# VHS-Decode > software-defined videotape decoder **Wikidata**: [Q131451263](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q131451263) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vhs-decode ## Summary VHS-Decode is a free, software-defined videotape decoder that allows users to decode and analyze signals from VHS tapes. It is distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0, and is based on the ld-decode project, which handles LaserDisc decoding. ## Key Facts - **License**: Distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0. - **Latest stable version**: 0.3.5, released on May 17, 2025. - **Based on**: The ld-decode software-defined LaserDisc decoder. - **Instance of**: Free software, allowing users to run, study, change, and distribute it. - **Copyright status**: Copyrighted. - **Source code repository**: Available on GitHub at [https://github.com/oyvindln/vhs-decode](https://github.com/oyvindln/vhs-decode). - **Versions**: Includes releases from 0.2.4 (January 25, 2024) to 0.3.5 (May 17, 2025). - **Related project**: ld-decode, another software-defined decoder for optical media. ## FAQs ### Q: What is VHS-Decode used for? A: VHS-Decode is a software-defined decoder that allows users to decode and analyze signals from VHS tapes, enabling playback and preservation of analog video content. ### Q: Is VHS-Decode free to use? A: Yes, VHS-Decode is free software distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0, allowing users to freely run, study, modify, and distribute it. ### Q: How does VHS-Decode differ from ld-decode? A: While VHS-Decode focuses on decoding VHS tapes, ld-decode is designed for LaserDiscs. Both are software-defined decoders built on similar principles. ### Q: Where can I find the source code for VHS-Decode? A: The source code is available on GitHub at [https://github.com/oyvindln/vhs-decode](https://github.com/oyvindln/vhs-decode). ### Q: What is the latest stable version of VHS-Decode? A: The latest stable version is 0.3.5, released on May 17, 2025. ## Why It Matters VHS-Decode plays a crucial role in preserving and digitizing analog video content from VHS tapes. As physical media degrades over time, software-defined decoders like VHS-Decode provide a means to recover and restore content that might otherwise be lost. By leveraging free and open-source software, the project ensures accessibility and community collaboration in the preservation of cultural heritage. Its development builds on the ld-decode project, demonstrating the adaptability of software-defined decoding technologies across different optical media formats. ## Notable For - **Free and open-source**: Distributed under the GNU GPL, ensuring transparency and community contribution. - **Software-defined decoding**: Enables advanced signal processing and customization for VHS tape playback. - **Based on ld-decode**: Inherits the foundational work of the LaserDisc decoder, extending its principles to VHS. - **Active development**: Regular updates and releases (0.2.4 to 0.3.5) reflect ongoing improvements and community engagement. - **GitHub-hosted**: Source code is publicly available, fostering collaboration and transparency. ## Body ### Overview VHS-Decode is a software-defined decoder designed to extract and analyze signals from VHS tapes. It is part of a broader movement in media preservation, where software-defined solutions replace traditional hardware decoders. The project is licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0, ensuring it remains free and open-source. ### Development and Releases The project has seen multiple stable releases, with the latest version being 0.3.5, released on May 17, 2025. Previous versions include 0.3.4 (April 15, 2025), 0.3.3 (February 28, 2025), and earlier iterations such as 0.2.7 (May 17, 2024). Each release is documented on GitHub, with references to the publication dates and release notes. ### Relationship to ld-decode VHS-Decode is based on the ld-decode project, which handles LaserDisc decoding. This relationship highlights the adaptability of software-defined decoding technologies across different optical media formats. Both projects share a common foundation in signal processing and media preservation. ### Source Code and Community The source code is hosted on GitHub, where users can access, modify, and contribute to the project. The repository includes documentation and release notes, reflecting the collaborative nature of the development process. The project's copyright status is noted as copyrighted, with the license ensuring users can freely use and distribute the software. ### Significance in Media Preservation VHS-Decode contributes to the broader effort of preserving analog video content. As physical media degrades, software-defined decoders like VHS-Decode provide a means to recover and restore content that might otherwise be lost. The project's development aligns with the goals of media archivists and enthusiasts, ensuring that valuable cultural heritage remains accessible. ## References 1. [Source](https://github.com/oyvindln/vhs-decode) 2. [Source](https://github.com/oyvindln/vhs-decode/blob/vhs_decode/LICENSE) 3. [Release 0.2.4. 2024](https://github.com/oyvindln/vhs-decode/releases/tag/0.2.4) 4. [Release 0.2.5. 2024](https://github.com/oyvindln/vhs-decode/releases/tag/0.2.5) 5. [Release 0.2.6. 2024](https://github.com/oyvindln/vhs-decode/releases/tag/0.2.6) 6. [Release 0.2.7. 2024](https://github.com/oyvindln/vhs-decode/releases/tag/0.2.7) 7. [Release 0.3.0. 2024](https://github.com/oyvindln/vhs-decode/releases/tag/0.3.0) 8. [Release 0.3.1. 2024](https://github.com/oyvindln/vhs-decode/releases/tag/v0.3.1) 9. [Release 0.3.2. 2025](https://github.com/oyvindln/vhs-decode/releases/tag/0.3.2) 10. [Release 0.3.3. 2025](https://github.com/oyvindln/vhs-decode/releases/tag/v0.3.3) 11. [Release 0.3.4. 2025](https://github.com/oyvindln/vhs-decode/releases/tag/v0.3.4) 12. [Release 0.3.5. 2025](https://github.com/oyvindln/vhs-decode/releases/tag/v0.3.5) 13. [Release 0.3.7.1. 2025](https://github.com/oyvindln/vhs-decode/releases/tag/0.3.7.1) 14. [Release 0.3.8. 2025](https://github.com/oyvindln/vhs-decode/releases/tag/0.3.8) 15. [Release 0.3.9. 2026](https://github.com/oyvindln/vhs-decode/releases/tag/v0.3.9)