HOME VIDEO TAPES

COST:

VHS – $14/tape up to 2 hrs, plus $3/hour over 2 hours

VHS-C – $10/tape, typically runs 30 minutes

Mini-DV – $14/tape, typically run 60-90 minutes

8mm Tapes – $14/tape, typically run from 60-120 minutes

What if my Tape is Broken or Damaged?

Broken and damaged tapes can be repaired prior to being copied. Damaged tapes put into the recording machines may damage the machine or further damage the tape. Tape repairs fall into the editing category at $25/hour. A simple removal of the damaged area and being spliced back together generally takes between 15 and 30 minutes depending on the damage. Tape repairs are $7 / 15 minutes

What if my Tape is Blank?

If a tape is put in and appears blank or to be a television recording, I will watch it in fast-forward for around a minute to see if it is a home video recording.  If it is a recording, I will move ahead as usual. If it continues to be blank or TV, you have two choices. 1) I can finish checking the entire video until the end, in which case the regular charge will occur as this takes a lot of time. Or 2) I can remove the tape and mark it blank/TV and there will be no charge.

Do I get a Discount if the Tape is Shorter?

Unfortunately no. This is because I still need to spend the time to view the tape in fast-forward to make sure there is nothing else on it. There is no quick way to do this except in real time.

Why is it Extra for Longer Videos? 

This is because most VHS tapes are 120minutes long. However, some can be switched to be lower quality and record up to 6 hours. Because videos are recorded in real-time longer videos reduce the number of videos that can be done in working hours.

How are Videos Labeled?

Videos are labelled by what is written on the tape or case. If the case and tape label do not match than the tape label is used. If there is no label than tapes are numbered simply with VHS-1. VHS-2, MiniDV-1, etc.