Replacing VHS tapes with DVDs can be an expensive proposition.

One cost-effective alternative is to get a VHS to DVD converter and do it yourself.

If you have more than 10 or so VHS tapes, it will pay for itself.

You may have spotted some of these or other similar products on electronics blogs, we’ve decided to put together a list of top products for you. Here are 4 such products:

#4. Plextor ConvertX Digital Video Converter – The ConvertX allows you to record your VHS tapes, and other video outputs, into DivX or MPEG-4 before burning it to DVD. The ConvertX box plugs into your computer and also comes bundled with software. Its built-in compression software allows you to store 2 hours of video on a CD, or 10 hours on a DVD. Costs about $55.

3. CopyThis! Digital Video Enhancer – The CopyThis converter can enhance the quality of your VHS tapes during conversion. The enhancement features include noise reduction to improve picture quality as well as turningthe movies into black and white! Unfortunately, CopyThis does not make this product any more, but you may be able to find a second-hand unit.

2. Honestech’s VHS to DVD 3.0 Deluxe – This is also a converter box and it is able to convert practically any analog source into a myriad of digital formats. The included software is very easy to use and has two levels: beginner and advanced. In beginner mode, a few mouse clicks will get you started converting VHS tape to a DVD.

There are advanced features like video editing. VHS to DVD is a good value for the money and easy to get started with. VHS to DVD costs approx $50. You can read a thorough review of VHS to DVD 3.0 Deluxe here.

1. Panasonic DMR-EZxxx DVD & VHS Recorders – Panasonic has a line up of DVD to VHS recorders that play both formats. As it has slots for both, it also allows to record from one format to the other (although we’re not quite sure why you’d want to downgrade your DVDs). As opposed to the other 3 units, this does not have a software component, and it does playback as well, including for example, JPG files from an SD card. It can even upscale to 1080p. We’ve decided to rank this number one for its slew of features, but unfortunately it does have a price tag to match (about $170).

You can find the Plextor, Honestech and Panasonic products easily on your gadget shopping hunts.