A mixed collection needs a clear inventory
Imagine's published format list includes Digital Betacam, Betacam SP, HDCAM, HDCAM SR, DVCAM, DVCPRO HD and 3/4-inch U-Matic, as well as familiar home-video formats. Its website also describes work with film and television production companies, educational institutions and corporate media departments. Those details make format identification a useful starting point for an enquiry about a varied collection.
Number each cassette and record the format printed on its shell. Keep handwritten labels in your inventory, even if they only say 'summer' or 'birthday.' Ask relatives whether apparently duplicate tapes contain different recordings before excluding them. If an old broadcast cassette sits beside a home recording, photograph both labels and ask about each separately. Similar-looking cases do not establish that the tapes need the same playback equipment.
Build the quote around the $500 minimum
The FAQ states a $500 minimum for all video digitizing projects and says volume tape discounts are offered. It does not establish a per-VHS price. Give Imagine your tape count, approximate recorded lengths where known, formats and desired files so the quote can address the actual collection. Ask whether combining relatives' tapes into one project is practical and how they would be identified on return.
The published payment options are check, cash, Venmo, Zelle and credit cards via Square or PayPal, with a 5% credit-card fee. Request a total that explains any repair work, delivery costs and applicable taxes before committing. A project minimum is not a promise about how many tapes it includes, and a volume discount needs a quoted amount rather than an assumed saving.
Choose files for viewing and possible editing
Imagine lists ProRes 422 HQ, ProRes 422, MOV and H.264 among its digital file options. Its digitizing options include SD at 720x486i with a 4:3 aspect ratio and HD at 1920x1080p with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Ask which combination is proposed for your tapes, how the original picture shape will be treated and whether any conversion changes that shape.
For a family watching on everyday devices, request a sample or specification you can check on those devices. If future editing matters, discuss a separate editing copy and the storage space it needs. A higher output resolution does not by itself prove that an old recording contains more detail. Agree on the purpose of each file, its name and the delivery method before transfer begins.
Arrange the handover and flag tape damage
Drop-off and pickup at the Los Angeles facility are available by appointment, and Imagine says it accepts shipped projects from anywhere in the world. Its contact page asks customers to call or email for rate quotes before dropping off media and gives contact hours of Monday through Friday, 8:30AM to 5PM. Confirm the handover arrangements before traveling or sending a parcel.
The FAQ says most orders are completed in 2-3 days; same-day and next-day rush service require a call to check availability. It also advertises splicing and repair of damaged tapes with a $30 repair charge. Describe broken shells, loose tape or suspected mold before attempting playback. Ask whether the particular damage can be handled and what the repair charge covers; splicing does not guarantee that every recording can be recovered.
Check the recordings before organizing the family archive
When the files arrive, match them against your inventory and sample the beginning, middle and end of each recording. Check sound, picture shape and whether the expected scenes are present. Note any issue with a filename and playback time so you can explain it precisely. Keep the original tapes and maintain another digital copy separately from the files you use for sharing.
Memrial is a separate private family archive for those digital memories after conversion. It does not convert tapes or form part of Imagine's service. Its free plan provides 2.0 GB of storage shared across the archive, with no card needed. Invite relatives to help identify people and add comments or stories. Timeline accepts exact or approximate dates, making an uncertain summer holiday easier to find by year.
Let a screening become a new family memory
For a birthday gathering, Memrial Live Watch Parties synchronize an uploaded home video for relatives nearby or far away. The host controls play, pause and seek, while voice and text chat let everyone add their recollections. Free Watch Parties include 3 hours per month and up to 6 participants.
Event Memories can collect new photographs and videos from the occasion through a secure contribution link. Contributors sign in but do not need archive membership; their uploads go into the event album. Closing the link keeps the memories already collected. That brings the old recording and the family's new responses into the same private archive.