Video Tape to DVD

Conversion of your video tapes to DVD for the following types of tapes: VHS, VHS-C, BetaMax, MiniDV, HDV, MicroMV, 8mm, Hi8, and Digital 8 camcorder tapes. We can transfer PAL and SECAM tapes, too. 

Average turnaround of your order is two (2) weeks from receipt into our lab back to your doorstep. 

Pricing:  Price is $25 / tape.  Quantity discounts available. PAL tapes carry a $10 per tape upcharge.    Video tapes longer than 2 hours in length require an extra master DVD for each additonal 2 hours of content - priced at $16.50 for each extra DVD required to finish the transfer.   As an example, a four hour VHS tape transferred to DVD will cost $41.50 ($25 plus $16.50) for the final 2 DVD set.

Each video tape is played in the appropriate tape-deck, its contents digitally captured by specialized software, and then reformatted into a standard definition video DVD-R.   The DVD-R contains MPEG-2 video and audio files; is manufactured by either JVC Taiyo Yuden or Falcon, and has an advertised shelf life of over 30 years if stored properly.  The DVD is set up for auto-play with chapter points for every 20 minutes of video content.  One DVD can contain up to 2 hours of video.  Unless requested otherwise, we automatically combine multiple video tapes onto as few new discs as possible. One (1) customized table of contents menu is at beginning of DVD, an example being “Bryant Family Home Movies”.  The table of contents has a motion icon for each video tape, and clicking on the icon takes the viewer to the corresponding chapter marker within the video content on the DVD.

Our Transfer Process:

1. Video tape inspection, repair, and cleaning prior to scanning;  

2. We use professional tape decks with composite, S-video, and IEEE 1394 connections, linked to video ingestion software systems, to provide high quality capture and intermediate file types before final formatting.  We employ time based correction and sync hardware to maintain a good video and audio match.  

3. Minor video editing standard on all orders - removal of blank video scenes, removal of copyright television or commercial movies, transfer only home movies' content;

4. Application of fee-based optional video editing or digital noise reduction as ordered;  

5. Transcoding digital content to DVD; resolution of content is standard definition 720 x 480p;

6. Unless specified, we combine content from multiple tapes onto as few discs as possible, giving each video tape its own chapter on the disc.  The table of contents for the DVD has an on-screen title, along with motion icons for each video tape and corresponding chapter markers within the disc's video content.  

7. The on-screen title(s), DVD disc surfaces, and case sleeves are labeled per customer specification; 

8. Return of original customer content and new formats via shipping providers; we save copy of DVD disc image for 90 days in company storage network for cases of lost disc, extra copies, or addition editing.

9. Optional video editing - we can add onscreen titles, rearrange content, add voice-over narratives, subtitles, and other notes to the digitized tape content to help retain the value of the transferred content.  Contact us for a custom quote.