Based in Alabama accepting media from all over the US I have years of experience and offer the transfer of a variety of video tape formats into digital files or onto DVD

Sample Transfers

Formats I Can Handle

VHS Based Video Tape

S-VHS, S-VHS-C, VHS

8MM Video Tape

(8mm,) Video8 Hi8, Digital8

I’ve created this video to explain these four formats

Mini DVD

DVCAM, Mini DV

DV, DVCAM, Mini DV

Sony HDV

DVCPRO-DVCPRO25-DVCPRO50

HDCAM

Will be adding more photos to match of all new new formats

When I transfer tapes, I work to achieve the best possible capture. With my equipment, I can correct the common issues encountered by home users or companies who perform basic captures using cheap capture cards or easy VHS to digital devices, some of which don’t even offer stereo audio. Using professional/high end decks and time base correction (more information below), I can play back and transfer most consumer tape formats, as well as some professional formats (see above for compatibility), in their native formats and resolutions without any loss in quality due to backwards compatibility with older formats or down-conversion to a lower format for capture. Unfortunately getting a digital transfer of digital based formats is not a given with me it is. (more below) I can also perform a wide range of tape repairs, including tape splicing, mold removal, and transplanting broken tapes into new shells. Getting these tapes transferred by a professional is important because, due to their age, they can be fragile, and using unknown or old, poorly maintained hardware is risky. Each tape is inspected before the transfer.

Here’s a tape I was able to transfer that basic home capture wouldn’t be able to.

Time base correction is crucial when transferring analog video tape of all kinds, as it can help fix timing errors and variations in the tapes signal due to age or issues with how the tape was recorded. Over time, these errors can become more noticeable and result in visible distortions, such as jitter or tearing. In my collection, I have a small number of time base correctors (TBCs), with my primary TBC’s being a Leitch-575 and a DPS-290. TBCs essentially function by comparing the incoming video signal to a stable reference signal and adjusting the timing to align them. This process leads to improved image quality and rectification of common issues. The below video shows how I was able to drastically improve the image quality of a tape of my sister’s birthday. I was also able to fix issues with the shift in color of the tape. If you’re a nerd here’s a research paper on it. The above demo shows the TBC correcting a tape as viewed through my waveform monitor.

Avoid transfer scams!

Ask yourself are getting a digital transfer of your home movies? Some transfer houses don’t properly transfer digital formats converting these digital formats to analog then back to digital these formats must be transferred over firewire. This is done both out of ignorance and convenience. The hope is that you won’t know that you’re loosing quality. Also it is far easier to transfer tapes that way with modern computers. One prominent company, which is actually three companies owned by the same entity, informed me that FireWire is software and that they could not discuss it. Another company stated that they do not transfer using FireWire or employ a Time Base Corrector (TBC). The video below demonstrates this issue

Prices

$20 per tape depending on amount. See table below for pro formats. (I offer bulk discounts on large tape amounts after 20 tapes)
$10 for basic tape repair.
$15 for basic storage media great for smaller jobs fewer then 30 tapes
$130 for extra large transfer jobs and ProRes transfer due to file size. (the files will be put on a SSD)
$17 per DVD while I prefer to transfer your tapes to a file I can also transfer to a DVD
$25 Extreme mold per tape (More on that below)
$15 Tape baking this is per tape.

I have created a cost calculator to get a rough idea of price
Tapes can be shipped if you are not local to me return shipping cost depends on the amount of tapes and location.

Cost calculator

The cost per tape after 20 gets cheaper this calculator does not account for that for pro format pricing look below.

Pro Formats Pricing

Mini DVCAM	25
DVCAM	50
Small DVPRO, 25, 50	25
DVPRO, 25, 50	50
Sony HDV	50
Mini Sony HDV	25
Small HDCAM	50
Large HDCAM	75

FAQ

What file types do you offer? For most transfers, I generate De-Interlaced MP4 files in the H.264 codec. These files are compatible with most modern devices for seamless playback. Additionally, I can create ProRes files for pro users who require files for video editing when transferring consumer formats. Please note that there is a $15 charge associated with creating ProRes files due to their larger file size.

My tape is broken. Is it fixable? Yes, in most cases, I can repair your tape. Depending on the extent of the damage, I can either splice your tape back together or transplant it into a new tape shell. I can also address mold issues. However, for more extensive damage, additional work may be required. Please note that there is a $10 charge for this repair service. The ability to perform some of these repairs depends on the availability of spare parts, which may also add to the overall cost.

My tape is moldy can you transfer it? Yes depending on severity this can incur a $25 repair fee due to needing to take the tape apart.

My tape’s format isn’t listed above. Can you transfer it? In short, the answer is no. In the long answer, it’s possible if you can provide the tape equipment with standard video outputs, but please be aware that I won’t be responsible for any potential damage to the tapes during the process. Below, I’ve listed some common formats that I cannot transfer. If you’re willing to donate the equipment in exchange for a discount on the per-tape rate, we can discuss the specifics depending on the equipment you have.”

Can you create DVD’s of my tapes? Yes while I prefer to create files I can create a DVD of your tapes. The cost is higher when doing this.

Can you transfer Commercial tapes or media I recorded off of the TV? Only under certain circumstances. That time you where on the news sure that feature length movie or TV show (well unless you’re in it) you recorded in the 90’s No.

Can I provide my own storage? For many reasons I don’t do this when I buy the storage I confirm it will meet any project requirements and has the space needed for your transfers. *Pro transfers under some circumstances can.

Can you recommend a capture device for me to transfer my home movies or give me free technical support? No I use professional capture hardware and avoid cheap units like the ones below like a plague.

Formats I’m currently working on.

I am currently working on adding a number of professional video formats and audio formats. These include Betacam/Betacam SP, Digital Betacam (am in talks to acquire that equipment), and the other HDV formats I can’t transfer. Although I have successfully managed to get one of my Betacam SP decks playing tapes, the playback is still inconsistent I have ordered a belt that is part or all of the problem. Additionally, I have a quarter-inch reel-to-reel audio player that needs servicing and might only be suitable for parts (its was smashed in the front when I found it). I am currently building a rack for Audio tapes and once I finish transferring a large quantity of tapes recorded by a family member in mid 70’s I’ll be offering transfers of Audio Cassettes.

Formats I can’t currently transfer.

Formats I can’t currently handle include MicroMV, Betamax, UMATIC, Reel to Reel video such as quad inch tape, EIJA , Film Video of any format or other uncommon formats. I should also mention I only support NTSC tapes. No PAL or SEACAM here folks. If you have any of these formats don’t hesitate in reaching out because I can likely point you in the right direction.