Frequently Asked Questions

• How much does it cost to convert video tapes to digital files?

  These prices include the 30% discount we are currently offering.

  **Now through October 10, 2025, take advantage of our Current Special. For this limited time, the price of video tape transfer is the same as our bulk rate – just $28.50 $19.95/tape up to 2 hours**.

• How long does it take to convert my video tapes to digital files?

  Please call the office to inquire about our current backlog.

  We are usually about 4 to 6 weeks out, but that depends on the season and current circumstances. Rush orders are available at additional cost. This will ensure that your order will be completed within one to two weeks depending on the size of your order. It is always difficult to say what exactly day your video tapes will be done.

  Everyone’s video tapes are different and we take the time on every single order to make sure it is done right, even if we have to spend extra time and redo scenes until we are happy with them.

  Please understand that you are hiring us because of the attention we pay to detail and quality, not speed.

• What type of footage can you process?

  We can only process homemade footage made from your camera. We cannot do any commercially produced programs even if you recorded it from your TV.

• What type of media do you convert video tapes to?

  We convert video tapes to flash drive, hard drive, the cloud on Gold Archival DVD’s. None of the files are copy-protected so you are welcome to make as many copies as you like, but you may not be able to get the professional gold archival DVD disks that we use on your own. This will make a huge difference in how long a disks lasts. I always recommend you get at least one backup on gold disks then you can make more copies on regular disks yourself for multiple family members.

• Why do I want Gold Disks?

  The main reason you want to put your family memories on DVD is that DVDs last forever right? WRONG!! All DVDs have a shelf life and do fail eventually. And, once a disk starts to go bad, it becomes unreadable. So, instead of the picture fading or degrading a little at a time, you go from perfect to nothing in one step.

  Most services like ours use regular disks. They are said to last 2 to 5 years. We don’t think that is acceptable so we use the top of the line Gold Archival DVD disks made by Mitsui. These disks are superior for two reasons: First, the construction of the disk is much more durable. It can take punishment and age better than any other disk. Second, the information layer is actually made of gold.

  Gold can hold information better than the assortment of metals used in other disks. The result, a disk that is thoroughly tested and rated for a shelf life of over 100 years. These disks have been tested against other gold disks and every major maker of DVDs. They stand out as far superior in every case.

  That’s why we insist on using them, and that’s why you should insist on getting them. Why doesn’t our competition use them? Because they are many times more expensive than any other disk. When you want your data to outlast your grandchildren, insist on the best disks on the market, Mitsui Gold Archival DVD disks. And to play it safe, we recommend that you order a backup copy to keep at a second location just in case.

• What Kinds of Tapes Can You Do?

  We can do just about any kind of tape ever available to consumers. These include VHS, VHS-C, Super VHS, 8mm, Hi 8, Digital 8, Mini DV, DV, DVCAM, and even Micro MV (We would need to borrow your working Micro MV camera for these tapes).

• How are the disks organized? Are there Chapter Buttons?

  Disks are organized so that you will have one menu start button for each tape on the disk. Chapter points are set at every 5 minutes so skipping to a favorite part is easy.

• How Long Can I Expect My Disks To Last?

  The longevity of a DVD disk depends on the construction and material quality of the disk. That is the reason we use only the top of the line brand archival gold professional DVD disks. These disks are the longest lasting disks there are. These gold archival disks are tested and rated to last over 100 years. Compare this to the off the shelf disks that you can buy at the store. Those disks are said to last 2 to 5 years.

• Can you transfer my tapes to a hard drive so that I can edit them?

  Yes. We can transfer your videotapes to editable files that will work on any Windows or Apple computer. We copy files to an external thumb or hard drive.

  How big of a storage device do you need? Use our [Free Estimation Tool](/services/video-tape-to-digital/get-started/) to get an idea.

  And if you have any questions, please feel free to call any time, or use the chat below.

• How big of a storage device do you need?

  Use our [Free Estimation Tool](/services/video-tape-to-digital/get-started/) to get an idea.

  And if you have any questions, please feel free to call any time, or use the chat below.

• Can’t I Just Do This Myself?

  You can, but there are distinct advantages to using our services instead:

  **First:** The quality of professional grade work shows. When you buy DVD recorders from your local electronics store, you won’t get the professional encoding ability that our professional systems produce. This makes a big difference in the result. Add to that the built in video image stabilization and picture enhancement technology we offer, and the result is improved even more. This is especially helpful with older tapes that are nearing the end of their lives.

  **Second:** Disks that we use will outlast your grandchildren. They are tested to last over 100 years. Disks you buy from the store might not outlast your car. They are said to last 2 to 5 years. The reason is in the quality of construction. Disks fail because the metal layer that holds your information oxidizes over time and eventually becomes unreadable. When you make that layer out of gold, it improves disk longevity exponentially. Add to that the care and quality of construction and the MAM-A brand gold disks we use are the top of the line. They are simply the longest lasting media in existence. Sure they cost us many times more than standard disks, but your memories are worth it.

  **Third:** What is your time worth?

• Can You Fix Broken Tapes?

  Usually Yes. It depends on what is wrong with the tape, but most problems with most tapes can be repaired. Cost is usually $15.00 for tape repair. We only repair tapes that we are hired to transfer to DVD. Tape repairs are only guaranteed to last long enough to get the video to DVD.

• How Do I Know My Videotapes Won’t Get Damaged or Lost?

  As with all of our services, careful attention is paid to organization and detail. Once we receive your tapes, they are sealed in a container with your name on the inside and the outside of the container. Only one family gets worked on at any one time. Your project is managed by only one person from beginning to end, and only one project is being worked on at any one time. Before your project is started, the last one is completed and cleared from the area.

  Most videotapes we see are well beyond the stated life of the tape when we receive them. All care and attention is paid to make sure we do not damage your tapes, but things can happen. It is possible that a tape you give us is poised to break the next time it is used, however, it hasn’t happened yet. If your tape does break in our care, we will repair it free if possible. You have nothing to lose. If they are not transferred to DVD, they will be lost for sure.