Top Questions About Our Video Transfer Services
Below are common questions we get about our video transfer process. If your questions are not answered below please feel free to contact us. Or better still, drop by our brick-and-mortar store and on-site lab in Newton, MA.
You can also find frequently asked questions about our Film Transfer, Memory Cards/Sticks transfer, Image Scanning, Transferring to Hard Drive, audio transfer (cassettes, vinyl records, DAT) . Or return to our General FAQ page.
What tapes do you convert?
We transfer the following video tape formats:
- Consumer tapes: VHS, VHS-C, Hi8, Video8, 8mm, miniDV
- Professional tapes: Hi-def miniDV, BetaCam, BetaCamSP, 3/4″ Umatic
- Foreign formats: PAL/SECAM
Your format is not listed above? Call us at 617-332-3300 so we can refer you to other transfer labs that can work with your format.
How much does it cost?
If your tape is 1 hour or less, it costs $20 per tape. If your tape is between 1 and 2 hours, it costs $25 per tape. Video tapes recorded in standard mode is 2 hours long. If the tape is recorded in long play mode, it can go up to 6 hours. Since a DVD can only fit up to 2 hours, we will need to go to multiple DVDs. Do you have 10 tapes or more? We have an aggressive volume discount up to 30%.
Click on the link below to visit our pricing page.
Will my tape fit on one DVD?
That depends how long your video tape is. Video tapes recorded in standard mode is 2 hours long. If the tape is recorded in long play mode, it can go up to 6 hours. Since a DVD can only fit up to 2 hours, we will need to go to multiple DVDs. You don’t need to know the exact recording time length of your tape. Our lab report will show you the actual recording length, and you will be charged for the actual recording time
Can I combine two or more tapes on 1 DVD??>
The answer is yes. A DVD can hold up to 2 hours. Some video tapes are only a few minutes long. You can combine up to three tapes into 1 DVD. There is an additional combine fee of $15 per additional tape. This is because combining tapes require us to ‘babysit’ the tapes to make sure the next one starts after one tape ends.
How long does it take?
Because we transfer all our tapes on-site, our turnaround is pretty quick. For an order of 5 tapes or fewer, it takes 3 to 5 business days. Let us know if you need it sooner, chances are we can accommodate (rush fees may apply).
What if I need more copies?
Let us know how many extra copies you need when you drop off your order. If you need more copies at a later time, just bring back your DVD and we can make copies while you wait. Copies start at $10 a copy, goes all the way down to $5/copy for 100 copies or more. By the way, our DVDs are not copy-protected. So if you have a DVD burner on your computer at home, you can make your own copies and save yourself some money.
I want to edit my new DVD on my home computer. Can I simply drag and drop my DVD files onto my computer ?
Not directly. DVDs are formatted to play in DVD players. If you want to edit your films or videotapes on your computer, ask us to transfer the media into a hard drive. Files on a hard drive can be easily dragged and dropped onto your computer, edited, and turned into your own DVD.
If you ask us to transfer your videos onto DVD but wish to edit the video, you will need to first RIP the videos off the DVD. Only after you rip the videos on the DVD into your computer, can you import them into your video editing software. Again, if you want to prevent this extra step of RIPPING the DVD, please ask us to transfer the media to an external hard drive. Remember to bring the hard drive when you come in with your media.
How much does it cost?
Please see our pricing page.
Where can I find more information about Video Tape Transfer?
Call us at (617) 332-3300.s. One of our friendly technicians will be happy to answer your specific questions. Or better still, drop by our brick-and-mortar store and on-site lab in Newton, MA.
