Convert Your Old VHS, VCR & Camcorder Video Tapes to Digital
What Format Do You Have?
Your old VHS, VCR and camcorder tapes are not only trapped in an ageing format, they are also deteriorating rapidly. Convert your old video tapes to digital before it’s too late. Reelbox will transfer all video tapes to digital MP4 video files for easy viewing, editing and sharing.
VHS
from 1976
VHS-C
from 1982
Betamax
from 1975
Video8 / Hi8
from 1985
miniDV
from 1995
microMV
from 2001
“We are thrilled with the care and quality they have taken to digitise this old video
and perpetuate precious memories..”
– Allan P.
Professional Service
Fully Featured Digitisation
PRO EQUIPMENT
We only use the latest in digitisation technologies and video playback to achieve the best possible result
MAXIMUM RESOLUTION
We digitally re-master every videotape at its original recorded resolution so there is no quality loss.
EDITING
We clean up your footage by removing useless blank, blue, grey or un-watchable sections. Unwanted TV shows are also removed.
TIME BASE CORRECTION (TBC)
Older video tapes can cause “warped” or “distorted” lines to the video image. Our TBC units correct this for a clean straight video playback.
QUALITY CONTROLLED
Each videotape is edited and examined by hand after digitisation. If we notice any video or audio issues we will send the tape back to our technicians to be re-digitised.
BROKEN TAPES REPAIRED
Broken tape casings are replaced into new casing. Snapped tape is spliced so as to retrieve your potentially lost footage. (fees apply)
Video Tape Digitisation FAQs
Your Questions Answered
No. Some companies claim that this is the best method to digitise video tapes. This is far from the truth. DVD recorders will produce an obsolete compressed video file format called MPEG2 (inside a .VOB container). The MPEG2 format was developed in the late 90s and has been superseded by a far more efficient format called MP4. Companies providing MP4 files from DVD recorded files are actually re-compressing an already compressed file thus further degrading your digital files. While it is true that DVDs are still using this format today, there are far better methods of digitising your tapes.
We can boast 15+ Years of experience and expertise digtising hundreds of thousands of video tapes. We only use the highest grade analog to digital interfaces (no cheap usb adapters) to capture a 100% uncompressed video file direct to our computers. We then compress ONCE only to MP4 at a high bitrate to provide you with the best quality digital representation of your old video tapes.
We wouldn’t be satisfied providing you anything less than the best.
It is very rare that we cannot retrieve any footage from any tape format. In most cases we can rescue damaged footage. If for any reason the tape(s) cannot be played, playback is unwatchable or major issues affecting the audio playback are encountered, we will contact you during the process to inform you of our findings. You then have the option for us to digitise your problem tapes based on our assessment.
Yes. We only remove old recorded TV shows & movies, blank or blue sections to provide you with your valued home movie footage only.
We never remove or edit out home movie scenes.
Yes. By request only.
By default, we DO NOT transfer any TV shows or movies recorded from the TV on VHS video tapes. We only digitise Home Movie Footage unless you have specifically requested us to digitise a particular Tape(s) that has TV or Movies on it.
Yes. We can digitise all VHS and camcorder NTSC video tape formats into MP4 video files and PAL DVDs. There is no additional cost for this service.
We always do the best we can to provide you with the best transfer result utilising the best possible transfer methods. Unfortunately old video tapes do deteriorate and are sometimes damaged in VCRs over the years. When tape is damaged, this will result in video that can be a bit jumpy and white noise lines begin to appear. Often to the audio can be affected with aged/ damaged video tapes also.
These lines are called “overscan” lines and are a normal part of old VHS video. Back when we had the old ‘box’ TV sets these overscan lines were hidden from view because the TV would automatically crop the image all the way around. Our modern flat screen TVs display video in a different way called ‘progressive’ which means that we see the whole image without the cropping resulting in the ‘overscan’ lines being visible.
No. This is not part of the standard transfer service.
We will simply digitise all the footage that you provide us. Unfortunately there is no fast or easy way to determine if tapes contain replicated or identical footage. This can only be done by watching all your footage through in realtime and then comparing side by side if sections or the entire tape is duplicate.
You can request that we check for duplicate footage however please be aware that this process can be more costly to you than simply digitising all your tapes.
Yes. When your order arrives it is assumed that you have sent us tapes with footage you would like transferred. However few of us own a VCR anymore to check them, so it can be difficult to know which tapes have home movie footage on them and which have old episodes of Neighbours or that fav 90s movie taped from the TV.
We will check your tapes thoroughly for home movie footage, however if we find any tapes that only have TV shows we simply put them to the side with a $5 Tape Checking Fee.
Converting old video tapes to digital MP4 video files brings numerous benefits, enabling you to unlock the full potential of your cherished recordings. Here are some advantages worth considering:
- Preservation and restoration: Video tapes, like VHS or camcorder tapes, degrade over time due to factors such as wear, deterioration, and magnetic interference. Converting them to digital MP4 files preserves the content in its original quality, preventing further deterioration and ensuring its longevity.
- Easy accessibility and convenience: Digital MP4 files can be played on various devices such as computers, smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. This allows for easy access to your videos anytime, anywhere, without the need for outdated playback equipment. You can relive those memories with just a few clicks.
- Space optimization: Video tapes can accumulate over time, occupying valuable storage space. Digitizing them frees up physical space and reduces clutter, making your living or storage areas more organized and efficient.
- Editing and customization: Digital video files can be easily edited, enhancing your ability to personalize and improve the content. You can trim unwanted sections, enhance image or sound quality, add titles or captions, and even merge different tapes to create compilations or thematic collections.
- Easy sharing and distribution: Sharing your digitized video files with friends, family, or colleagues becomes effortless. You can send them through email, upload them to social media platforms, or store them in the cloud, allowing others to enjoy and engage with the content more conveniently.
By converting old video tapes to digital MP4 files, you safeguard your memories, enjoy easy accessibility, optimize storage space, customize and enhance the content, and effortlessly share it with others. It’s a valuable investment that revitalizes your video collection in the digital era.
ORDERING IS SUPER EASY
SEND TO US OR DROP IN
1. Post It.
Just bundle up all your items in a box or satchel with your contact details and drop off at your local post office. We will take care of the rest!
2. Have It Picked Up.
Package up your items in a box with your contact details and go to www.sendle.com.au follow the prompts to organise to get your memories collected from your location of choice.
3. Drop It In.
Drop in to our processing centre anytime M-F 9am to 5pm. One of our friendly team members will be there to assist you with your memories or any questions you may have.
GET POSTAL INSTRUCTIONS
Posting your memories to us is easy! Simply enter your email address below to receive BONUS OFFER & postage instructions:
ORDERING IS SUPER EASY
SEND TO US OR DROP IN
1. Post It.
Just bundle up all your items in a box or satchel with your contact details and drop off at your local post office. We will take care of the rest!
2. Have It Picked Up.
Package up your items in a box with your contact details and go to www.sendle.com.au follow the prompts to organise to get your memories collected from your location of choice.
3. Drop It In.
Drop in to our processing centre anytime M-F 9am to 5pm. One of our friendly team members will be there to assist you with your memories or any questions you may have.
GET POSTAL INSTRUCTIONS
Posting your memories to us is easy! Simply enter your email address below to receive BONUS OFFER & postage instructions:
