Frequently Asked Questions

More broadly, analog to digital conversion is the transferring of audio or video material recorded on magnetic tape to digital format. We accept VHS, DV, MiniDV, and Hi8 video tapes, and can convert them to DVD, Blu-ray, USB, or MP4. We accept audio cassettes, and mini/micro cassettes, and can convert them to CD, or MP3.

No! Your original videos are never altered. We make digital copies of your videotapes and create the desired media. You will receive your original tapes back unaltered.

Follow the simple instructions here.

• Order Video/Audio Services

Each video cassette is given the time and care it deserves because it is important to you. The total time depends on the number of cassettes and the work needed.
Typical turnaround time for up to 5 videos is 7 to 10 days from when they are received. 5-10 videos can take upwards of 2 weeks. Larger orders will obviously take longer to complete.

Return shipping is always free!

DVDs typically hold around 120 minutes of uncompressed video. Longer videos can be compressed to fit on a single DVD, however the quality will suffer slightly.
Blu-ray disc will hold up to 240 minutes of video.

CDs will only hold about 80 minutes of audio. If you are converting from a 90-minute tape, we will need to split the recording between 2 CDs. Or you can opt for an MP3 CD which can be played on a computer but may not play on a standard CD player.

If you don't have a tape player, you likely won't know how long your tapes are. In that case, you can send your tapes in without payment. Once we determine the length of the videos and the costs of the desired format, we will contact you.

Yes, take 10% off your total order when you send 25 or more tapes to be converted.

It's not necessary. Each item is barcoded and tracked to ensure order accuracy. However, if you would like your videos numbered in a certain order, you may label the tapes in the desired order.

We do not send a special box. Use any sturdy box and any shipping carrier you wish. Tapes and films are not particularly fragile but padding them with bubble wrap is a good idea.

Normally we do keep a backup copy of the material converted for two reasons: 1) If a customer desires additional copies in the future, we can duplicate the footage without anything being sent back. 2) In the unlikely event that the originals get lost in the mail, we can easily replace them. Your videos can be deleted if requested. Regardless, the footage will never be distributed or viewable by anyone else.

Yes, our equipment can play PAL, SECAM, and the American standard, NTSC formats.

Unfortunately, we do not have the equipment to work with Betamax tapes. Only VHS, VHS-C, Hi8, and DV.

Yes, we can convert Super8 and standard 8mm reels. (Video only - no audio) They are treated just like videotapes and can be converted to the format of your choice. See Transfer 8mm & Super8 to Digital

Movies you purchased from a store are almost certainly copyrighted. We cannot legally duplicate copyrighted material. Regardless of how old the movie is or whether or not it is available in other formats, it is still protected by copyright laws.

Photo restoration is the practice of restoring a photograph which has been damaged either by natural, man-made, or environmental causes, or simply age or neglect. Faded damaged photographs can be given new life.

Black and white photographs can be converted to color through artistic and computer techniques. Entire photographs can be converted to color, or color can be added to emphasize specific parts of the picture.

Photo Alteration involves various types of manipulation to photographs to alter, add, or remove people/items in pictures, change backgrounds, change colors of objects. With enough time, skill, and software, virtually anything is possible.

Follow the simple instructions here.
Order Photo Services

No! Your original photos, documents, and other material are never altered. We make digital copies of your originals and make the requested changes. You will receive your original material back unaltered.

Each photo is given the time and care it deserves because it is important to you. Photo Restoration time depends on the number of images that need to be corrected and the extent of the damage to the original(s). Some images are relatively simple fixes that can be corrected fairly quickly while others are a combination of problems that can take considerably longer. Typical turnaround time for photo restoration is 1 to 2 weeks from when it is received.

Shipping is always free!

We will make every effort to salvage the image. If the photograph is too far gone and missing too much of the original information, it may not be possible to restore it to its original condition, however significant improvements can be made. We will provide you with realistic expectations upon reviewing your photograph.

Make sure the glass plate is free of dust and fingerprints. Align the photo and scan with any auto-correction features turned off at a minimum resolution of 300dpi. Save the image in a .jpg or .tiff format. Scan all photos as color photos even if they are black and white pictures. If you don’t have a scanner, stores like OfficeMax, Staples, FedEx/Kinko's can scan your photos and provide you with a CD. They may even email the scanned pictures to us.

Photos get damaged, faded, lost. When we scan your pictures, you will have a CD or DVD of your photos that can later be used for e-mailing, enlarging and printing your digital photos. The quality of your digital photos will not degrade as would physical photos. They last for generations. You will be able to view your pictures on your computer, TV or DVD player and you will be able to print as many high quality reproductions as you wish. More than 2,500 photos can be stored on a DVD and can be organized into categories.