Video Transfer Services
Filmtransfer.com specializes in professional conversion of VHS, S-VHS, VHS-C, Betamax Video, Video 8, Hi-8, Mini-DV, DVCam, BetaSP, Digibeta, HDCAM-SR, Camcorder tapes, NTSC or PAL, to digital. We offer DVD, Blu-ray, external hard drive and YouTube video as output. We also back up your digital files for 30 days after we ship your materials back to you, at no additional charge.
Why transfer your old video tapes?
Old technologies like VHS undergo a lot of wear and tear over the years. Just pop in one of your old VHS tapes and you are sure to see that the image has already started to degrade. This can be seen by excessive fuzziness, graininess, distorted sound, and white lines streaking through the video. The unfortunate part is that this continues to occur over time while it sits on the shelf. Also, every time you use the tape it degrades at an increased rate.
Why does this degradation process occur?
Old tape technologies are based on an analog magnetic format. While it was state of the art when introduced in the late 1970s, the technology was only designed to last for 15-30 years in optimal lab conditions. Unfortunately, this technology is subject to degradation from moisture in the air, temperature extremes, and passing magnetic fields that occur naturally in your home.
Every time a tape is played, there is a risk of breakage from the winding process of the player. Malfunction of the video player can damage the tape, tangling it inside the player. Passage of the tape over the magnetic playback heads introduces degradation via magnetic fields. Similarly, magnetic fields from speakers, subwoofers, and old CRT TVs can damage video tapes. Because there is no way to stop magnetic tape degradation, transfer to a digital format is essential for preservation.
What can be done?
Transfer to a digital format on DVD, Blu-ray, or hard drive will ensure that this degredation process does not continue. This technology does not degrade in the same way the old tapes do and it will not lose quality over time.
DVD and Blu-ray technologies are designed to last anywhere from 100 to 300 years. Data on hard drives can be easily copied to any computer and should ensure that your precious video moments will be there for years to come.
Pricing
| Video source | Price per tape | Volume |
| VHS | $20/tape | up to 2hrs per tape |
| MiniDV | $15/tape | up to 1hr per tape |
| Video 8, Hi-8 | $20/tape | up to 2hrs per tape |
| VHS-C | $15/tape | up to 30min per tape |
| Betamax | $30/tape | up to 2hrs per tape |
| 3/4" | $50/tape | up to 1hr per tape |
| BetaSP & DVCam | $65/tape | up to 1hr per tape |
| HDCAM-SR | $150/tape | up to 1hr per tape |
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$10 surcharge for each hour over 2 hours per tape |
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