VHS and Hi8 to DVD Transfer
There are many reasons to convert your old VHS tapes to DVD. For one, VHS tapes and VCRs are fast becoming an obsolete technology and many may argue that they already are.
Another concern is damage. Even if your VCR doesn't eat your VHS tape, something we are all familiar with, your VHS tape will slowly degrade over time, even if you never play the tape. VHS tapes can start falling apart in as little as 3 years, whereas DVDs can last decades.
If there's any footage that you want to preserve that's currently in a VHS format, now is the time to convert that to a digital format.
Please read ALL of the frequently asked questions listed below regarding VHS to DVD conversion before placing your order. Any tapes received that do not follow these guidelines run the risk of being charged without transfer occurring. The order form and link to bulk transfer can be found at the end of the FAQs. Before ordering, you must read these frequently asked questions and fully agree to all terms and conditions below. If you have any questions, please use our 24.7 Live Support help desk.
We ONLY transfer VHS, VHS-C and Hi8 format tapes to DVD. For 8mm to DVD transfer information, visit here. We do not transfer 16mm, Beta or any other format video to DVD.
After reading and understanding the FAQs please click on the option you would like to order:
Click on any question to show the answer:
Q: How many VHS tapes fit in your prepaid fill the box option?
A: You should be able to fit up to 14 standard VHS tapes in the box for $249.95. Once you place the
order, we will ship you the prepaid shipping box to fill. Simply drop it off at your local USPS location for delivery.
Q: What are the specifics of the prepaid fill the box option?
A: For $249.95, we will ship you a box for you to fill with your standard VHS tapes to transfer to DVD. We will ONLY accept standard size VHS tapes for this service. No mini VHS, 8mm, BetaMax or any other type of videocassette is valid with this option. Any video included in the box that is not a standard VHS tape will be returned with your order without transfer and no credit will be issued. Please add that if you send a damaged for copyrighted VHS tape it too will be returned without copying and no credit will be provided. Make sure not to send any professionally produced VHS tape, such as recorded television programs and theatrical motion pictures, etc. If organized properly, you should be able to fit up to 14 standard VHS tapes in the box. Once packed, simply drop off the box at your local USPS location for delivery. When your order is complete, the DVDs and VHS tapes will be shipped back to you. We do not, nor will not, dispose of your old VHS tapes.
Q: Can you combine more than one VHS tape to one DVD?
A: No, each tape is transferred to one DVD.
Q: Can you make a DVD of a VHS video movie I have bought at a store?
A: Due to copyright laws, we cannot transfer any movie that is copyrighted including commercial movies, concerts, sports events, TV broadcasts without written permission from the owner of the copyright. While under "fair use" regulations, you yourself are allowed to make backup copies, we cannot offer this service as a business charging money for our service. It is illegal for us to do so. Before having ScanMyPhotos.com transfer your VHS tape to DVD, you agree to indemnify our company of all copyright restrictions. You agree not to have us violate any copyright laws. Your personal movies that are not copyrighted are ok, but if you have anything, from TV shows, theatrical movies, or anything that you do not own the rights to make sure not to send it to us. We are serious and honor all copyright laws.
Q: Can recorded DVDs be played in my DVD player?
A: Most DVD players can play DVD-Rs. While nearly most new models can play recorded DVDs, we ask that you please check your player's specifications before placing an order. We do not offer refunds because your DVD player does not play recorded DVDs.
Q: What videotapes formats can you convert to DVD?
A: We accept standard VHS, mini VHS, VHS-C and Hi8
NTSC format tapes.
Q: Can you convert PAL videos to NTSC video?
A: No, we can only accept standard VHS, mini VHS and VHS-C
NTSC tapes for transfer to DVD. We can only transfer standard VHS tapes that are converted and digitally recorded on a DVD disc that is NTSC standard, which is the format recognized within the U.S.
Q: What if my tapes are encrypted?
A: We cannot duplicate any videos if they have encryption on them, regardless of whether they are your own tapes or not. We cannot legally break the encryption due to copyright laws and our equipment will suspend all such transfers immediately. No refund, full or partial, will be given to prepaid boxes for tapes that are sent with encryption.
Q: If I have more than 14 VHS tapes, can I reshape the bulk transfer box so they fit?
A: No. You can send us any quantity of VHS tapes in each prepaid fill-the-box that will fit, up to 14 standard VHS tapes (no mini-tapes, etc). However, if you have more than 14 VHS tapes, please order additional boxes. As noted on the
USPS website, the provided USPS Priority mail Flat-rate box The contents of the flat rate box must be neatly contained inside the box with adhesive packaging tape, the box must close securely and retain its shape when taped with adhesive and the shape of the box may not be changed or enlarged to fit its contents.
Q: I am worried about the quality of output movie. Does conversion from VHS to DVD degrade the quality?
A: Unlike video duplication of the past, digitizing your VHS movies to DVD can improve the quality of the picture (though not guaranteed). While this is not a dramatic improvement, nor do we offer any additional movie cleaning, the process of converting analog to digital format does bring some noise filtering. As with anything though, the higher the quality of the original, the better the quality of the conversion.
Q: Why is there a limit of 2 hours per disc? Can you transfer longer videotapes?
A: While it is possible to fit more than 2 hours of video on a DVD, we do not produce such discs because of quality degradation. In order to fit more data on a DVD-R more compression is required. MPEG2 compression used in DVDs is lossy: the more you compress the lower quality you get. We can transfer longer tapes to DVD but we do not advise it and the quality of the transfer will suffer the longer the tape.
Q: What happens if the quality of my tapes is too poor to copy onto a DVD?
A: Please review your tapes prior to sending, as we do charge for the service whether the quality of the tape is good or not. If we are unable to view, play or copy your tape, you are still charged for the service.
Q: After conversion of the vhs tapes to dvd,can the dvds be saved to my computer and edited?
A: The DVDs are formatted to be played in your home theater DVD player, not for editing. If you have software that can convert VOB files to another format, you would then be able to edit the movies in another program.
Q: Will my DVD be playable in other world regions?
A: Yes, we create region free DVDs but we only accept NTSC VHS tapes so VHS tapes from outside of the U.S. cannot be transferred.
Q: Will my DVD be copy-protected?
A: No, DVDs we record are not copy-protected. They are your movies and can make copies if needed.
Q: Do you view your customer's home movies
A: Your videos are private and we don't view videos sent to us, however we do have to view the beginning to ensure that it is not a copyrighted video to comply with Federal Copyright law and we'll randomly spot check the final DVD for quality assurance purposes.
Q: Do you keep a copy of your customer's video?
A: After transferring video data successfully, we erase the information from our hard drives and we don't keep any duplicate copies.
Q: What happens if my order is delayed during mailing and how about guarantees?
A: Upon receipt at ScanMyPhotos.com, your VHS tapes are digitally transferred to DVD. Your original VHS tape and the new DVD disc will be returned together. When shipping your own box, or ordering our prepaid, fill-the-box VHS Tape service, we recommend that upon receipt that you add other USPS Priority mail tracking and confirmation products and services –
click here.
However, please note, understand and recognize that by mailing us any items, we cannot and do not warrantee or guarantee delivery by third-party couriers. IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT THAT YOUR ORDER IS MISPLACED, DELAYED, LOST OR DAMAGED, YOU AGREE THAT SCANMYPHOTOS.COM AND 30 MINUTE PHOTOS ETC. IS NOT LIABLE AND THERE WILL BE NO COMPENSATION OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND. We assume no responsibility for any loss and/or damage to client's materials while it is transported by the mail, courier, transport companies or while in the position of ScanMYPhotos.com and 30 Minute Photos Etc. Our company is also not liability, for damage, loss, delay or irregularity to person or property in connection with any service advertised herein or by services provided by third parties over which 30 Minute Photos, Etc. has no control.
Click here to read full terms.
Q: My question is not answered here. Where can I obtain more information?
A: You may use our Live Support (banner above our service menu to the left) to instant message with an online support technician, call us at 949-474-7654 during normal business hours or email us at
info@scanmyphotos.com.
After reading and understanding the FAQs please click on the option you would like to order:
