video & film conversion in NYC
Converting VHS, Hi8, Film Reels & More to Digital
VHS tapes from the 1980s are already past their expected 25-year lifespan.
Your old tapes and film reels are deteriorating right now — silently, on a shelf. Heat, humidity, and age break down the magnetic coating and film emulsion every single year. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
Based in Brooklyn, I offer a personal, careful digitizing service for all home video and film formats. Your memories are handled by one certified expert, never shipped across the country, and returned to you as crisp digital files you can watch, share, and keep forever.
Your tapes are fading — faster than you think
Why tapes are no longer watched again
Magnetic tape has a lifespan. Every year you wait, the footage deteriorates. Here's what's keeping those memories locked away — and why that puts them at risk.
- No playback device in the house
- Magnetic tape degrades silently
- It keeps getting pushed to someday
- Memories trapped in obsolete formats
- Every year you wait, more footage is lost permanently.
Formats We Digitize
Bring me any format — if you’re not sure what you have, I’ll identify it for you.
VHS, VHS-C & S-VHS
The most common home video format from the 1980s and 90s, including the compact VHS-C cartridges used in camcorders.
MiniDV
The digital camcorder format of the late 90s and 2000s. Excellent picture quality — but the tapes are fragile and the players have all but disappeared.
Hi8 & Video 8
Small-cassette formats used in Sony camcorders throughout the 80s and 90s, known for their compact size and good picture quality.
Betamax
Older and less common format that require specialized equipment to play. Don’t let rarity stop you.
Super 8 Film
The beloved home movie film format from the 1960s through 1980s. Transferred via specialist frame-by-frame scanning.
8mm & 16mm Film
Silent and sound film reels from as far back as the 1930s. Transferred through frame-by-frame scanning.
Video Digitization
How It Works
Step 1 — Bring or Ship Your Tapes
Drop off your tapes and reels at my Brooklyn studio, or ship them to me. Not sure what you have? Bring everything — I’ll sort and identify each format for you at no charge.
Step 2 — Inventory & Quote
I assess your collection, confirm the formats, and give you a clear, no-obligation quote before any work begins. No surprises.
Step 3 — Careful Digitizing
Each tape is played back and captured in real time on professional equipment. Film reels are transferred frame-by-frame to HD.
Step 4 — Your Files, Delivered
You receive your digital files via WeTransfer, or on a high-speed USB drive. Your originals are returned in the same condition they arrived.
Why Brooklyn Families Choose Local
Your Memories Stay in Brooklyn
Every mail-in digitizing service asks you to hand your irreplaceable tapes to a shipping carrier.
With local service, your family’s history stays within a few miles of home — and you get it back faster.
One Expert, Not a Factory
Your memories are handled by me personally — not sorted by a call center, shipped to a warehouse in another state, and processed by strangers.
You can meet me, ask questions, and know exactly who is caring for your collection.
We Go Beyond the Files
As a Certified Professional Photo Manager, I don’t just hand you a hard drive of unnamed files.
I can help you organize, label, and structure your newly digitized video collection alongside your photo collection into something your whole family can actually enjoy.
I am a Certified Professional Photo Manager—one of a select group of specialists dedicated to preserving and organizing personal and family media collections.
Unlike digitizing services that treat your memories as a processing job, I approach your collection with the same care and thoughtfulness I give my own family’s photos.
Answers to Common Questions About Video Digitizing
What video formats do you accept?
I accept VHS, VHS-C, Hi8, Video 8, Digital 8, MiniDV, Betamax, and S-VHS in-house. Super 8, 8mm, and 16mm film reels are handled via trusted specialist partners. If you have a format not listed here, contact me — chances are I can help.
How do I get my tapes to you?
You can drop off in Brooklyn by appointment, or ship your tapes to me via UPS. I’ll confirm receipt and keep you updated throughout the process.
How long does it take?
Most projects are completed within 1–2 weeks depending on volume. Film reel transfers may take a little longer. I’ll give you a time estimate when you request your quote.
What format are the digital files delivered in?
Video files are delivered as MP4, which plays on any device — phone, TV, tablet, or computer. Film reel transfers are also available in higher quality ProRes format on request.
Can you digitize tapes that are damaged or moldy?
Possibly, yes. Some tape damage can be worked around. Contact me with a description and I’ll advise whether transfer is likely to succeed before you commit.
What if I don’t know what format my tapes are?
Bring them in. Identifying tape and film formats is part of what I do — there’s no charge for identification.
Do you also organize the digitized videos?
Yes. As a Certified Professional Photo Manager, I can organize your newly digitized video files alongside your photo collection into a structured, labeled archive your family can actually navigate and enjoy. Ask me about this when you get in touch.
Do you serve clients outside Brooklyn?
Yes — I serve clients across Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Long Island. For clients further afield, UPS shipping works well and I have experience with mail-in projects.
Ready to Rescue Your Home Videos?
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Tapes and film degrade every year they sit unwatched. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation consultation — and let’s bring your family’s history back to life.