Count the mixed collection before choosing a batch
The published VHS rates are £15 per tape for 1-4 tapes, £14.50 for 5-10, £14 for 11-20, £13.50 for 21-30 and £13 for 31 or more. The website says a mixed order of VHS, VHS-C, MiniDV, Video 8, Hi8, Digital 8, Betamax, DVDs and audio cassettes counts together towards the same discount. Ask for a written total based on your actual mixture so that every item and delivery choice is accounted for.
Cine film needs a separate calculation. Tapes To Digital prices 8mm and Super 8 film by reel diameter, from £19 per reel. That figure is a film price, not another VHS tier. Download delivery starts at £7, and the VHS page says there is no charge for blank tapes. Confirm the final cost and any applicable tax or additional charges before handing over the collection.
MP4 for everyday viewing, a master for keeping
MP4 is the standard file format, with USB, download and DVD delivery described on the VHS page. The provider also advertises an archival AVI/MOV master on request at the same price. If you want both an everyday viewing copy and a master, clarify exactly what will be supplied and how it will be delivered; a format option does not by itself establish that both copies are included.
Think about where you will actually watch the result. A file is useful for sharing a selected scene with relatives or playing it on a computer. Ask about file sizes, USB compatibility and any equipment needed for DVD playback. Keep meaningful filenames connected to your tape inventory, especially when handwritten labels describe several occasions on one cassette.
Arrange a drop-off or a postal order
The website offers drop-offs in Brixton, Southall, Watford and Farnborough, and says tapes can be posted from anywhere in the UK at the same conversion price. For a London order, choose the handover method around your journey and the number of items. Confirm the specific location and appointment arrangements before travelling; the listing area does not establish a walk-in shop or opening hours.
Most orders are described as ready in 7-10 working days, and original tapes are returned. Treat that as the usual estimate rather than a guaranteed completion date. If a birthday screening is planned, agree the timing before booking and allow time to receive and check the files. For posting, make a numbered inventory, photograph the labels and cushion the tapes in a sturdy package.
Identify awkward tapes before transfer
A short note beside each item can make an enquiry clearer: format, label text, likely recording date and any visible damage. Do not force a jammed cassette or try playing a mouldy tape to see whether it works. Ask whether damaged items can be assessed and what any additional work would cost, rather than assuming conversion includes repairs.
If some recordings came from abroad, flag that early. The provider publishes an additional £7 per tape for NTSC/French tapes on its VHS-C and camcorder pages. Confirm how that applies to the specific tapes in your order, including any full-size VHS. Keep uncertain dates marked as uncertain; a relative may recognise a holiday or school uniform once the video becomes watchable.
Check the files while the inventory is handy
After delivery, match the files against the numbered list and sample the beginning, middle and end of each recording. Check sound, picture and whether the expected occasions are present. If something seems missing, note the filename and approximate playback time so you can describe the issue precisely. Retain the returned originals even after a successful first viewing.
Keep another copy of the digital files on separate storage before sharing them widely. Ask relatives to help identify people and places, but preserve the original filenames or inventory references somewhere. Their memories can add context without changing the underlying record of which tape produced which file.
Bring relatives into the recordings with Memrial
Memrial is a separate private family archive for digital memories after conversion. It does not convert physical tapes or form part of this provider. Its free plan includes 2.0 GB of shared archive storage, with no card needed. Use albums for different branches of the family, and Timeline dates to find recordings by year, whether you know the exact day or only an approximate date.
For a family birthday, Live Watch Parties can synchronise an uploaded home video for relatives near or far, with host play, pause and seek controls plus voice and text chat. Free Watch Parties allow 3 hours monthly and up to 6 participants. Event Memories offers a secure occasion contribution link: contributors sign in without needing archive membership, their photos and videos enter the event album, and closing the link retains the memories.