Computer capture comes before the viewing copy
G.H.S Media says it transfers and captures footage using a computer via FireWire or SDI, captures it as AVI, then converts it to the required delivery format. This describes the route from source footage to a finished copy. It does not, by itself, establish the resolution of your delivery file or guarantee an improvement in the original recording.
Ask which parts of that process apply to your particular tapes. If you are interested in retaining a capture file as well as a convenient viewing copy, ask whether that is available and what storage it requires. An AVI capture stage should not be read as a promise that AVI files are included in the finished order.
Choose USB or disc around the people watching
The published choices include MPEG 4 for USB and MPEG 2 for DVD or Blu-ray. Decide on the viewing situation before choosing: a relative who regularly uses a disc player may have different needs from someone who wants a file on their computer. Check the intended device rather than relying on the name of the storage medium alone.
For a digital family archive, request a file you can open, copy and upload. Ask for the exact file type, likely file sizes and any requirements for supplying a USB drive. If you want both files and discs, request an itemised quote. The website also mentions CD among its general conversion choices; that should not be interpreted as a video delivery recommendation.
Keep film, audio and scanning enquiries distinct
A mixed family collection can involve more than video. G.H.S Media states that it can transfer magnetic sound from Super 8 and 16mm cine film, and optical sound from 16mm cine film. If a reel has sound, describe it when enquiring so the discussion includes both the picture and the soundtrack.
The transfer page also describes audio conversion to CD or audio files, and scanning at an optical resolution between 2400 and 4800 dpi depending on the chosen service. These are separate details, not specifications for VHS. Group reels, audio media and material for scanning separately when asking for a quote, and identify anything whose format you cannot recognise.
Make the Kirkcaldy enquiry easy to answer
The contact page publishes weekday opening hours of 9am to 4pm and Saturday hours of 9am to 1pm. Check arrangements before taking a collection over, particularly if you need time to discuss several types of media. Opening hours describe when the business is open, not how long a conversion takes.
Prepare a short inventory with tape labels, quantities and approximate recorded lengths where known. Ask for confirmation of accepted formats, total cost, any tax or additional charges, expected completion date and how originals will be returned. Describe cracked cases, loose tape or suspected mould before attempting playback; ask whether assessment or repair is possible. Photograph labels and number the items so you can match the returned files to their originals.
Check the files before putting the originals away
Once a transfer is ready, play each file on the device you expect to use. Check the beginning, several points in the middle and the end, including whether sound is present where expected. Compare the contents with your inventory and note any missing sections for a clear follow-up conversation.
Keep the original tapes and make a second digital copy on separate storage. Give files descriptive names without guessing dates or identities. A relative may recognise the venue or people even when you cannot, so leave room to improve the description later.
Bring relatives into the digital collection with Memrial
After conversion, Memrial provides a separate private family archive for photos and home videos. It does not convert tapes or form part of G.H.S Media. The free allowance is 2.0 GB shared across the archive, with no card needed. Check your file sizes against that allowance before uploading a collection.
Timeline accepts exact or approximate dates, helping relatives find memories by year even when a recording is only roughly dated. Live Watch Parties synchronise an uploaded home video, with host play, pause and seek controls plus voice and text chat for relatives nearby or far away. The free plan includes 3 monthly hours and up to 6 participants.
For a family reunion, Event Memories offers a secure occasion contribution link. Contributors sign in but do not need archive membership; their photos and videos collect in the event album. Closing the link keeps those memories. That gives the newly converted footage company alongside pictures and stories from the reunion itself.