

Video Tape to Digital
The best time to convert video tapes to digital or DVD was yesterday. Magnetic video tape formats can begin to lose playback quality within 5 years of being recorded. Proper storage will help extend their lifetime but the bottom line is that your video tapes are deteriorating fast. Who even has a working VCR anymore to enjoy them on?
Don’t let your precious moments fade away any longer. With over 25 years of experience, our team of experts will transfer your VHS, VHS-C, Betamax, 8mm, or Mini DV videotapes to high-quality digital files. Digitizing video tapes is the only way to ensure your memories are preserved forever and can easily be shared with loved ones, as intended. Give us a call today or place your order online to get started.
We strive to return your video tapes and digital files as quickly as we are able. Small orders for video to DVD or digital transfer may be completed in just a few days, while larger orders can take several weeks. For the most accurate information on turnaround time, please fill out our contact form or give us a call. If you need your project finished within a specific timeframe let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you.
We work with individuals and families as well as government agencies and corporations to digitize videotapes in large quantities. If you have a very large collection or have specific requirements, we are happy to offer you a personalized estimate to convert your videotapes to digital format or DVD.
Video Formats We Convert and Transfer to Digital
Our Pricing for Video Transfer Services VHS, VHS-C, MiniDV, Hi8, 8mm, Betamax
| QUANTITY | BULK DISCOUNT | PRICE PER TAPE (UP TO 2.5 HOURS) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - 10 | $22.00 | |
| 11 - 25 | 10% | $20.00 |
| 26 - 50 | 15% | $19.00 |
| 51 - 100 | 20% | $18.00 |
| 101 - 200 | 25% | $17.00 |
| 201+ | CALL |
| ADDITIONAL VIDEOTAPE TRANSFER OPTIONS | |
|---|---|
| Capture Video Footage Over 2.5 Hours | $10 per Tape |
| Create Video DVD with Custom Menu & Case | $15 per DVD |
| Additional DVD Copies | $9 per DVD |
| Custom On-Screen Titles | $5 per DVD |
| Repair, Re-case, Re-spool Damaged Tape | up to $25 |
| Custom Video Editing Service | $55 per hour |
Every Video Transfer Order Includes
- Inspection & Cleaning of Each Video Tape
- Real-time Capture Using Professional Video Decks
- Custom Naming of Video Files by Label
- TBC Video Filtering to Eliminate Jitter & Improve Quality
- Free Shipping for Orders Over $250
- Free Pickup for Orders over $500 (NYC Tri-State Area)
Our Video Transfer Process
Once your home videos are received at our secure facility in NJ, they are labeled and logged into our order tracking system. We carefully inspect, clean and determine the length of each tape being converted to digital. Our skilled technicians convert video tapes to digital using state-of-the-art equipment and software. All tapes are processed in real-time from beginning to end to ensure every moment is preserved.
Our video transfer service utilizes high end playback decks and professional analog to digital converters. The video signals are filtered through a TBC (time base corrector) device to eliminate jitter, stabilize playback errors, and enhance picture quality. Once each tape is captured in its entirety, black space is removed from the beginning and end of each video before being converted to MP4 (or any other digital format you prefer). Each file is double checked for quality assurance and put onto your delivery media of choice (Flash Drive, Hard Drive or DVD).
Video Quality and Resolution
Using professional equipment and software, our goal is to convert videotapes to digital with the highest picture and sound quality. One of the biggest factors when it comes to video quality, however, is the quality of the original tape. If the original tape was stored in poor conditions or was recorded in LP or EP modes; then the quality of the digital transfer who not be quite as good when compared to converting a tape in excellent condition.
We convert video tapes to digital format at the same resolution as the original recording, so there is no loss of quality. Most consumer videotapes including VHS, VHS-C, 8mm, Hi-8, and MiniDV have a Standard Definition Resolution of 720×480 with a 4:3 aspect ratio. Converting HDV tapes to digital are captured in High Definition at 1080i with a 16:9 aspect ratio.
Video Transfer Service to Digital or DVD
Our standard video transfer service includes creating digital files from your camcorder or VHS tapes, which offers you the most versatility. Digital video files can be stored on a flash drive, hard drive, computer, device or in the cloud. They can also be edited, emailed, copied, uploaded and more. You can even make your own DVDs at home. We can provide you with the appropriately sized flash or hard drive for your new digital files, or we will put them on your own at no charge.
By default, we output all videotapes to MP4 files. MP4 files are smaller than raw files, universal to both PCs and Macs, easy to upload/share, and are fully editable. Upon request, we are happy to output your files to AVI, MOV, MPEG-2 or any other file format you prefer. Most smart TVs have a USB port on them so you can simply plug the flash drive into your TV to watch your digitized home movies.
We can also create DVDs for your home videos. All DVDs include custom menus, chapters and cases. We can convert each tape to its own DVD or combine multiple tapes onto a single DVD, creating a custom chapter for each. We use dual layer DVDs that can hold up to 4 hours of footage, for added convenience.
Why Digital Copies Are Beneficial
Besides the benefit a video transfer service offers for restoring irreplaceable memorabilia, intellectual property, and historical records, it also makes managing and using those priceless materials much easier. Digitization allows you to compile a searchable, organized database with tags and keywords. Video to DVD transfer makes it possible for you to share discs with other people such as family members or business partners.
Once you have converted from videotape to DVD, you will have the freedom to rip as many copies that you need. You can also conveniently view and share the digital files on your computer, phone or other devices. We always recommend backing up your converted video files to multiple locations in case your DVD or flash drive gets lost or damaged.
How To Get Your Media to Us
We are proud to offer a seamless, safe video to DVD transfer experience, with multiple ways to get your media to us in Lodi, New Jersey. Local customers are welcome to stop by our office for drop-off. Orders over $500 may even qualify for free pickup from and delivery to your home or business, depending on your location.
Seeking our services from afar is no problem either, as you can ship your videotape collection to us from wherever you are. During our checkout process, you can select the option for UPS Ground and we will generate a shipping label for you to use. To monitor your property’s transit progress as needed, we maintain a record of the tracking number. When we are finished processing your order, we will provide the return tracking number to you. Best of all, orders within the continental US that are over $250 qualify for free shipping in both directions.
We look forward to providing you with an exceptional video to DVD transfer service. If you need any help understanding your options or deciding which video transfer service you want, contact us and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have.
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What people are saying
about Smooth Photo Scanning Services...
What Our Customers Say
We had such a great experience with Smooth Photo Scanning, and I really can’t recommend them enough. We brought them a very old book with Sanskrit/Devanagari text, which turned out to be a much more complicated project than a standard book scan. Brandon took the time to go through the book, understand exactly what we were trying to accomplish, and talk through the different options with us. One… of the biggest challenges was the OCR. Devanagari wasn’t compatible with the typical OCR programs they normally work with, but instead of just telling us it couldn’t be done, Brandon independently researched different OCR programs and tested several options on our pages. He spent a lot of extra time trying to find something that might actually work for us which was so above and beyond of him. The scanning itself was incredible. The book was scanned completely non-destructively, with absolutely no damage to it, and the quality of the finished images is beautiful. We were honestly amazed at how clear and professional everything came out. The pricing was also very reasonable, especially considering the amount of time and care that went into the project. We were also on a bit of a time crunch because we were trying to get the material ready to begin working with our teacher, and everyone went above and beyond to accommodate our timeline. Everyone we interacted with was super understanding and helpful.. While we were there Brandon also took the time to show us some of the incredible archival work they’ve done, involving places like Madison Square Garden and historical works. It was extremely fascinating to see the level of care and expertise that goes into preserving these materials. We are so grateful to Brandon and the whole team. They were amazing to work with and this truly is a passion for all of them. The quality of the scans is amazing, and we couldn’t be happier with how everything turned out. If you have something valuable or irreplaceable that you need scanned, especially if it requires extra care, I would seriously recommend Smooth Photo Scanning. 11 out of 10!
- Apoorva YaddanapudiGoogle review
Great experience overall. I brought in my paintings to be scanned and they had everything done same day, which I really appreciated. The customer service was very friendly , professional, and made the process smooth. The quality came out exactly how I needed. Definitely a solid spot if you're an artist looking to get your work digitized . I will be back for sure .
- Tamar RobinsonGoogle review
I brought in 17 beta tapes from an old camcorder and within a week and a half they were put on a thumb drive! Excellent service, really nice people that work there! I highly recommend! It was so nice to be able to share these videos from almost 30 years ago with my grown children! They loved seeing themselves as little kids.
- Lesley RafesGoogle review
The old video tape that Brandon had digitized for me had presented a few difficulties on my end. I got back in touch with him with questions a couple of times, via email. He responded quickly every time and guided me to find a solution to the problem. He is a very responsible and professional businessman. I highly recommend Smooth Photo Scanning.
- Guillermo GallegosGoogle review
I had three very old family group photos colorized by Smooth Photo Services and the result was amazing, seemingly bringing those persons back to life with perfectly chosen colors, an excellent job. I wholeheartedly recommend them for your more important b&w photos.
- Lorenzo CamilloGoogle review
- Which home video tape formats can be converted to digital?
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Smooth Photo Scanning converts VHS, VHS-C, 8mm, Hi-8, MiniDV, MicroMV, and Betamax tapes to digital. All formats are transferred in-house on professional playback decks, and mixed-format collections can be sent together in a single order.
- How much does professional video tape transfer cost?
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Video tape transfer costs $22 per tape for 1-10 tapes, covering up to 2.5 hours of footage each. The per-tape price drops to $20 for 11-25 tapes, $19 for 26-50, $18 for 51-100, and $17 for 101-200. Footage over 2.5 hours is $10 extra per tape.
- How long do home video tapes last before they degrade?
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Magnetic video tape degrades a little every year, losing color, sharpness, and audio quality. Tapes stored in heat, humidity, or poor conditions deteriorate faster. Most home video tapes are now decades old, so transferring them sooner preserves more of the original picture and sound.
- What does a time base corrector do during video tape transfer?
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A time base corrector (TBC) stabilizes the timing of an analog video signal during playback. It eliminates jitter, corrects playback errors, and improves picture stability. Smooth Photo Scanning passes every tape through a TBC during capture for a cleaner digital transfer.
- How long does a video tape transfer order take?
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Small orders can be completed in a few days, while large collections may take several weeks because every tape is captured in real time. Smooth Photo Scanning provides an estimate on request and can often accommodate specific deadlines.
- What is the best file format for digitized home videos?
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MP4 is the best all-round format for home videos because it keeps file sizes manageable, plays on PCs, Macs, phones, and smart TVs, and remains editable. Smooth Photo Scanning delivers MP4 by default, with AVI, MOV, or MPEG-2 available on request.
- Can broken or damaged video tapes still be transferred?
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Often, yes. Every tape is inspected and cleaned on arrival, and tapes with broken shells, snapped tape, or spooling problems can be repaired, re-cased, or re-spooled for up to $25 before transfer, so issues are resolved before capture begins.
