Start with the cassette format, then discuss the transfer
The video transfer page displays starting prices of £18 and £30. Those figures establish a published starting point, but do not explain which tape types, recording lengths or output options each price covers. They should not be treated as a fixed quote for your VHS collection. Ask which rate applies to each format and how the amount of footage affects the total.
Write down the markings on every cassette, including any smaller camcorder tapes. A photograph of the label and case can make an initial enquiry clearer. Explain whether you want complete recordings or selected passages, and ask for a quote that identifies the agreed output, any additional charges and the treatment of blank sections.
Audio and photographs deserve their own estimate
The price list gives cassette audio at £15.00 per hour, DAT tapes at £30 per hour and reel-to-reel audio at £18.00 per hour. These are audio rates, so they do not price a video cassette. If your collection includes a recorded family interview or a music tape, identify it separately when requesting an estimate.
For printed photos and negatives, the website lists scanning with AI cleanup at £1.00 each. It describes digital enhancement intended to produce cleaner, sharper results. Ask whether an unenhanced scan can also be supplied if retaining the original appearance matters to you. A faded photograph may carry details you want preserved, even when a second, enhanced version is useful for sharing.
Keep cine film timings separate from video tapes
Cine reels require a different conversation from cassettes. The cine film page lists standard film cleaning at 3 - 5 days, brittle film cleaning at up to 2 weeks, and digital transfer and finalisation at approximately 5 days. These are published cine stages, rather than a confirmed delivery schedule for a VHS order. Ask how the stages apply to your reels and when the whole collection would be ready.
The price list also says to add £15.00 for 16mm cine film transfers. Keep that supplement attached to the relevant film estimate. If several media types are being submitted together, a separate line for each helps you understand the work and avoid confusing film charges with tape charges.
Prepare a collection someone else can understand
Give each item a simple reference number and keep a matching list of its existing label, likely date and people involved. Preserve uncertain descriptions as uncertain: a relative may recognise the birthday or holiday later. Keep loose notes with the inventory rather than attaching anything to exposed tape or film.
Mention broken cases, visible mould or tapes that previously jammed before trying playback. Ask whether damaged items can be assessed and what any additional work would cost. For the output, discuss a digital file you can play on your own devices and upload to an archive. Confirm the file type, how it will be delivered and whether the physical originals will be returned.
Check the files while the labels still make sense
When the transfer arrives, compare the files with your inventory. Play the beginning, a middle passage and the ending of each recording, checking that sound and picture remain together. Look for missing recordings or unexpected cut-offs and raise any concern promptly, with the item reference and the point in the recording where it occurs.
Keep the originals and make a second digital copy in a separate place. Name files consistently, but avoid replacing useful original filenames until you understand how they match the order. Invite a relative to help identify voices and faces; their recollection can turn an unnamed recording into a memory people can find again.
Bring the converted recordings into Memrial
Memrial is a separate private family archive for digital memories after conversion. It does not convert tapes and is not part of Video-DVD Ltd. You can invite relatives, organise photos and home videos into albums, and add comments and stories. The free plan includes 2.0 GB of storage shared across the archive, with no card needed.
Timeline accepts exact or approximate dates, helping you find memories by year even when nobody remembers the precise day. 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 anniversary, Event Memories provides a secure occasion contribution link. Contributors sign in but do not need archive membership. Their photos and videos collect in the event album, and closing the link retains the memories.