When Was the Last Time You Watched Your Home Movies from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s?
Old taped media must be played back through a compatible camera or player. These machines tend to wear out and stop working after a number of years.
I will take your old video tapes and transfer them to digital files that you can play on your computer, mobile device or TV.
I convert these tape formats to computer-playable files:
- VHS – introduced in 1976
- Video8 (aka 8mm) – introduced in 1985
- S-VHS – introduced in 1987
- Hi8 – introduced in 1989
- MiniDV – introduced in 1998
- Digital8 – introduced in 1999
Prices
I offer quantity price discounts. Feel free to combine tapes of different formats and different lengths.
Digitizing Tapes
- 1-9 tapes: $12 / tape
- 10-19 tapes: $9 / tape
- 20 + tapes: $6 / tape
Data Storage Media
I can save your files to either a thumb drive or a DVD recordable disc (DVD-R). You can provide the thumb drive or writable DVD yourself, or I can provide either for only $10 each. A 16 GB thumb drive holds about 16 hours of video, while a DVD holds up to 2 hours worth.
Pick-up and Delivery
Feel free to drop off and pick up your tapes to/from my location in Maple Ridge. BC (Kanaka Way and Lougheed Hwy).
I offer FREE pick up and delivery if:
- you order at least 5 tapes to be converted, and
- you are within a 15 minute drive from my location in Maple Ridge, BC – or can meet me within that radius.
Otherwise, I charge 16 cents per kilometre of driving to cover my gas cost. [For instance, if you are 60 km away, I have to drive 60 x 2 = 120 km, which at 16 cents per km is $19.20. If I deliver as well as pick up, that’s another round trip, so that’s another $19.20.]
Just email Jim@webcontentstore.com or use the Contact Us form for a free estimate of your project.
File Formats
I usually convert to AVI with the DivX codec or MP4 with the H.264 codec. These formats seem to be the most universally accepted video formats by today’s computers, tablets, smart phones and even digital TVs. If you have a preference – or want another file format – I’ll accommodate you.
Don’t Delay!
After 10-15 years, tapes begin to lose their data. Picture and sound degrades, and your precious memories can be lost forever. Note the years in the first bulleted list above. Those are the years that each format was introduced to the market. Your tapes can be as much as 40 years old!
The quality of your converted video may not seem to be what it used to be. This can be caused by many factors, including:
- degraded tape due to age, temperature, moisture or magnetic interference
- compatibility issues between your original camera and my conversion equipment
- improved resolution of computer and TV screens do not match the video quality of the 1970s-1990s (what seemed sharp then may seem fuzzy now)
No Time Like the Present
Your tapes are getting older and more degraded, and prices tend to go up every year. Now’s the time to dig out that shoebox of old tapes and rescue your memories! Just email Jim@webcontentstore.com or use the Contact Us form for a free estimate of your project.
Notes:
- Utmost discretion is guaranteed.
- Full payment is due upon delivery.
- Payment is accepted by credit card (via PayPal), Interac e-Transfer, or cash.
- I do not convert copyrighted material unless you are the copyright owner.
- Unless otherwise requested, I retain digital copies of your videos for 30 days in case you need them as back-ups, after which I delete them. Please test your files within 30 days of delivery.
- All of your original material will be returned to you.