>>>Hi,
>>>
>>>Do you know of a hardware (and software) device that will allow connecting a VHS player (or a 8" tape player) to a computer and convert the videos into a "commonly" used formats (like AVI or other) that can be easily played on any PC or Mac Computer?
>>>
>>>TIA
>>
>>There are gizmos like this you can get :)
>>https://www.elgato.com/en/video-capture
>>http://www.pinnaclesys.com/PublicSite/us/Products/dazzle/dvd-recorder-hd/

for generic products I'd google "video grabber USB"