General Transfer Questions
Q: What format of tapes can Digitally Yours transfer?
A: We can transfer VHS, VHS-C, Video8, Hi8 and MiniDV tapes to digital files called MP4s.
Q: Do you transfer reels (8mm or 4mm) of film to digital?
A: Yes, we do transfer reels of film to mp4s. The price will depend on the length of the film.
Q: Will each tape or film be a different digital file?
A: Yes, each tape or film will be a unique digital file.
Q: If I have my movies put on a DVD, how many tapes will fit onto one DVD?
A: We will transfer around 2 hours of video on each DVD. The length of each DVD will vary based on the length of the recorded material on the tape and how many tapes we choose to put on the DVD, but it will be around 2 hours in length.
We will likely split your 1 tape in to 2 or more DVDs if it is longer than 2 hours in length. This will produce a better quality DVD for you of your video memories and only up to 120 minutes fit on to a single DVD.
Q: Can you transfer tapes with Copyrights to digital, like Disney movies?
A: No, this is not possible with the equipment used by Digitally Yours, nor is it a practice we would consider.
Q: Do you edit the digital files in any way?
A: We can cut items off the beginning or end of a movie, or split it in two files, however we do not edit files. Our transfer is one to one and it will be the same quality as the movie we are transferring. You can purchase a video editor and work with your file.
Q: How do you deliver the MP4 files?
A: We will place them on a USB stick/drive that is sized for your job (8GB, 64GB, etc).
Tape Problem Questions
Q: Will I be charged if my tape turns out to be blank?
A: No, we do not charge for tapes that are completely blank and have no video to transfer on them.
Q: Do you fix broken tapes?
A: Yes, we can fix most broken tapes for a fee of $10.00 for each broken tape.
Q: Will the transfer copy look better than the tape quality.
A: No, the transfer copy will have the same quality as the original tape. It may improve slightly by our professional transferring equipment, but it will be very close to the original quality.
Q: Will you get rid of any 'dead air' on my tape?
A: We edit out any junk and dead air from the beginning and end of your tape before it is transferred to a digital file. There is no extra charge for this service. And keep in mind we may miss something.
Other Questions
Q: How will my digital files be titled?
A: We will title your digital file according to your instructions on the Digital Transfer Order Form. We may need to shorten the title to fit within the given title options. The title should contain the year and a short description of the contents of the tape.
Q: Can I edit the name of the digital file?
A: Yes, you can edit the name of each digital file on the USB stick.
Q: What is the typically turnaround time?
A: Normal turnaround time for video transfer is 2 weeks. If your project is more complex or very large, this will add to the turnaround time and cause it to be closer to 3 weeks. Other factors which can cause longer turnaround time is the complexity of your order, our current workload, and the time of the year (wedding months, graduations, etc).
Q: How can I safeguard my tapes during shipping?
A: If you are in the local area, we will meet and exchange your material. If you are outside of the local area, you will mail your items to our studio - please follow these guidelines:
1) Send your package with a trackable carrier, such as USPS, UPS or Fed Ex and you may want to consider putting insurance on it.
2) Use padded materials to protect your valuable items during shipping. And we suggest you place your items in zip lock bags to protect against moisture.
3) Be certain to place the Digital Transfer Order Form in the box with your materials.
4) Finally, wrap your entire order in padded material, such as bubble wrap before placing it in a sturdy box for added protection during shipping.
Q: What payment methods do you accept?
A: We accept cash, personal checks and Venmo.
Q: When is my payment due?
A: Payment will be due upon completion of the project. Please contact us if you have any questions.