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Video tape conversion process transferring VHS, Video8, Hi8, MiniDV, and Betacam cassettes to digital at RVA Rewind

convert Video Tapes
to Digital

Preserve your video tape
memories for many
more decades

It's time to transfer your video tapes to digital media.

Enjoy great moments with RVA Rewind’s video tape conversion services. Transfer VHS, Hi8, Video8, MiniDV, Betacam, U-matic and more to digital video-with options for thumb drives and digital downloads.

Stack of VHS tapes prior to digital transfer and restoration at RVA Rewind in Richmond, VA
Video tapes were designed to last up to 25 years.

Your old video tapes won't last forever

VHS tapes, Video 8 tapes, and MiniDV will breakdown over time causing image quality to deteriorate or stop working altogether. These video formats are also vulnerable to damage from the elements. Digitize your videos and convert VHS tapes today with RVA Rewind and keep your family memories alive for many more generations.

Locally Transferred inRichmond, Virginia

All our digital converting services are performed in Richmond, Virginia. We have an efficient team of people that focuses on your captured video, so the quality is the best. Your video tapes are individually handled with care to ensure the best quality.

Accepted Video Tape Formats

We can digitize many types of consumer and professional video tape formats.

Standard Tapes

  • Betamax
  • Super Betamax
  • Super Beta HiFi
  • VHS
  • VHS-C
  • S-VHS
  • Video 8
  • Hi8
  • Digital 8
  • Mini DV
  • DVC

Professional Tapes

  • Mini DV
  • DVC
  • DVCAM
  • DVCPRO
  • DVCPRO 50
  • HDV
  • HDCAM
  • Betacam SP
  • Betacam SX
  • Betacam MPEG-IMX
  • Digital Betacam
  • U-matic SP

Optical Disks

  • Video CD
  • DVD
  • Mini DVD
  • Blu-ray

International

  • VHS (PAL)
  • VHS-C (PAL)
  • Video 8 (PAL)
  • Hi8 (PAL)
  • Digital 8 (PAL)

Convert Your "PAL" VHS & 8mm Tapes to Digital

Looking to convert your 'PAL' VHS, Video 8, Hi8, or Digital 8 tapes to digital? If you own tapes recorded in the PAL (Phase Alternating Line) format—widely used across Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia—we can help! Our expert PAL video transfer service transforms your cherished memories into high-quality digital files. While PAL conversions have a slightly higher fee than our standard NTSC transfers, we ensure top-notch results. Ready to preserve your PAL VHS or 8mm tapes? Contact us today for fast, reliable tape-to-digital conversion!

Quick Turnaround & Quality Transfer

Depending on the number of videos that you provide for digitizing, the turnaround time will vary and could take 3-6 weeks or sooner. Once we receive your videos, they will be inspected and examined to determine the best method to digitize them. We can't make your old tapes look brand new but we will do our best to preserve the quality that is there.

EstimateVideo Tape Transfer

Use the form below to get a quick estimate. Prices and tape length may vary as every tape is different.

How many tapes do you have?

$25 ea.
$18 ea.
$25 ea.
$20 ea.
$25 ea.
$30 ea.
$30 ea.
$30 ea.
$40 ea.
$50 ea.
$50 ea.
$50 ea.
$60 ea.
$40 ea.
Prices may vary depending on tape size
$14 ea.
$10 ea.
$22 ea.
We offer discounts on large orders. contact us for details.

How do you want to receive your media?

After your videos have been digitized, we need to place them on a data storage device for you to use.

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We offer DVD video discs upon request. contact us for details.
Estimate
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Add-On Services

We offer various video enhancement services to help improve the quality of your videos.

Video Transfer |
Media Types

We digitize the most commonly used video tape formats.

Examples of VHS and VHS-C video tapes accepted for digitization services

VHS Tape LogoVHS tape format logo representing vintage video cassettes from 1975 to 2016VHS-C compact tape format logo for home video recordings from 1975 to 2016

1975 ~ 2016

Betamax, released in 1975, was the first successful VCR. Years later, VHS became standard for video and lasted through the 2000's. VHS was eventually replaced by DVD's but was still widely used for sharing home videos. The last known company to make VHS equipment stopped production in 2016.

Digitizing Video8 tape format for preservation and digital conversion

Digitize Video8 TapeDigitize Hi8 Video Tapetransfer Digital8 Video tape

1985 ~ 2007

In the 1980's, camcorders were large due to the size of VHS tapes. Video8 was introduced in 1985 to help make camcorders small while improving picture and sound quality. Hi8 video was introduced in 1989 and delivered better picture and sound. Digital 8 soon followed in the late 90's and early 2000's.

MiniDV video tape transfer to digital, including HDV, DVCAM, and DVCPRO variants

MiniDV Video Tape TranferHDV Video Tape Transfer
DVCAM Tape TransferDVCPRO Tape Transfer

1995 ~ 2016

The MiniDV tape format was the most commonly used consumer digital tape format during the 2000's with DVCAM and DVCPRO dominating the professional market. This digital tape provided DVD quality video in a format that you could transfer to your computer. HDV uses the same small MiniDV tape format but delivered HD quality video.

Digitizing professional U-matic and Betacam SP/SX/Digital/HDCAM video tapes for archival preservation

Digitize U-matic Video TapeDigitize Betcam SP Video TapeDigitize Betcam SX Video TapeDigitize Digital Betcam Video TapeDigitize Digital Betcam Video TapeDigitize HDCAM Video Tape

1971 ~ 2012

The U-matic video tape format (AKA three-quarter-inch) was introduced in 1971 and quickly became popular in the TV broadcast industry. However, by 1986 TV professionals wanted a more portable tape format. Sony adapted their Betamax video format and created the pro Betacam video system, which had higher quality. Later, Digital Betacam formats followed in the 1990's and 2000's.

Digital Video File Formats

After your filmed home movies have been digitized, we can save it into a common digital copy format of your choosing.

MPEG4 File Format at H.264

MPEG4 H.264

MPEG-4 is the most popular digital video file format in the world today. This format is great for picture quality and compatibility with old and new computers.

HEVC File Format at H.265

HEVC H.265

HEVC is the successor to MPEG-4. It is designed to deliver great picture quality at a very small file size. HEVC, at this moment, only supports modern operating systems and hardware.

ProRes File Format at 4:2:2 4:4:4

ProRes 4:2:2 | 4:4:4

Apple's ProRes file format is great if you are a video professional or you want your videos digitized in the best quality possible. We offer both 4:2:2 and 4:4:4 digitizing depending on the level of quality you require.

Plus dozens of other digital formats - professional and consumer.

Add+On Video Services

Do you require something a little more than just a video transfer? We offer many additional video processing services to help with restoring or improving your videos.

Before: Original video with color degradation
Original
After: Modified video with enhanced color correction
Modified

Noise Reduction

On video tapes, noise is what we call the little speckles that you can see on VHS, Video8, Hi8, and MiniDV tapes. With our noise reduction process we are able to remove up to 95% of the little speckles on your digitized video. This process does increase the conversion time for each tape, which is why it is categorized as an add-on service and is an additional charge.

before video color correction
Original
after video color correction
Modified

Color Correcting

It is sometimes hard to notice but as a video tape ages the colors, which usually shifts uniformly, can sometimes get darker. This is where color correction comes into play. We are able to enhance the digitized video’s exposure as seen in the above image. This can take some additional time to process, which is why it is an add-on service and is an additional charge.

before video color correction

Upscale to HD

Upscaling video is a process of taking a standard definition video format and increasing the size of it so that the resolution is close to high definition. We use specialized professional software that uses artificial intelligence to help improve the resolution of your older videos. This add-on service won't make your videos as clear as HD but it will improve the clarity of the picture.

Apple ProRes video codec format for professional high-quality digitization

ProRes / Uncompressed

Uncompressed and Apple ProRes (minimally compressed) are the highest quality video codec format for professional use. This add-on feature is intended for those who intend to have the digitized video professionally edited. You should not select this option if you want to have a ready-to-play digital format. This is an add-on service.

Why we are better.

We are a unique business and we can focus more attention and quality to your memories than 'big box' transfer companies.

Safe & Secure

All media is processed in-house in Richmond, VA. We take extra care in handling your media.

30+ Years of Experience

We are media production experts and been converting media into different formats for 30+ years.

We Are Local

Don't worry about your media being sent to another state. We are located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia.

Handle with Care

We carefully handle your media as if it were our own. We return all original media back to you for safe keeping.

Common Questions

Here are a few frequently asked questions about our video transfer services.

At RVA Rewind, we handle your video tapes with exceptional care, recognizing their sentimental importance. If we find your video tape is blank during digitization, we’ll promptly contact you via email or phone to discuss the situation. Our team thoroughly inspects each tape to ensure no content is missed, but tapes may be blank due to recording errors, degradation, or erasure. To cover the time and resources spent checking the tape, we charge a $6 inspection fee, even if no content is found.

You won’t incur additional charges for digitization of a blank tape, as we only bill for successfully digitized content. We’ll return your original tape along with any other submitted materials, ensuring you keep your possessions. If you believe the tape should contain content, we can conduct a deeper analysis upon request, though further fees may apply. Our commitment is to provide transparent, professional service, keeping you informed throughout the process. With RVA Rewind, your video memories are treated with dedication and expertise, even when challenges like blank tapes arise, ensuring peace of mind and quality care.

Yes! If your tape is broken, we have methods where we can fix or repair the tape so we can digitize it. We can also use software to help enhance it. As technology continues to evolve, many of us find ourselves with precious memories stored on old videotapes. These tapes, which once held vibrant images and clear audio, may have degraded over time, leading to poor picture quality, faded colors, or noisy audio. If you’re wondering whether these tapes can be enhanced or fixed, the answer is yes—there are several ways we can improve the quality of your old videos, including noise reduction, color correction, and HD upscaling.

The Challenges of Video Tape Degradation

Videotapes, such as VHS and Betamax, are prone to deterioration over time. The magnetic tape inside can degrade, leading to a loss of video and audio quality. Additionally, environmental factors like humidity, heat, and dust can cause further damage, resulting in colors that appear washed out, increased visual noise, and a general decline in playback quality.

Our Solutions: Noise Reduction, Color Correction, and HD Upscaling

At our business, we specialize in converting your old videotapes to digital formats while enhancing and restoring their quality through several advanced techniques:

  • Noise Reduction: As tapes age, they often develop visual and audio noise—unwanted static or grain that detracts from the viewing experience. Our noise reduction process uses sophisticated algorithms to minimize this interference, resulting in a clearer, more polished video. Whether it’s reducing the graininess in the image or eliminating background hiss in the audio, our noise reduction techniques can make your old videos look and sound much better.
  • Color Correction: Over time, the colors in videotapes can fade or shift, leaving your videos looking dull or discolored. We offer digital color correction to restore the vibrancy of your footage. This process adjusts the color balance, contrast, and brightness to bring your videos closer to their original state. By carefully tweaking these settings, we can breathe new life into your tapes, making them more enjoyable to watch.
  • HD Upscaling: Most old videotapes were recorded in standard definition (SD), which looks noticeably grainy on modern high-definition (HD) screens. To address this, we offer HD upscaling, a process that digitally enhances your footage to appear sharper and more detailed when viewed on HD devices. While upscaling doesn’t add new details that weren’t originally there, it does improve the overall clarity and sharpness of your videos, making them look better on today’s screens.

What You Can Expect from Our Services

Our video enhancement services can significantly improve the quality of your old videotapes, but it’s important to understand the limits:

  • Improved Visual and Audio Quality: Through noise reduction, color correction, and HD upscaling, we can make your videos clearer, more vibrant, and more suitable for viewing on modern devices.
  • Restoration of Original Footage: While our techniques can greatly enhance the quality, they are not a substitute for high-definition video shot on modern equipment. The final result will still reflect the limitations of the original tape.
  • Preservation of Memories: By transferring your tapes to a digital format and applying these enhancements, we help ensure that your memories are preserved for future generations in the best possible quality.

Conclusion

If your old videotapes are showing signs of age, don’t wait until they degrade further. Our video enhancement services, including noise reduction, color correction, and HD upscaling, can help you preserve and improve your cherished memories. While there are some limitations, our goal is to bring your videos as close to their original quality as possible—if not better. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you enhance or fix your videotapes.

Yes, absolutely! At RVA Rewind, we understand how precious your memories are. We return all your original video tapes (including VHS, VHS-C, 8mm, Hi8, MiniDV, and more) in the same condition you sent them to us, along with your newly digitized files. Our team handles your tapes with the utmost care, ensuring they are safely processed and returned to you for safekeeping. Once the digitization process is complete (typically within 3-6 weeks or sooner), we’ll coordinate a time to return your original tapes and provide your digital files via USB thumb drive or digital download, based on your preference.

When it comes to transferring your precious videotapes to digital formats, you want to make sure your memories are in the best possible hands. With so many options available, including large national companies, you might be wondering why you should choose a small business like ours instead. Here’s why we believe we offer a superior service that outshines the big players.

When most people decide to preserve their personal memories by digitizing them, they typically want it done once and not have to re-digitize them every 10 years as technology changes. Wouldn’t you rather do it with a company that is dedicated, committed and that specializes in such quality service, and where you know that your personal content will be dealt with professionally and with care? We think you would.

1. Personalized Service and Attention to Detail

At RVA Rewind, we treat every project with the care and attention it deserves. Unlike large national companies that often handle thousands of orders at once, we take the time to understand your specific needs and concerns. Every tape you send us is carefully reviewed and processed to ensure the best possible quality. A lot of larger transfer companies use older, over-used, worn out equipment that produces sub par quality transfers. RVA Rewind has over 30 years experience in transfering analog media to digital formats and we record them at the highest quality possible. Our hands-on approach means that your memories are not just another number in the system—they are personal to us, just as they are to you.

2. Expertise and Experience

We specialize in video transfer services and have honed our craft over years of dedicated work. Our expertise isn’t diluted across a wide range of unrelated services, as is often the case with larger companies. We focus on what we do best: preserving your memories through high-quality video transfers. Our team is skilled in handling a variety of tape formats and is committed to delivering the best possible results.

3. Flexible and Responsive Customer Service

When you choose RVA Rewind, you get direct access to the people who are actually working on your project. If you have questions, concerns, or special requests, we’re here to listen and respond quickly. Large companies often have multiple layers of customer service, which can lead to delays and frustration. With us, you can expect prompt, friendly, and personalized communication every step of the way.

4. High-Quality Results at Competitive Prices

We believe that preserving your memories shouldn’t cost a fortune. Our small business model allows us to offer competitive pricing while still maintaining a high standard of quality. Unlike some large companies that may cut corners to save costs, we invest in top-notch equipment and take the time needed to deliver outstanding results. A lot of larger transfer companies use older, over-used, worn out equipment that produces sub par quality transfers. RVA Rewind has over 30 years experience in transfering analog media to digital formats and we record them at the highest quality possible. You get the best of both worlds—affordable pricing and superior quality.

5. Supporting Local Businesses

By choosing a small business like ours, you’re not only getting great service, but you’re also supporting your local community. Large national companies often outsource work overseas or to massive facilities where your tapes can get lost in the shuffle. When you work with us, you’re helping to sustain a local business that’s invested in your community. Your support allows us to continue providing personalized, high-quality services to people just like you.

6. Security and Peace of Mind

We understand how important your video tapes are, and we treat them with the utmost care and respect. Unlike large companies that may handle tapes in bulk, increasing the risk of loss or damage, we handle each tape individually, ensuring that it remains safe and secure throughout the entire process. You can trust us to safeguard your memories as if they were our own.

Conclusion

When it comes to transferring your videotapes to digital, choosing RVA Rewind offers numerous advantages over large national companies. From personalized service and expert handling to competitive pricing and the peace of mind that comes from supporting a local business, we are dedicated to delivering the best possible experience. Trust us with your memories, and we’ll ensure they are preserved with the care and attention they deserve. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you.

At RVA Rewind, we make it easy to access your digitized video tapes with flexible, customer-friendly delivery options. After converting your VHS, VHS-C, 8mm, Hi8, MiniDV, or other tapes, you can choose to receive your digital files via a secure digital download from our website or on a high-quality USB thumb drive. Both options ensure your memories are preserved in crisp, industry-standard MPEG-4 format, ideal for viewing on modern devices. If you prefer a different video format for thumb drives, let us know, and we’ll customize it to your needs. Need both delivery methods? You can select multiple options for an additional fee, giving you maximum convenience.

Video Tape to DVD

For those who prefer physical media, we offer DVDs upon request, though we note that DVDs are becoming less common. Each digitized tape is typically burned onto its own DVD for optimal quality, but we can combine tapes shorter than 30 minutes onto a single disc if requested. Our Richmond, Virginia-based team handles every step with care, ensuring your original tapes are returned in their original condition alongside your digital files, typically within 3-6 weeks or sooner. With over 30 years of expertise in video tape digitization, RVA Rewind provides top-tier VHS to digital services tailored to your preferences. Choose us for reliable, high-quality video transfer services in Richmond, VA, and preserve your memories effortlessly.

Our Digitizing Process

Our quick and easy digitizing process begins with you.

Box with old tapes and photos
STEP 1

Drop Off or Mail

You can drop off your media at our office (by appointment only) or you can mail it to us.

STEP 2

Digitizing Begins

We will begin to prepare, transfer or scan your media. This process may take 2 to 6 weeks.

computer with digitized restored old media
STEP 3

Come Get It

Once we are finished, we will set a time to return your memories along with your digitized files.

What Our Customers Say

We've helped many families and businesses throughout Virginia and the country.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

They are the best!

We have used RVA Rewind on three occasions. Each time they were the best! Easy to navigate through the process, price was great and they were timely during the interactions. But the best part is… one of the VHS tapes had a whole section with my grandparents, who passed early 2000s. It was so great to hear their voices and see their faces. Made us cry with joy!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The quality is amazing!

They really know what they're doing! The quality is amazing, especially for a 30 year old VHS tape that hadn't been played in 2 decades. Super high bitrate, correct aspect ratio, great sound, and they did it in just a few days. I did my research finding this place, and am very happy with my choice.

EDIT: They even managed to save a tape that we couldn't get to play! Incredible work.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The best of the best!

I’ve been working with them for almost a year now and they never disappoint. Very professional and knowledgeable team that is always willing to work with me. My church has over 40 years worth of old video media and photos. They have help me digitize and modernize these precious memories to build nice archive for the church. The best of the best!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Excellent customer service

Great to work with. Tackled twenty plus mini dv tapes, converting them to digital files. Delivered as promised-length of time and cost. Excellent customer service communication.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

They are very reliable and knowledgeable

Thank you so much! We needed some home movies transferred at the last minute for a memorial service. They got everything done very quickly. I was very impressed. They are very reliable and knowledgeable.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Excellent quality!

Excellent quality!