Match the tape formats to the viewing plan
The conversion list includes S-VHS, VHS, VHS-C, MiniDV, MicroMV, Video8, Hi8 and Digital8. That is particularly useful when a family's recordings span different cameras and years. Before requesting a quote, make a short inventory with each tape's format and any handwritten title. Keep uncertain labels as questions rather than assuming every small cassette is the same type.
For digital delivery, the website describes its standard output as MPG4 video files and says another chosen format can be supplied on request at no additional cost. It also advertises digital files on USB and personalised DVD box sets. Ask which file format will suit your computer, television and intended archive, and whether your order can include both discs and files if different relatives need different options.
An hourly quote needs a footage estimate
The digital-file page lists up to 5 hours of footage at £12 per hour, between 5 and 10 hours at £10 per hour, and over 10 hours at £8 per hour. A Sandisk or Philips USB memory stick is listed at £15. It identifies additional costs for postage, with Special Delivery or Parcel Force at £12 or other economy options, and requested extras such as additional memory sticks.
These are footage-based figures, so counting cassettes alone will not settle the cost. Give the business whatever running-time information you have, then ask how partially recorded tapes, blank sections and the five-hour boundary are handled. Confirm the final total, tax treatment and chosen delivery option before proceeding. The published figures here relate to digital files; ask separately for the price of a personalised DVD box set.
Arrange a Bingham handover before travelling
The website says items can be brought directly, but explains that this is a home-based business and asks customers to call or email ahead to agree a mutually convenient time. Use that conversation to confirm the handover address and arrangements. The listing area is Bingham; it should not be read as a promise of walk-in opening hours.
Its FAQ says free collection and delivery can occasionally be offered for Bingham, Radcliffe, West Bridgford and surrounding areas. Further afield in Nottingham, collection can sometimes be arranged for the standard postage fee, depending on mutual convenience and practicalities. Treat collection as something to discuss for your order, rather than an automatic entitlement.
Posting is another published route. The instructions ask for securely packaged tapes and either an online order form or enclosed contact details, with an email confirming receipt. Number your tapes and retain a copy of the inventory. Flag a broken or mangled tape before sending it: the site lists a £10 repair charge, with no charge if it cannot be repaired. Ask whether the particular damage is suitable for assessment.
Check the return before putting tapes away
The return policy says discs or memory sticks and the tapes are sent together by Royal Mail Special Delivery, unless an economy option is chosen. It says Parcel Force is used for packages over 2Kg. The FAQ also mentions keeping a backup digital copy of discs, but gives no retention period in that statement. Ask about retention and deletion if this matters to your family; make your own backups regardless.
When the files arrive, compare them with your inventory and sample the beginning, middle and end of each recording. Check sound, playback and whether labels match the contents. Write down anything that needs clarification while the order is easy to identify. Preserve the original tapes and keep another copy of the digital files in a separate place, rather than relying solely on the delivery memory stick.
Turn the files into a family collection with Memrial
After conversion, Memrial is a separate private family archive for digital memories. It does not convert tapes and is not part of updatevhs.co.uk. Its free plan includes 2.0 GB of shared archive storage, with no card needed. Select the recordings and photos you most want relatives to find, then invite them to contribute names, comments and stories.
Timeline accepts exact or approximate dates, helping you find memories by year even when a cassette only says something like summer holiday. 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. The free allowance is 3 hours per month with up to 6 participants.
For a family reunion, Event Memories provides a secure occasion contribution link. Contributors sign in but do not need archive membership; their photos and videos go into the event album. Closing the link keeps the collected memories. It is a practical way to bring a newly converted reunion recording together with relatives' photographs from the same occasion.