How much does it cost to transfer home videos? Whether it be VHS, Mini DV, Super 8, or any other old format, the answer may surprise you.
The pricing of these services is a question I (and I'm sure others) get far too often before anything else, and that concerns me. In most cases, people reach out to convert their family videos; their most cherished memories with the people they love. And yet, cost is a big determining factor if they will proceed with the service or not.
Perhaps they don't realize their cherished memories won't last on those cassette tapes forever? Even after we educate them on this fact, it comes down to the dollar. Aren't these memories supposed to be priceless?
Let's put some things into perspective using the following example:
To capture any kind of video cassette tape, the tape must be played out fully in real time. This means that if the tape run time is two hours, it will take at least two hours to capture it.
The minimum wage in Ontario (now in 2022) is $15.55/hour.
After the tape is captured, it has to be encoded into the proper viewing format. This adds more time to the process.
Upon completion, the client should owe $35.14 for the single, two hour tape, plus additional expenses (ie. USB stick).
It may seem like a lot, especially when a client has dozens of hours to digitize, but it's important to remember that these tapes hold information you can't get back once it's lost. See my blog on why it's important to digitize your home videos for more info.
When you decide to move ahead with this service, you're paying to have your family's memories preserved for generations to come. This may be the only tangible record of someone's existence where you can hear their voice, see their expressions and mannerisms--qualities your mind won't recall quite as clearly.
If you are serious about preserving your family home videos, remember the value they bring to you and your family for the years ahead. They are priceless and should be done properly.
Sincerely,
Passionate Archivist
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