Video files (MP4 files) are better quality, editable, easier to share, less expensive to copy and take up less space than DVDs. Video files are great for preserving your memories for future generations. You can play these files on a PC, Mac, and most smart TVs. DVDs do have one advantage, most people are familiar with players and they are easy to play. Please note: Video DVDs were not designed as a single file. You can't copy a file off a Video DVD and expect it to work on your computer. If that's your goal, you should choose an video files instead.
In general, a two-hour video will require about 4GB of space. This can vary depending on your video content and how long the tapes are. Typically, VHS and 8mm video tapes when full are about two hours.
We will name each MP4 file with a date, event, or whatever you like. We can take the information off the tape label or you are welcome to email us with a list of how you would like each file named.
There are two options. You can choose a USB thumb drive or Cloud Delivery. For the USB drive, we will copy your files to the drive and return it along with your media. If you prefer the Cloud Delivery we will upload your files to a secure location and email you a private link so you can download them to your computer. This link is temporary, so be sure to save them to your personal storage.
A DVD will hold up to 120 minutes of content (standard quality). Though it is possible to get more than 2 hours on a DVD, the quality will decrease significantly. For tapes that are longer than two hours, they will require an additional DVD(s).
Sure! USB drives can hold all of your video, audio and image conversions, so extra USB copies are no problem. DVD duplications are also available and we offer quantity discounts if you need many. Each DVD will be printed with your desired title. Just let us know how many total USB drives or DVDs you need.
If you are able to locate the section you want and tell us the approximate start and end times, we can convert just that portion. Though not as precise as editing, this is a good way to get just want you want. If you aren't able to give us specific times, we can still help but there may be an additional charge.
Though there are many formats, the most common are VHS, 8mm, Hi8, VHS-C, MiniDV, and Digital8. Other consumer formats include S-VHS and Betamax. We can also convert VHS tapes from other countries that are recorded in PAL or SECAM. You don't need to worry about which format is which though. When we receive your tapes, we will be happy to give you an estimate for your conversions.
Sorry, no. Movies and copyrighted material are legally protected from unauthorized duplication.
We can convert and transfer:
Consumer Formats:
VHS
8mm
MiniDV
VHS-C
Digital8
MiniDVD disc
Betamax
Super VHS (S-VHS)
Hi8
Hard drive camcorders
PAL and SECAM VHS
Media cards (SD, MS, etc.)
Pro Formats:
Betacam
Betacam SP
3/4" U-matic
DVCAM
DVCPRO
We also convert:
Reel-to-reel Tapes
Audio Cassettes
Get your video tapes digitized and enjoy them again!
The Conversion Basics
We convert all kinds of video tapes
Custom file names based on media
Digital video files can be copied and edited
Get your video files on a USB drive or via Cloud Delivery
DVDs have chapters every five minutes
Free custom DVD printing
Additional USB and DVD copies available
Orders can be placed in person or by mail
No pre-payment required
Quick turnaround times available
Rebecca B.
"They have customer service that goes way beyond regular expectations. For the quality of the digital transfer, I'm very happy with the results. They were as good as the original tapes and probably even improved the quality since the tapes were not that clear when played on our old machine. I hope they will be in business a long time because I keep finding old tapes I need to convert. My mom was so happy with the result! We got to see our very beloved Grandma, Grandpa and Great Aunt on the screen again after many years of their passing. This was a precious gift. Thanks guys!!"
THE TAPES (VHS, 8mm, VHS-C, MiniDV, more)
There are so many different types of video tapes. Many are common formats you probably know. However, there are several other types that had some level of popularity back in their time in the sun. Don't worry about what type of tapes you may have. When we see your videos, we will be happy to evaluate what you have an provide you with an estimate for your project.
THE DIGITIZING
We understand how important memories are. First, we start by timing your tapes. This allows us to convert only your video, not a bunch of blue screen. Next, we convert your video to digital. Our goal is to digitize your videos with the best quality possible. For your final video, you can choose video file (MP4) or DVD, to allow you to enjoy the video memories you may not have seen in decades. DVDs will be custom-printed and video files will be named based on your originals or notes you provide.
THE DIFFERENCE
Conversion work is done here in our office. Whether you come into our office or mail us your order, the people you speak to (or email) will be the same people working on your video, so feel free to ask questions.
We will convert any size order, whether you have one tape or hundreds.
We will give you an estimated completion date. Often for small orders, we can complete it within a few business days.
Got a deadline? Let us know when you need it and we will do whatever we can to meet your schedule.
Common Consumer Video Formats
VHS / S-VHS
The T-120 VHS tape was most commonly used for home recording in a VCR. VHS tapes typically were 120 minutes long when full (SP speed). However, there are also LP and EP recording speeds which last 4 and 6 hours respectively. S-VHS (Super VHS) was developed later with higher resolution.
8mm / Hi8 Video Tape
Designed for camcorder use, 8mm and Hi8 cassettes are usually 120 minutes when full. There was an LP recording speed which made the tape 4 hours, but that is much less common. The cassette is about the size of a deck of playing cards. Hi8 tapes were the second generation of this format with improved resolution.
VHS-C
The little brother to VHS, VHS-C tapes were designed for camcorders. It is the same video tape, but in a smaller shell. VHS-C had the benefit of fitting into an adapter that would allow playback in a VCR. Standard recording lengths were 30 minutes, but the EP speed allowed for 90 minutes.
MiniDV
MiniDV tapes are digital and took the video quality way beyond its analog predecessors. The cassette itself is about the size of a Tic Tac candy box. Standard MiniDV tapes last 60 minutes in SP and 90 minutes in LP.
Digital8
This digital version of 8mm video tapes had the same cassette size, however the camcorder was different. Like MiniDV, Digital8 made is older analog formats jealous of its image quality. Digital8 tapes were 60 minutes when full.
PAL SECAM VHS
Though these tapes look like average VHS tapes, they are not. VHS tapes recorded in other countries have different video signals like PAL or SECAM (U.S. is NTSC). These tapes are often longer than the typical two-hour VHS in America, but they can still be converted.
Verdaine S.
"Very HAPPY with the service Video MVP provided: Communication 10+ - - - - TURN AROUND TIME 10+ - - - - - EASE OF DOING BUSINESS 10+ - - - - VALUE 10+. Converted tapes we hadn't view in YEARS!!!! Overall a great experience for one I was dreading! THANK YOU!"
Pro Video Tape Formats
Betacam / Betacam SP
This half-inch video tape was designed in the early 1980s and was widely used by new organizations and professional video production companies. The cassettes came in two different sizes.
U-matic 3/4 Inch
This tape format was released in the early 1970s. The cassette contains tape that is 3/4 of an inch wide and is often called "three-quarter". Interestingly, the reels inside the cassette move in opposite directions, unlike most other video formats.
DVCAM
DVCAM was released in 1996. It is the big brother of MiniDV tapes that you may have had. The cassettes came in two different sizes.
DVCPRO
DVCPRO was introduce in 1995 and was used for news, sports and cinema. Tapes were available in a variety of lengths.
Repair of Video Tapes and Audio Cassettes
Got a broken tape? We can repair it.
Broken tapes are like lost memories. You think you know what's on them, but can't view them or listen to them. Don't let those old analog memories disappear! Whether it's a broken VHS tape or an audio cassette that just won't play, we can repair it and convert it to a digital format.
We can repair your tapes: VHS, 8mm, MiniDV, Betamax, VHS-C video tapes and many more. Whether the tape itself is broken and needs to be spliced, or you have a broken outer shell, we can repair your tape to get it working again. We can also "bake" tapes. Some tapes have playback issues due to stickiness. We can "bake" video and audio tapes to improve the ability to play them.
Bring us your tapes and we will give you an estimate for your repairs.
Jeremy H.
"Trusted them to transfer a nearly 15-year-old wedding video from 8 mm to DVD/MPEG4, and they did it flawlessly. Great service."
