Do you have a box of old videotapes filled with priceless memories—but no way to play them anymore? Every year, those tapes degrade a little more, risking permanent loss of irreplaceable moments with family and friends. Don't wait until it's too late. I’ll carefully convert your VHS, Hi8, MiniDV, and other formats to high-quality digital MP4 files so you can watch, share, and preserve them for generations.
I include premium services like color correction and audio cleanup for no extra charge. I offer better quality and lower prices than big-box services like Legacybox, iMemories, Walmart, or Costco—with personal service and local pickup.
🎨 Color Correction: Brightens and balances faded footage
🔊 Audio Cleanup: Reduces hiss, hum, and harsh spikes
✂️ Trimming & Cropping: Eliminates dead space and edge distortion from worn or damaged tapes
🏷️ File Naming: Each file is named to match the label on the tape
💵 Pricing:
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard video tape conversion | $20 per tape |
| Minimum project charge | $60 |
| USB flash drive (optional) | $25–$50 depending on drive size |
| Pickup between Santa Cruz and Aptos | Free |
| Extended pickup (Greater Bay Area) | Small travel fee may apply |
| Mail-in option | Customer covers shipping |
| Payment accepted | Venmo, PayPal, or cash |
My pricing is more affordable than major services like Legacybox or Costco—and I deliver better quality and faster turnaround. Every transfer includes trimming, color correction, audio cleanup, and removal of edge distortion from worn or damaged tapes.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I get my tapes to you?
I offer personal pickup between Santa Cruz and Aptos (most afternoons after 3 PM), or you can mail them to me. If you're located elsewhere in the Greater Bay Area, I can often arrange extended pickup for a small travel fee.
How long does the conversion take?
Most projects are completed within 1–2 weeks. Larger jobs may take a little longer, but I’ll keep you updated.
What format do I get the videos in?
Each tape is converted to an MP4 file—playable on any computer, phone, or smart TV. I can deliver files via USB drive or digital download.
Do you enhance the footage or organize the files?
✅ Included in Every Transfer:
🎨 Color Correction: Brightens and balances faded footage
🔊 Audio Cleanup: Reduces hiss, hum, and harsh spikes
✂️ Trimming & Cropping: Eliminates dead space and edge distortion from worn or damaged tapes
🏷️ File Naming: Each file is named to match the label on the tape
What kinds of tapes can you convert?
I handle VHS, VHS-C, Hi8, Digital8, and MiniDV formats. Not sure what you’ve got? Snap a photo and I’ll take a look.
💬 Happy Customers Say:
💬 “Do you feel nervous about sending your irreplaceable family memories out to some name you don't know? So did I... that’s why John is your guy!”
— Wayne, Walnut Creek
💬 “John did a great job digitizing all my home video tapes — three different formats, including one I couldn’t even view anymore... Highly recommend!”
— Tracy, Santa Cruz
💬 “I had 20 tapes of family events — John converted them all and did a fabulous job... so grateful to have these memories preserved.”
— Monique, Santa Cruz
💬 “You made a whole community very happy. Some of the people in those videos have passed away... This is going to be emotional — thank you so much.”
— Max, Aptos
💬 “John transferred old videos for me and I’m so glad I finally did it. Now I can watch them with my kids... preserved forever.”
— Katie, Aptos Hills
💬 “Quality is good! I had a few files digitized years ago from an online company, and yours are better quality.”
— Tracy, Santa Cruz
📬 Contact Form:
Ready to get started? Just let me know how many tapes you have, what format they are, and whether you'd prefer local pickup or mailing them in.
You can fill out the form below or call/text me at (831) 854-3050.