Preserving Memories Through VHS Video Tape Conversions

The average lifespan of a VHS tape is only about 20 to 30 years, meaning even the youngest VHS tapes still in existence are now in danger of falling apart. Many popular films once-available in movie rental stores can now be found online or on streaming services, but your home recordings cannot be so easily replicated. If you have any important footage of a wedding, birthday, holiday, graduation, performance, sporting event or any other cherished memories on VHS tape, now is the time to update those memories! These precious moments will be a tragedy to lose, so it is important to act while you have the time.

Transferring your old home movies to a digital medium is a task many contemplate when going through their storage shelves or units or when unpacking holiday items, but in some cases never get around to doing. The more time goes by, the more likely it is that these VHS tapes will be damaged or forgotten. VHS Digitization solves this problem.

Why VHS Digitization is so Important

The last major theatrical release on a VHS tape was 2006, which marked the end of the VHS era. If you had your own VHS camera, you may have continued making home movies past this point, but for most people a VCR is a distant memory. The whole point of documenting the special moments in your life is to preserve the memories for years to come. If you let the tapes collect dust and eventually break down, you will never get those memories back.

Digitizing your VHS tapes means those irreplaceable video memories will never degrade. You can access them whenever you like from your TV, computer or the cloud in High Definition. You do not have to worry about dealing with the wear and tear of a physical object, so they can also be more easily transferred from place to place safely.

You’ll also be able to share these memories with friends and family who are far way, through file transfer services and on social media.
Additionally, you do not have to worry about misplacing them if you move, or losing them to natural disasters, such as a flood in your basement or storage unit. ARS Video keeps a copy of all the files that we digitize and convert for our customers, just as a precaution! These are your precious memories and should be protected at all costs – we do our part to keep them safe.

VHS digitization is the way to keep beloved and valuable video memories alive and kicking

How the VHS Digitization Process Works

At ARS Video, Inc we can handle any type of video media digitization. If you have any 8mm, Super 8, 16mm or even 35mm film, we are happy to convert it to digital High Definition. If you have VHS, VHS-C, Hi-8, MiniDV or even Betamax, we will upscale it to digital High Definition for you. We even do pictures, slides, and audio conversions. So, if you have a photo album or some old cassette tapes you want to be converted to digital, we have got you covered. The process is quick and painless and can be done entirely online or in person. Just follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit our Pricing Page to get an idea of your cost. On that page you can print out a Packing Slip to include with your items. Don’t have a printer? Simply write out the information for us.

Step 2: Pack up your VHS video tapes, as well as other media files you wish to have converted such as films, photos, slides, or audio recordings for digitization, and send your package with tracking to: ARS Video, 161 Northwest Ave, Suite 101, Tallmadge, OH 44278 . Feel free to drop off your files if you are in the area. However, the majority of our clients live out-of-state and we receive packages through delivery and shipping services every day.

Step 3: We will let you know when we receive it.

Step 4: Once we have determined how much film/video actually needs to be converted, we will call you with an estimated cost for your approval. You will not be asked to pay until we have fully processed your conversion, and it is ready to be returned to you.

Step 5: After payment is processed, your digital copy and the original material will be returned to you. Feel free to call and check on your order at any time.

Our shipping process is simple and can be completed in just minutes. There is no need to travel tens or hundreds of miles to get us your tapes for VHS digitization. Just pack them up at home and send them to us at your convenience. Tracking for your package is always encouraged and we’ve never lost a tracked package! We’ll contact you when your package arrives to let you know of its safe delivery.

We always time-out your video footage and only include your footage in the pricing for digitization – not blank spaces or copyrighted TV footage that we won’t be digitizing. We’ll then provide a fair estimate for approval BEFORE proceeding with your project.

Our fair pricing is based on the actual number of hours of recorded material, NOT the number of tapes that you send us. We don’t charge for a full tape when it’s only half full.

Lastly, ARS Video maintains a copy of your digital files for the future, in case you need them again in the event that you lose them somehow down the road. We also will of course return your original video tapes.

Take the first step today and entrust your precious moments to ARS Video. Contact us now and let’s embark on the wonderful journey to digitize your VHS memories for posterity, preservation, and easy playback!

Read more about the bygone world of VCR players and VHS tape formats in this blog post.