bad thing when you just want to get to work digitizing your memories.
How to Setup and Install ClearClick
Setting up the ClearClick software was surprisingly easy, whether you’re using the converter as a standalone device or connecting it to a computer. We simply connected the RCA cables to the ClearClick device, and our VCR and it was pretty much ready to convert old movie formats.
If you prefer to use it with your computer, just connect the device via USB. The included software installs quickly, and you’ll be ready to begin capturing video files directly to your computer.
Plus, we discovered that you could connect a second HDMI cable to both the ClearClick video capture card and the analog VCR or 90s camcorder to get a better signal and higher quality results.
Once video and audio are flowing from your camcorder or VCR to the ClearClick converter, and optionally to your computer, you’re ready to begin recording.
How to Use the ClearClick Video to Digital Converter
Now, we had to use the device to fully see the pros and cons of our ClearClick Video to Digital Converter review. There are only a few steps to start digitizing home movies, but there are also tips and tricks for each step. These steps will work for both the ClearClick Video to Digital Converter 3.0 as well as the 2.0.
1. How Do I Turn on ClearClick?
Plug in the power adapter and press and hold the power button on the device. You’ll see the ClearClick logo appear on the screen, followed by the main menu. Make sure your RCA or S‑Video cables are securely connected to your playback device (VCR, camcorder, etc.).
2. Insert a USB Flash Drive or SD Card
To save your recordings, you’ll need either a USB thumb drive or SD card inserted into the appropriate port. If you’re using the converter with a computer instead, connect it via the included USB cable and ensure the software is ready to record.
3. Start the Conversion Process
Use the menu button to select your input type (Audio + Video, Audio only, or Video only). Once selected, press play on your tape source and wait for the live video to appear on the converter’s screen. Then press the Record button to begin converting your footage into digital format.
4. Use Built-In Features During Transfer
This ClearClick product review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning some of the additional features available during the conversion process.
- Pause/Resume Functionality: Home movies can be long, but if you need a break you can press the “OK” button during recording to pause. Then, press it again to resume where you left off.
- Add or Remove Time and Date Stamps: To remove the time and date overlay, press Menu and scroll down to Time Watermark. Then toggle to add or remove them during your video tape to digital process.
- Auto-Stop Functionality: You can set the videotape or VHS to digital converter to automatically stop after a set amount of time by going to Menu > Auto Stop Recording.
- Aspect Ratio Settings: The ClearClick device automatically records an aspect ratio of 3:2 and video resolution of 720x480, but if it appears stretched you can switch it to 4:3 with 640x480 pixels.
Performance and Quality of ClearClick Video Converter
So how does ClearClick video quality hold up? In short- better than expected for a standalone converter, especially if you're using a clean playback source. While it won’t compare to a professional videotape or VHS conversion service like Capture, so far, it’s probably the highest quality that we’ve seen.
The video and audio quality were quite good, though we know some people have difficulty getting them to sync. However, in our experience, the entire process was easy, and delivered very good quality digital videos. So, if you’re wondering, “Where can I convert VHS to digital myself?” this is a good option.
Compared with the original videotapes that we transferred into digital files; the quality was about the same. The only difference was when we bumped the connection by accident, which left a static jolt in the digital copies. That being said, it was mostly our fault!
Software and Editing Options
The ClearClick device itself doesn’t offer built-in video editing tools, but they do provide free software downloads on their website. Once you upload the video files to your computer, you can use this software to improve the audio and video quality.
It’s pretty basic, and if you plan on enhancing images or performing in-depth video restoration other than very minor changes, we recommend getting a better tool. However, if you just want to finalize your video files and ensure stable video and clear audio, their free software options might be good enough.
Pros and Cons
As a summary of our experience, here are ClearClick pros and cons based on our personal ClearClick user feedback.
Pros
- Good quality audio and video for old VHS tapes
- Works with almost any video format (as long as you have the VCR or camcorder)
- Built-in preview screen
- 1-Year Warranty included plus great tech support
- Easy to use
Cons
- No video editing software built-in
- Seems like it might not be very durable
- Some users have trouble syncing audio and video
Customer Reviews and Feedback
ClearClick Video to Digital Converter 2.0 reviews are mostly positive across the board. They have a 4.4 star rating on Amazon with 68% 5 star reviews. Most people praise all the same things we did, including the quality of results, how easy it is to use, and the built-in screen.
However, as with anything, there are also complaints. Some users report ClearClick Video to Digital Converter 2.0 issues such as audio and video sync problems, especially when using older playback devices or off-brand cables. Others think the screen is too small but don’t want to pay extra for the larger video converter devices made by ClearClick.
A handful of buyers expected pro-level results and were disappointed that the output didn’t match what a service like Capture can provide. That being said, we use thousands of dollars of state-of-the-art equipment, so you can’t expect to get the quality we do from home.
Comparison with Other Video to Digital Converters
If you're researching the best VHS to digital converters, ClearClick consistently appears near the top of most lists. It’s earned that spot thanks to its reliable performance, standalone design, and ease of use, especially for people who want to digitize tapes at home without complicated software or setups.
When compared to other consumer-grade options, ClearClick and DigitNow are two of the most trusted choices. Both offer better build quality and smoother conversions than many lower-end devices, making them great for DIY projects.
However, when you compare it with Capture, as we mentioned above, ClearClick digital converters don’t seem so good. However, that’s to be expected because we’ve been digitizing videotapes for over 20 years, so we know how to do it right.
Pricing and Availability
ClearClick devices are readily available on Amazon, meaning they are easy to find, easy to buy, and shipped quickly. When it comes to price, we believe they are competitive as well. While they are more expensive than other options, you get what you paid for.
Since there are many different devices, here is the ClearClick pricing breakdown:
- ClearClick Video to Digital Converter 2.0 - $159.95
- ClearClick Video to Digital Converter 2.0 Mini - $139.95
- ClearClick Video to Digital Converter 3.0 - $219.95
- ClearClick HD Video Capture Box Ultimate - $199.95
Is ClearClick the Right Choice?
Hopefully this ClearClick Video to Digital Converter review has helped you determine if this device is the right choice for your priceless memories. It’s a great DIY device that’s easy to use and produces pretty good quality. However, remember that you’ll have to convert video in real time, meaning it can take a long time to convert all your home movies.
If you're looking for a faster, more hands-off solution, consider Capture, the best company to digitize home movies. We offer studio-quality transfers, fast turnaround, and secure handling. You’ll get both your originals and high-quality digital files back in less than 30 days, ready to share and preserve for generations.
