All film and videotape begins to degrade as soon as you record to it. Even footage shot just a few years ago could already be suffering from serious information loss. Videotapes made thirty years ago are barely playable, even in the tender, loving hands of an experienced technician. Common videotapes recorded and played back on common VCRs by non-technical people, may last about 15 years.

There are some unknowns in this estimate; tape is made better than it used to be. It may last longer than 15 years but we won't know until enough time goes by to see how it survives. Most experts agree, however, that tape cannot endure generation after generation like slides and photographs do.

The videotape is not your big problem, your VCR is. Video recorders change over the years, each type incompatible with the format that came before. No matter what method you use to record your magnetic memories, you will have a hard time finding a machine to play them on twenty or thirty years from now. If you record your children on VHS, you may want to buy a "spare" VCR and keep it in mint condition along with your tapes. And if it does break thirty years from now, there surely won't be parts for it.

2. What transfer services do you provide?

We offer the following professional transfer services: 

Film: 8mm and Super 8mm Silent Transfers. 16mm service coming soon.

Videotape: VHS, S-VHS, VHS-C, BetaMax , Mini DV, Digital 8, Hi-8, Video8.

Slides: 35mm

Print Photos: We scan all sizes and organize them by "chapters" on disc.

Photo Film: 35mm film, APS film cartridges, Medium Format Film (110/220 film)

3. How does the order process work?

For a detailed explanation of how the order process works from start to finish, visit our order page.

4. How long do the transfers take?

Slides / Print Photos / Photo Film: Slide and photo projects under 200 images are normally completed 5-7 business days after we receive your package. For projects consisting of 200 to 3000 images, allow 7-20 business days. Please call us for projects containing more than 3000 images.

Film / Video: Normal turnaround time is 15 business days. We will do whatever we can to accommodate your work schedule but specific delivery times are not guaranteed unless prior arrangements have been made in writing via email. Please contact us before sending your film or video if you have a particular deadline that must be met.

5. I'm ready.  What do I need to do next?

Once you have feel that you have read through our transfer services, the information here in the Help Center, as well as the Why HD? section, continue to our order page, and get ready to see your precious memories with a clarity in which you've never seen them before...