Convert your video tapes to digital files now. Preserve your precious memories before they are lost forever.
When the producers of the Netflix Documentary Lucy and Desi needed their video tapes converted, they came to Legacy Digital Productions
Are your video tapes fading?
Whether you realize it or not they are. Your home videos have been degrading since the day they were recorded. You see, home video tapes of all types degrade at a faster rate than just about all other analog media. Every time they are played the tapes wear out and stretch, this is especially true with extended play tapes. When the tapes stretch, images no longer play like the day they were recorded.
They also degrade simply by sitting on a shelf, in storage boxes, when stored in non-temperature controlled environments or worse, in garages or the attic where most are set aside for years.
They don’t last as long as photos, slides or film. And because of their bulky size they are rarely stored properly to keep them lasting longer. Also, the more they are played, the more the tapes stretch and the media loses its clarity.
What kind of videotapes do you have to convert?
We digitize videotapes and we will convert your VHS, Super VHS, Compact VHS, VHS-C, 8 mm, Hi8, Digital 8, MiniDV, Betamax and DVCAM to digital files using our professional-grade recording equipment. We typically convert videotapes to low-compression digital files in MP4 or MOV format for the best quality image. All media is typically delivered on thumb drives or hard drives, and can be stored in the cloud as well for easy sharing. We also convert tapes to playable DVD using only professional grade gold archival DVD disks which last longer. When it comes to converting old videotapes to digital, we’ve got you covered.
VHS-C
Convert Now ->Betamax
Convert Now ->
MiniDV / HDV
Convert Now ->
Digital8
Convert Now ->DVCAM
Convert Now ->
Are your videotapes still worth converting?
Often yes… But Legacy Digital can preview them and let you know!
We go the extra mile when converting your video tapes. Unlike other companies who will deliver grainy and unwatchable or even blank video files, Legacy Digital will actually view your video tapes before converting them.
We won’t charge you for tapes that we can’t convert. We also won’t charge you for commercial movies or copyrighted material that we can’t legally convert.
How to select the right company to convert your tapes to digital files
Choosing the right company to digitize your video tapes can be overwhelming. There are hundreds of companies to choose from and each use their own method to convert your tapes.
Avoid "Big Box" companies and others offering low prices for video tape conversion
- They have a history of skipping tapes that are convertible.
- The image quality of your transfer may not represent the actual quality of the actual video footage due to them being converted on poorly maintained video players with clogged or dirty read heads.
- Your video tapes could be damaged by being played in poorly maintained machines.
- You may get back videos that are so low quality you may not want to share them, or worse, you could pay for blank video files. blank video files.
- May companies including the big box companies and the other “toss your stuff into our premade box” types often send your video tapes overseas for processing to keep costs low. This results in a lack of control, mishandling of your media, and even loss during bulk international shipping.
- Time-based correction is unavailable by default or offered for an additional fee.
- You end up paying more to have the work redone properly. (We often handle such cases and are happy to help, but we regret that customers didn’t hear this warning beforehand.)
What you get with Legacy DIgital: Our promise to you!
- Legacy Digital will only convert videostapes that make sense to convert
- Legacy Digital’s expert technicians monitor all video tape conversions while the videotapes are being processed.
- Legacy Digital monitors video tape conversions. We will provide you with only a 15 minute video file if your tape has just 15 minutes of content.
- Legacy Digital will expertly convert your tapes at the highest resolution possible.
- Legacy Digital will not overly compress the digital files after converting your videotapes to fit more files on smaller drives or in the cloud.
- Legacy Digital includes time-based corrections at no additional cost when converting VHS ad VHS-C videotapes.
- Legacy Digital will never charge you for work that we don’t do. Even if you send us 100 video tapes and only 16 make sense to convert, you will only pay for the video tapes we convert.
- Legacy Digital will do it right. You will not have to pay another company to redo the work we do.
- We offer a 100% Satisfaction guarantee. If you aren’t satisfied with the work we do, we’ll keep working on it until you are.
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 July 28, 2024, 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.
What else do we do? We go the extra mile.
Well, sometimes we’ll get videotapes that are broken or twisted. In these cases if they seem salvagable, we’ll actually work to repair the tapes so that we can recover the video on them. We’re not aware of anyone else in the industry who’ll go to the lengths that Legacy DIgital will to convert your old videotapes and bring the prescious memories back to life.
We also include time-based correction for VHS and VHS-C where other companies charge extra.
Our goal is simple. We want to make sure that you get what you pay for, and don’t pay for what you don’t want.
Start a quote or order and send all your tapes in.
We’ll even help you figure out which ones are worth converting and which ones aren’t – and we’ll likely save you money in the process.
Just know, when you choose Legacy Digital for your video tape conversion, you can feel confident that you are making choice.
How much does it cost to convert videotapes to digital?
Cost to Convert Video Tapes to Digital
Starting at just $19.95 per Tape
At Legacy Digital, our video tape conversion service expertly transforms your VHS, Super VHS, Compact VHS (VHS-C), 8mm, Hi8, Digital 8 and DVCAM into high-quality digital files or DVDs. Time-based correction is included with VHS and VHS-C tapes where others charge additional fees. Using professional-grade VCRs and capture devices, we digitize each tape, maintaining the integrity and quality of your existing recordings, sometimes with improvement. Our process includes monitoring and adjusting for the best possible audio and video quality, sometimes requiring two or three reruns just to ensure the best possible output.
SALE: Starting at just $19.95 per tape
We convert video tapes using a lower compression rate than other companies. This results in larger file sizes while preserving details and clarity with less image loss. The resulting digital files are provided in formats such as MP4, or DVD ensuring compatibility with modern devices. We can also supply backup copies to safeguard your valuable memories for years to come.
With Legacy Digital, if you have a 4 or 6 hour tape, but there is only 90 minutes of content, you’ll only pay $19.95.
| Running Time (Up to) | egular Price | Sale Price |
| 0-2 Hours | $28.50 | $19.95 |
| 2-4 Hours | $57.00 | $39.90 |
| 4-6 Hours | $85.50 | $59.85 |
Converting Video Tapes
Some companies advertise extremely low prices for video tapes. But did you know if a tape is worn out, won’t run, or contains copyrighted material, you will still pay for each and every tape?
These companies will sometimes deliver grainy distorted video files and even sometimes files with no video content on them at all. Why? Because they don’t actually monitor the tapes to make sure the transfer went smoothly – and they can’t for the prices they charge.
With Legacy Digital you won’t receive digital files that are unviable due to the tapes being too worn out to recover the video from. You won’t receive a 90 minute video file with only 5 minutes of actual video. You won’t pay for tapes that we can’t run because they are damaged. And if they are damaged, we won’t discard them, in fact sometimes we’ll actually try to repair them to preserve your prescious memories.
We actually put the time and resources into monitoring the video conversions.
With Legacy Digital, you only pay for the tapes we are able to convert and you won’t pay for what we can’t.
- Actual video tapes converted
Only pay for:
- Video tapes that are damaged, worn out, blank, or simply can't be converted
- Video tapes that contain TV shows, commercials or other copyrighted materials
- Blank or half-blank video files
Never get or pay for:
Our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
“We are not finished until you love it. We will do everything within our technological capabilities using our state-of-the-art equipment to create the highest quality video and image captures possible. With that said, there is only so much that we can do with some older and heavily degraded media. We can assure you though, we will give you as good or better product than anyone else in the marketplace…And if someone else can produce a visibly better product, one which is noticeably more colorful and clear, we will refund your money.
– Scott Foster, Founder
Legacy Digital - Trusted By:
Along with executives and professionals from: CBS, ABC, Universal, Disney Animation, Paramount, Sony, Redbox, Audiohead (sound engineers of Star Trek Into Darkness), Lightstorm Entertainment (makers of Avatar), Atlas Entertainment (makers of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice) and many more.
Legacy Digital did a fabulous job of getting our old family films and slides on dvd for my parents’ anniversary. The quality was amazing and my parents were so surprised. Scott was so helpful picking up and delivering our order saving us time and gas money and keeping our family treasures safe from the mail. I definitely would recommend them to anyone and in fact am calling them again to do all of our VHS tapes and camcorder tapes next.
Jennifer L. – Long Beach, CA
Legacy Digital Productions is an independent entity and is not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with Netflix, Inc. or the “Lucy and Desi” documentary. Netflix is a registered trademark of Netflix, Inc. All trademarks, service marks, and company names are the property of their respective owners. Any reference to Netflix or the “Lucy and Desi” documentary is for informational purposes only and does not imply any endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation. SUPER 8 is a registreed trademark of Super 8 Worldwide, Inc. Legacy Digital Productions provides video tape transfer service for video tapes that use the Super 8 format.