Video Transfers: VHS To Digital

Your old VHS videotapes are valuable, but they’re also vulnerable to all sorts of damage. All analog media, including VHS, deteriorates over time and will eventually become unplayable. Additionally, the devices used to view them are becoming more and more obsolete. Even if you’ve been storing your VHS tapes in the best conditions possible, there’s still a chance unfortunately that your precious memories will waste away before you get around to watching them again.

VideoMedia is the place that will help you protect your valuable memories from fading away by converting your old VHS tapes to a ubiquitous digital format. We've been doing this for years, so you can be confident that you’ll get optimal results.

We capture the content from your old VHS cassette tapes and transfer it into a digital format that you can watch on your television, computer, tablet, phone or other devices for years to come. Whether you want to relive a wonderful moment or remember what your old friends or kids were like when years ago, or if you are seeking to integrate some old scenes into a new professional production, we’ll take meticulous care of it for you - our team will do everything they can to make sure the transfer of your originals goes efficiently and quickly.

At VideoMedia we've been converting and restoring media for over 42 years, so we know what it takes to protect your memories for generations to come. We know when it comes to preserving your important moments, only the highest quality will do - and we’re happy to deliver just that!

How does the VideoMedia Transfer Process Work?

The VHS-to-digital transfer process is designed to preserve your memories and make them easier to access anytime in the future at the opportune moment.

First, you’ll need to gather your old VHS cassettes and bring them to our processing center. This can either be done by dropping them over in person, or alternatively, by having them delivered to us by courier.

Once we receive your original tapes, our expert technicians examine the condition of the tapes and issue an inventory  If there are issues with any of the tapes, we’ll let you know so that you can decide about whether to proceed with the transfer. If a necessary repair is possible, we will offer to proceed with it as long as it can be undertaken without compromising the integrity of your original recordings.  Then, your videotape is carefully scanned frame by frame to a digital format of your choice so that you may see every detail of your memories preserved on your preferred devices.

Your digitized files are then stored onto a digital support of your choice (USB key, external hard drive, DVD - or any combination that you prefer). When the process is completed, you’ll receive both your original videotapes back with your new digital file.

Fun Facts About VHS

Home videos that were recorded on VHS tapes can be lots of fun. They can cause one to groan in embarrassment or long for the events and times that one experienced. Here are some fun facts!

1) Did you know that the first title released on VHS was called The Young Teacher. This movie, made in South Korea, portrayed a teacher who organizes a volleyball game at her school to build self-confidence and school spirit amongst her students. Very little is known about this movie, but a lot was revealed understood about the actual format. It became the number one format for buying and selling movies.

2) Did you know that the original VHS tapes were 1,410’ long with a 4-5 hours of play time. So… Some blockbusters like Gone with the Wind, The Godfather, and Titanic to name a few were sold on two separate cassettes because of their length.

3) Did you know that the last movie to be released on VHS was called A History of Violence from Canadian director David Cronenberg starring Vigo Mortensen. This movie was in the category of thrillers. It’s about a small- town man who protects his friend through acts of violence. Believe it or not, this movie was nominated for two Oscars and two Golden Globes.

4) Did you know that the world’s last VCR was made in June 2016 by Japan’s Funai Electric. So sad!

5) Did you know that in 1975 VCRs sold between $1,000 to $2,000. In 1985, they sold between $200-$400. 

And now for the juicy part that would impress your friends.

During the 1970’s the audio/video firm, Magnetic Video acquired the rights to produce TCF’s on home video. Magnetic Video saved Twentieth Century Fox from its financial problems at that time, namely by producing The Sound of Music, Patton, and M.A.S.H. using Magnetic Video’s acquired rights.

Hugh! Who would have thought!
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Why Choose VideoMedia?

When you choose VideoMedia for transferring your Hi8 tapes to digital files, you get to work with a family-run business that’s been helping people in Montreal and across Canada preserve their memories either personally or institutionally (museums, municipalities, corporations, film producers, etc.) for over 40 years. We know how important your memories are to you, and we take the time to make sure they’re preserved with quality and precision. 

Because the processing is done in-house, we can also accommodate more complex projects quickly and efficiently. Our team of helpful and knowledgeable staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have about your personal, institutional, artistic or commercial project.  

At VideoMedia, you can rest assured you are getting the best value for your money. Although our prices are competitive, the quality of our service is unmatched, supported by state-of-the-art equipment and technology when converting your Hi8 memories to be preserved for generations!

VideoMedia has been around for a while, and our many years of industry experience in the industry has made us a trusted name in media transfer. We take pride in our ability to provide affordable, reliable, and high-quality services to our customers. This experience enables us to undertake any complex project you have entrusted to us.