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.
Q. What tapes can 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.
Q. How much does it cost to transfer my tapes to DVD?
- First 10 Tapes: $27.99/tape
$22.99 FOR TAPES 11+
Click on the link below to visit our pricing page.
Q. Will my tape fit on one DVD?
- That depends how long your video tape is. A DVD fits up to 2 hours.
- If your video runs over 2 hours, it will need to go to a 2nd DVD
- Video tapes recorded in standard mode is 2 hours long – that will fit on one DVD.
- If the tape is recorded in long play mode, it can go up to 6 hours.
- 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
Q. Can I combine two or more tapes on 1 DVD?
- No, all of our video transfers are put onto one DVD per tape to ensure maximum quality of your DVDs.
Q. How long does it take?
- Because we transfer all our tapes on-site, our turnaround is pretty quick.
- We complete over 90% of our projects within 30 days
- Let us know if you need it sooner, chances are we can accommodate (rush fees may apply).
Q. Can I get extra DVD copies?
- It’s best if you tell us how many extra copies you need when you drop off your order.
- Copies start at $9.99 a copy
- Add a USB for $19.99
Q. Any restrictions regarding the content of my images, videotapes or film reels?
There are several instances where your media will be returned without being converted to DVD. If we do not transfer your home movie or images for any of the following reasons, you will not be charged any fee:
- Blank or undeveloped film
- Media with extreme physical damage
- Non-supported Format
- Objectionable Material
- Copy Protection
- Copyright (unless you sign our Copyright Responsibility form)
Q. What do you transfer my tapes to?
We can transfer your tapes to DVD or to an external hard drive.
DVD is for watching. If you plan to edit your videos, we recommend going to a hard drive because :
- You can directly drag the files from your hard drive to your editing software. DVDs require an additional step called DVD ripping to convert the files to a format your software can understand.
- You also get full-resolution files on a hard drive, whereas DVD files are compressed. A one hour video is 12 Gig on a hard drive, but only 2 Gig on a DVD. The bigger the file, the sharper the image quality.
Q. Can I edit the DVD on my home computer?
- Not directly. DVD is formatted for viewing, not for editing.
- You need to convert the DVD files to edit-able format your editing software can understand.
- That step is called DVD ripping. We can show you where to download a free DVD ripper software to do that.
- 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.
Q. How much does it cost?
Please see our pricing page.
What if I have more questions?
Call us at (617) 332-3300. 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.
