DVD, USB or a downloadable video
Orion Media describes a Basic Transfer that converts one VHS or camcorder tape to DVD. Its Premier Transfer provides a USB stick file and includes a DVD. The Full Package Transfer adds an online video for download by email, alongside a DVD and a USB stick file. For the USB packages, the published description says you can provide your own stick or purchase one from Orion Media.
Those choices matter beyond the first viewing. A DVD may suit a relative who already uses a disc player. A video file is easier to copy into your own storage and prepare for a family archive. Ask which file format is supplied, whether it plays on your intended devices, and how the downloadable version is delivered. A USB stick is the carrier; knowing what files it contains is the more useful detail.
Resolve the published prices before ordering
The website's VHS-to-DVD quantity table lists £7 each for 1-9 tapes and £6 each for 10 or more. Elsewhere, a headline advertises £6 each, while another package section lists Basic Transfer at £8 each, Premier Transfer at £13 each and Full Package Transfer at £18 each. The USB package descriptions add £8 if you use one of Orion Media's sticks instead of supplying your own.
These published figures should prompt a question about the applicable ordering route and package, rather than an assumption that every tape costs £6. Ask for a total covering your tape count, chosen outputs, any USB purchase and transport. VAT treatment and any tape-duration limits are not established in these descriptions. A written quote lets you compare the whole order and avoids mixing a quantity-based DVD rate with a different package price.
Sending tapes to the Blackpool business
Orion Media's contact page gives Blackpool Enterprise Centre as its location. Its process description says VHS-to-DVD orders can be placed online or by phone, with tapes sent securely to its Lancashire shop or collected by a courier. For collection, it describes emailing a package label and arranging a day to suit the customer. Confirm arrangements before making a visit or dispatching irreplaceable recordings.
Published collection charges are £3-£6 depending on order size, and the return delivery charge is separately described as £3-£6 depending on order size. The website says smaller orders usually take a few days to process and larger orders 1-2 weeks. Treat those as processing estimates to confirm for your order, especially around a family occasion. It also states that original VHS tapes are returned in the condition received, together with the new DVDs.
Keep camcorder tapes and cine reels distinct
Alongside VHS, Orion Media lists 8mm camcorder tapes, Hi-8 and Mini-DV transfers to DVD. Its cine-film page separately describes Standard-8 and Super-8 film processing. An 8mm tape cassette and an 8mm film reel are different media, so describe each item accurately when requesting a quote; the VHS tape prices should not be applied to cine film.
Make a short inventory with a number for each tape, its label and any known recording date. Photograph the labels and share the list with relatives who might identify an unlabelled wedding or holiday recording. Flag cracked cases, visible mould or damaged tape before anyone tries playback, and ask what assessment or repair is possible. Pack items so they cannot move around, keeping a copy of the inventory yourself.
From returned files to a private family archive
When the conversion arrives, play the beginning, middle and end of each file, checking sound, playback and whether the recording appears complete. Match files to your inventory, give them clear names and keep the original tapes. Save another copy of the digital files separately before relying on a single USB stick or uploading them.
Memrial is a separate private family archive for digital memories after conversion; it does not convert tapes and is not part of Orion Media. Its free plan provides 2.0 GB shared across the archive, with no card needed. Invite relatives to help identify people and add stories. Timeline accepts exact or approximate dates, making it easier to find a recording by year even when the original label is vague.
For a birthday gathering, Live Watch Parties synchronise an uploaded home video, with the host controlling play, pause and seek while relatives nearby or far away use voice and text chat. Free Watch Parties include 3 hours monthly and up to 6 participants. Event Memories offers a secure occasion contribution link: contributors sign in without needing archive membership, their uploads enter the event album, and closing the link keeps the memories already collected.