VIDEO CASSETTE TRANSFER SERVICES

With the development of hard disk and DVD- formatted camcorders, the cassette- based video cameras of a decade or more ago are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Much like 8mm and Super 8 film, the equipment and media involved in these older formats is disappearing. Despite this evolution in technology, the memories and history that are contained on those cassettes is no less important than they were the day that they were recorded. Video cassettes- while a very robust format- are subject to many of the same "perils" that can befall old film. Condensation, "degaussing" from close proximity to magnets, and mechanical failure of the cassette are just a few added dangers that are unique to the format.

If one considers the history of 8mm and Super 8 film, it becomes easy to see that video cassettes will likely follow a similar path over the coming years. As video tape equipment becomes scarce, prices for that equipment will rise which in turn will drive the price of transferring and archiving camcorder cassettes. It is very likely that this service will never be more affordable than it is today. That said, it is important to also note that the transfer of video cassettes is a labor- intensive process primarily due to the fact that they must be transferred in "real time". This means that a cassette containing 2 hours of video can take up to 3 hours of time to transfer to DVD- and even more if the cassette is damaged and requires repair.

Far Q Productions uses high- quality video decks and equipment manufactured by Sony, Panasonic, and JVC to transfer video cassettes to DVD. This ensures that your cassettes will look their best when transferred to DVD, since this equipment allows for the use of the highest- quality connectors that were available for each specific format. Video cassette transfer rates are based on running time, and are assessed per cassette. As always, you are only ever charged for the actual amount of video that is transferred. All of the video formats and services offered are explained below, but as always if you have any questions or would like a personalized quote please call or email me via the information on the "Contact" page on this website. I will be more than happy to answer any and all of the questions you may have. All prices listed are in U. S. Dollars (USD).

FORMATS & SERVICES

Far Q Productions offers transfer services for the following video cassette formats:

 

VHS, VHS- C, Video8, S-VHS, HI8, DV, MiniDV, DVCAM.

 

Each video cassette is transferred to its own DVD, and is returned with 2 DVD copies of each cassette. Any necessary repairs- when repair is possible- are included in the standard pricing. The rates below are for all video formats offered. Shipping charges also apply to these services, and options can be discussed at the time your order is placed.

 

Number Of Cassettes	Price Per Cassette
1 - 9	$30.00 For 1st 2 Hours. $10.00 For Each Add'l Hour
10 And Above	$25.00 For 1st 2 Hours. $10.00 For Each Add'l Hour

 

A FEW ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Additional DVD copies can be requested for only $3.00 per DVD. The DVDs created by this process are never encrypted or "copy- protected" in any way, so you are also free to make as many copies as you would like.

Regarding VHS Cassettes- I feel that it's important to take a few seconds and pass on some information regarding the transfer of VHS video. Over the past several years, manufacturers have made great strides in the area VHS to DVD transfer and are now offering easy- to- use equipment that allows consumers to transfer their own cassettes to DVD with very good video quality. While this development is not new, what is worth mentioning is that they have also significantly lowered their prices for this equipment. Because of the flexibility in VHS recording times, I often estimate projects in this format at $50.00 per cassette- which can quickly add to the final cost. For those who have more than 6 VHS cassettes, I strongly recommend looking into the "do- it- yourself" approach and acquiring one of these machines since they sell new for around $300.00.

I should also note that this does not mean that Far Q Productions will not transfer your VHS cassettes! There are certainly situations where it makes sense to hire this work done. The most common projects that come in are smaller collections, damaged cassettes which need repair, and those from customers who are too busy or otherwise disinclined to transfer the tapes themselves.