Video Digitization
Those old VHS tapes won’t last forever, but the memories on them can.
Pure ImageNation converts VHS tapes to digital files, making it easy to preserve, watch and share important milestones and family videos for years to come.
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Our Video Tape Digitization Process
Meet the specialist who will be digitizing your videos during a consultation with our team. We will review your project and provide an estimated cost and timeline.
Your original video tapes are carefully inspected for damage. Broken shells (tape casing) can be replaced, and the tape can be carefully cleaned by hand if needed. Learn more about this process on our blog.
After we’ve inspected the physical condition of your tapes, they are played and converted to a digital file (MP4 format).
Regular updates are provided by the specialist working with your videos, not a call center agent. We will reach out if we find unexpected damage or if a tape needs a new shell.
Once the project is complete, you are notified and delivery is arranged.
How We Protect Your Original VHS Tapes
When your items are with us, they’re always:
Securely stored in a climate-controlled environment with our team, not in a random warehouse.
Delivered safely. Once the project is complete, you can choose in-person drop-off, local delivery, or traditional shipping for the return of your items.
Every item you send is treated with the same respect and care we give to our own family memories. Our Photo Handling Promise details how we handle all materials, including video tapes.
What You Receive
You’ll receive a high-quality digital file of each video tape, ready to watch, preserve, and share.
Your files are converted to MP4 format.
Your digital video files can be delivered on an external drive or stored securely in the cloud.
Your original video tapes are returned at the conclusion of the project.
VHS Tape Digitization Pricing
The cost of video digitization depends on the length of the video and any cleaning or restoration work that may be required. You will receive an initial cost estimate and timeline before work begins. Any subsequent changes require your approval.
Video tape digitization:
$10/tape up to 10 minutes per tape.
$20/tape up to 2 hours
$10/hr beyond 2 hours .
Video tape restoration: Contact us for a quote.
A 50% deposit is collected at the beginning of the project. The remaining balance is due at completion
Common Video Digitization Questions
What types of video do you digitize?
Pure ImageNation currently digitizes VHS, VHS-C, Hi8, Video8, Digital8, MiniDV, and 8mm film. We expect to offer Betamax digitizing starting in early 2027.
Can you repair damaged videos or tape shells?
Yes, Pure ImageNation can repair some types of damage and offer cleaning services as well. For reconstruction projects we discuss your options and do everything we can to try and save the recordings on your video tapes. We can’t replace images or details that have been completely lost to time or damage.How long does video tape digitization take?
Digitizing requires the tape be played at regular speed. Four hours of video takes four hours to digitize and a few minutes for conversion and file uploading. Repairs, cleaning and reconstruction are more time consuming. Our average turnaround time for one tape is 24 to 48 hours.
What format do you use for the digital files?
Our default format for video files is MP4. We can convert to other formats such as MOV if requested.Does digitizing an old video tape automatically convert the content to HD quality?
Digitizing captures videos at their native quality, roughly 720x480 resolution. While software can "upscale" the resolution to 1080p or 4k, it cannot add missing pixels or real detail that may have been lost to time and tape quality degrading. We recommend digitizing and reviewing the video before making up-scaling decisions.
Should I play the tape to test it before bringing it to you for digitization?
No. We recommend bringing your tapes to us first. VHS tapes are very fragile and degrade with age. Every single playback puts physical stress on the magnetic tape and spools. We can inspect the tape, perform any repairs, and give the tape the best possible chance at being digitized without breaking.
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions section for more info.
Ready to Digitize your Videos?
Getting started is easy.
Complete the Request a Quote form and we will be in touch within 48 hours. You can also give us a call/text at (978) 376-5163, or send us an email message at:info@pureimagenation.com.