Converting video cassettes yourself costs time and nerves. Video conversion runs in real time and therefore takes at least as long as the playing time of your cassettes. You also need a video recorder or player, a video input for your computer and software. For your convenience and quality results, Film Rescue International can convert your video tape to an MPEG-4 file that will run on your home computer, tablet or cellphone.
Film Rescue International offers video transfer services for these types of video systems:
Analogue video format
VHS
S-VHS
VHS-C
Betamax
U-Matic (“three-quarter-inch“)
Digital Video format
Hi8
Mini DVD (has to be finalized)
Mini DV
Video tape to Digital file: 16.00 USD per hour or less, per tape. Minimum 32.00 charge.
Video tape conversions are charged at a rate of 16.00 per hour or less of tape, with a new hourly charge starting with each tape. e.g. An order of one 90 minute tape plus one 20 minute tape would be 48.00: 2x 16.00 plus 1x 16.00 .
Film Rescue will charge a 10.00 inspection fee for every tape that is blank or can’t be converted because the content infringes copyright or the tape is in too compromised a condition. Tapes that need extensive repair or splicing may incur a surcharge for bench time required.
Foreign video conversions: We can convert from PAL system VHS, S-VHS, VHS-C and Betamax to NTSC colour system.
Important notice:
Make sure you own the rights to your video content. Film Rescue cannot copy content that infringes the copyright of third parties.
Please contact us before you send your order if you have obviously damaged materials or are unsure as to the format. There are cases where we may refer you to another service providor.
Shipping: only within USA & Canada: $20*. International: not available. *Heavier/fragile items could be higher.
Online File Delivery: Online file delivery is not available for orders requiring over 115gb of storage. Please consult us prior to sending your order if you’re considering this option.
Vulnerability of video cassettes
Why it‘s better to have your Video cassettes digitized. When it comes to digitizing Video tapes, speed is of the essence, because Video tapes like VHS, Betamax, VCR or Video 2000 last an average of 20 years. From this point in time, the first signs of aging can already set in.
Flickering picture, sluggish sound
Frequent playback makes the tape slack. Even with optimal storage, your old VHS will last a maximum of 35 years. Accordingly, all VHS films that were recorded up to the mid-1990s are already acutely endangered.
Danger from external magnetization
The colours of your video tapes will gradually fade due to the earth‘s magnetism or storage near other electronic devices. In the worst case, your recordings can be completely deleted.
Optimal storage difficult
It is best to store your video cassettes at a temperature between 11°C and 17°C and a relative humidity of 30% to 50%. In practice, it is usually very difficult to achieve these ideal values over the long term.
VCRs no longer available
Even if your video cassettes are still in good condition, it is becoming increasingly difficult to play them as there are hardly any functioning video recorders available at an affordable price.
Take the opportunity now and request an estimate to have your material digitized!