Videotapes
Full-size home video and compact camcorder tapes.
VHS · VHS-C · S-VHS
Local care for irreplaceable memories
Bring your old home movies back to life.
I carefully convert videotapes, camcorder tapes, discs, and audio cassettes into easy-to-watch digital files, right here in Santa Cruz County.
- $18 per itemThree-item minimum
- Personal serviceYour media stays local
- MP4 filesEasy to watch and share
What I transfer
From the formats you can’t play to files you can enjoy anywhere.
Not sure what you have? Send me a photo and I’ll identify it.
Camcorder tapes
Analog and digital 8mm formats, plus MiniDV.
Video8 · Hi8 · Digital8 · MiniDV
Discs and audio
Home-video discs and personal audio recordings.
DVD · VCD · Audio cassette
Included with every video transfer
More than simply pressing “record.”
Each recording is reviewed and prepared so the finished file is clean, useful, and easy to recognize.
- Basic color correctionFaded footage is balanced when an adjustment will help.
- Basic audio cleanupHiss, hum, and harsh spikes are reduced when practical.
- Trimming and croppingDead space and distracting edge distortion are removed.
- Clear file namingFiles are named to match the information on your labels.
Simple pricing
No mystery boxes or confusing packages.
$18 per tape or discThree-item minimum: $54
90-day cloud delivery$5 per video
64 GB USB drive$40
128 GB USB drive$45
256 GB USB drive$60
512 GB USB drive$110
DVD copy, by request+$20 per DVD
How it works
A straightforward, personal process.
Tell me what you have
Call, text, or send the form below with your approximate item count and formats.
Arrange the handoff
Choose an available meetup time in Capitola, or contact me about mailing your media.
Enjoy your memories
Receive organized MP4 files on your drive, a new USB drive, or by secure cloud delivery.
Client stories
Trusted with memories that can’t be replaced.
“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. I’m 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
Frequently asked questions
Before you hand over the box.
How long does a project take?
Most standard projects take about 1–2 weeks. Large orders may take 3–4 weeks or longer. I’ll give you a current estimate before we begin.
Will I get my original tapes and discs back?
Yes. Your original media is returned intact along with your completed digital files.
What kind of files will I receive?
Videos are delivered as MP4 files that play on computers, phones, tablets, and most smart TVs. You can provide your own compatible drive, purchase a USB drive from me, or choose 90-day cloud delivery.
What if a tape is blank or only partly recorded?
Blank and partially recorded items are still billed at the standard $18 rate because each one must be set up, played, monitored, and checked.
How do payments work?
Half is due when I receive your media and the balance is due when the project is complete. Cash and Venmo are preferred.
Ready when you are
Let’s save those recordings.
Tell me approximately how many items you have and what formats they are. If you aren’t sure, photos are welcome.