Home Movie & Recording Transfer Service

Absolutely. We do everything we can to make the best final transfer we can. We color correct, stabilize, and correct bad lighting as much as possible for your films and improve the sound quality of your audio tapes with a hiss, hum, speed adjustments, EQ, baking, splicing, and repairing, all included in the price. We have 20 years of experience and know a thing or two about vintage media and what can be done to improve it.

Yes. We recommend you use USPS Priority Mail. We have been in the mail order business for 20 years and have not had a problem yet. Do not use "media mail" We will return your items and completed transfers using USPS Priority Mail. USPS provides a free box at your post office, or you can order one online at their website. They come with adhesive tabs to seal, but we recommend using your shipping tape also. We also keep a digital copy of all your media on our servers, and we could remake your order in the unlikely event something did happen on the return trip. When you select Download as your transfer option your transferred media will arrive digitally, and there is no shipping involved except for returning your original analog tapes and films.

First, check your spam or junk folder. If it is not there, call 1-800-617-8273 or contact us so we can get you the information you need.

Our turnaround time is usually between 2 and 3 weeks, depending on the size can complexity of your order. If you have a particular deadline to meet, contact us beforehand, and we will try to expedite your order. At this time, we do not charge a rush fee.

The National Parks Service Carnegie Hall John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD Parris Island Marine Base The City of Crossville, Tennessee Hunter College, New York, NY Hillsdale College - New Carlisle, Oh Historical Society Huber Heights, Oh Historical Society Columbia College, Chicago, Illinois Bluffton University, Bluffton, Ohio Wellesley College, Wellesley, MN Several Law enforcement agencies And many more!

For online orders, the thumb drive is included in the price of the transfer. For walk-in customers, thumb drives range from $6.99 - $14.99. You can also provide your thumb drive or external hard drive.

Some customers have reported issues such as a delay in receiving their orders, and others have reported that their original media was damaged during the conversion process. Therefore, it's essential to read reviews, check the company's refund and guarantee policy, and carefully package and prepare your media before sending it to the company. It's also worth noting that, as with any service, people's experiences may vary, and it's always a good idea to research and read reviews before making a decision.

Curtis Media Transfer is dedicated to digitizing old home movies, audio tapes, and photos, making it easy to relive the memories you haven't experienced in years. Quality transfers and outstanding customer service is our top priority. We have been doing this for the past 20 years and have a lot of experience. We are a family-owned and operated small business located in Ohio. Our first website was Reel 2 Reel 2 CD and was mail order only. We have since grown into a brick-and-mortar walk-in business along with our mail-order services. We have studied similar services and built our business to be better than the rest. We have done our homework and believe you will not find a better media transfer service anywhere walk-in or mail order. If you see an area we could improve, please let us know so we can continue to be the best.

USPS Priority. (2-3 days) You will receive tracking information when we ship your transfers.

If your media is blank, we will refund the purchase price of that media. If it is damaged, we will fix it at no extra cost. If your media cannot be transferred, which is rare, we will refund your purchase price.

Click the link that comes in your email. That will take you to Onedrive. Your files should be in view. You can stream the files from Onedrive if you like, but they will only be available for 60 days. To download your files, select a file with the circle to the left of the file name. (See screenshot below). Then click the "download" button at the top. It is best to download one file at a time. You can select multiple files, but it takes longer to download, and they will be in a zipped folder. If you have trouble downloading your files, please call us at 1-800-617-8273. We will be happy to help.

No, we do not send you a box. We understand that the "box" method is popular now, but we do not offer that service. Usually, the "send you a box" type of media transfer services are not quality and customer service-minded; they focus on high-volume sales. You can easily get a box to ship your media from your local post office or order one online. The USPS has a service they call "Priority Mail" if you use Priority Mail, they will supply you with a free box. We have found the Priority Mail service is the safest way to send your media, and we have 20 years of experience to back that up. The "send you a box" services use UPS, and we have never found UPS to be a suitable shipping service for irreplaceable items such as your home movies and recordings. Sometimes easy and cheap is not the best way to go. We have been in the mail-order media transfer business longer than any of the "box" sites. We would not even ask people to send us their priceless, irreplaceable home movies and recordings if we thought there was a chance of them being lost or damaged. Do this; make sure your media can't bounce around in the box. Ensure your contact information is on the inside and outside of the box. Use your shipping tape with the adhesive strip on Priority Mail boxes. Don't worry.

One of the following... Download: This is the most popular. We will carefully digitize each item to a digital file (MP3 for audio and MP4 for video). You will receive an email with a link to your personal download page to download your files into your PC, Mac, or phone. You can forward the link to anyone you like. This is a great way to share your media with family & friends. Your files can be downloaded as often as you like for 60 days. Thumb Drive: We will carefully digitize each item to a digital file (MP3 for audio and MP4 for video) and place it on a complimentary thumb drive. The drive will then be sent to you with your media in about 2-3 weeks. Thumb drives are a convenient way to store your media and are handy for sharing on other devices with USB ports. CD/DVD: Your media will be transferred to a CD (audio) or DVD (video). Audio tapes longer than 80 minutes will be on sets of CDs, and videotapes longer than 2 hours will be on sets of DVDs.

Yes we do. For 60 days.

Hold down your Windows key on a PC and push E, and it will open the "This PC" folder. You will find the "download" folder, and your new files will be there. For Mac users. click the Downloads folder on your Mac's dock to view your downloaded files.

It is possible to transfer your video tapes to digital format, but it can be a complex process that requires specialized equipment and technical expertise. To transfer your video tapes, you will need a video cassette recorder (VCR) that is compatible with your tapes and a way to connect the VCR to your computer, such as a capture card or a USB video capture device. You will also need video editing software to digitize and edit the video as needed. Transferring video tapes to digital format involves playing the tape on the VCR and using the capture card or USB device to record the video as it plays on the computer. The quality of the final digital copy will depend on the original tape's quality, the tape's condition, the settings used during the transfer, and the editing process. It's worth noting that the process can be time-consuming, and the equipment and software required can be expensive. Additionally, it's easy to make mistakes during the transfer process that can result in poor quality, loss of data, or even damage to your tapes. If you have a large number of tapes to transfer, or if the recordings are of significant personal or historical value, it may be worth considering using a professional transfer service such as Curtis Media Transfer that has the necessary equipment and expertise to ensure the best possible quality and preservation of your tapes.

After placing your order, you will receive a confirmation email from us with the address to which you will ship your Media. If you don't receive your email, please check your email's spam folder or junk folder. If you still can't find it, call us at 1-800-617-8273 or contact us here. Ship your items. About shipping your Media. We feel safe with the USPS "Priority mail." We have been using them for over 20 years. Priority boxes are free from your local post office or can be ordered from the USPS website. Your Media is not fragile but should not be allowed to bounce around in the box. Be sure to put your contact information inside and outside the box. In 20 years of doing mail order business USPS "Priority Mail" has a perfect track record. DO NOT USE "MEDIA MAIL.

Curtis Media Transfer 7089 Taylorsville Rd. Huber Heights, Ohio 45424 Directions

There is no extra purchase necessary. Outputs, including a thumb drive and CD, are included in the price of the transfer. There is a flat fee of $11.99 for return shipping. Customers who live in the Dayton area can pick up or drop off their media in person.

Sure we would love to see you. We are located at 7089 Taylorsville Rd. Huber Heights Ohio 45424.

Betamax and VHS (Video Home System) are both analog video cassette recording (VCR) formats that were developed in the 1970s to allow people to record and play back television programs on home video cassette recorders (VCRs). The main difference between the two formats is the width of the tape: Betamax tapes were smaller, measuring 0.5 inches (12.7mm) wide, while VHS tapes were wider, measuring 1/2 inch (12.7mm) wide. Because of this difference in tape width, Betamax tapes had a smaller recording capacity than VHS tapes, which meant they could record for a shorter period. Betamax also had better image quality and sound quality, but VHS tapes had a longer recording time, making them more attractive to consumers. VHS tapes had a recording time of up to 6 hours, much longer than the maximum recording time of 1 hour for Betamax tapes. VHS was also embraced by the movie industry, which made VHS tapes available for rental and thus more affordable for consumers. Betamax was more prevalent in Japan and Europe but was not as successful in the United States. In the end, VHS became the dominant format due to its longer recording time, more affordable tapes and devices as well as wider availability of movies and TV shows. Betamax, however, still had its niche of enthusiasts who appreciated its better image and sound quality.

At the moment, we only ship to the contiguous United States. Therefore, we do not ship to Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, Canada, or anywhere else outside the contiguous US.

There is a place to leave a note at checkout or you can leave a note in the box with your media.

We would love the opportunity to digitize your home recordings, but when it comes to copyrighted material, things can get a little sticky. When you send us your reel-to-reel tapes, you are indicating that you are not violating any copyright laws by having them transferred. We can not transfer commercially made tapes like albums by your favorite band, but we are happy to transfer reel-to-reel tapes recorded by you, your parents, or your grandparents.

Presently, only two companies consistently make reel-to-reel audio decks, one in Pennsylvania, and one in France, so the pickings are pretty slim if you're looking for something new. Some local libraries and archives still have these recorders, but they are very few and far between. If you have some old reel-to-reel tapes you would like to hear, we suggest you have us transfer them to digital files that you can download and listen to.

We will print any information we can find on the tape, such as year, names, etc.; if more than one disc is needed, "Disc 1 of 2 and 2 of 2" will be printed accordingly. If you have a small title you would like to see printed on your CD; please attach a "printer's note" to your media.

Digital files are a great transfer option for your reel to reel tapes, and many of our customers love them! Holidays don't happen every weekend, and that makes it difficult to gather friends and family around to listen to CDs. A USB thumb drive (flash drive) or Digital download provides you with digital files that are easy to share with friends and family far away. They are also the perfect way to backup, store, or edit the sounds of your reel to reel tapes. Simply send the link to your personal download page to anyone you like and they can download the audio files to there device to enjoy. Why do you want digital files? There are a million and one reasons why, but here are just a few: Backup to places like Dropbox, Google Drive or Onedrive Listen to on your computer Edit on your computer Store on your hard drive or external hard drive Share with friends and family on Facebook To access the digital files on your thumb drive, simply insert them into your USB port and you're ready to go! For Digital downloads we go through Microsoft Onedrive, just select the digital file you want to download, and click "Download" button at the top of the page. If you have any trouble downloading or accessing your file contact us for quick help.

The Scotch brand, owned by 3M, has a long history of producing high-quality magnetic tapes for various uses, including audio recording, video recording, and data storage. Their tapes are known for their durability and reliability and are often used in professional settings. The company has been developing tapes for over 70 years and has a reputation for producing excellent performance and longevity. Some tape formats are considered industry standards and used in many professional settings.

The choice between transferring reel-to-reel tapes to WAV or MP3 format will depend on the intended use of the recordings and your personal preferences. WAV (Waveform Audio File Format) is a lossless audio format, which means that it preserves all the details of the original recording without any loss of quality. This is the best choice if you want to preserve the full audio quality of the original reel-to-reel tape and plan to use the recordings for professional or archival purposes. MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3) is a lossy audio format, which means that it compresses the audio data, resulting in some loss of quality. However, the loss of quality is often negligible for most listeners, and the files are significantly smaller in size. This is the best choice if you want to save space, share the recordings online or listen to them on a portable device. It's worth noting that MP3 is not the only lossy format available, there are other options such as AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) and OGG (Ogg Vorbis) that could be considered. They offer similar quality and file size options to MP3 but with some technical differences. Ultimately, the decision will depend on your specific needs and priorities. If you want to preserve the original quality, WAV is the best option, but if you want to save space or share the recordings online, then MP3 or another lossy format is the better option.

In the 20 years we have been transferring reel-to-reel tape; we have found only two problems that can get in our way. The first is Sticky Shed Syndrome, and the second is Vinegar Syndrome. A tape with Sticky Shed can usually be fixed by a process called "baking." We will bake your tape at no extra charge. Advanced Vinegar Syndrome has no fix. If your tape smells strongly of vinegar, it might be too late. But if it just has a light vinegar smell, send it in. We might still be about to transfer it. We will refund your money if we receive a tape we cannot transfer. You are never at risk of paying for something you can't get.

Digital files are a great transfer option for your reel-to-reel tapes, and many of our customers love them! Holidays don't happen every weekend, and that makes it difficult to gather friends and family around to listen to CDs. A USB thumb drive (flash drive) or Digital download provides you with digital files that are easy to share with friends and family far away. They are also the perfect way to back up, store, or edit the sounds of your reel-to-reel tapes. Simply send the link to your personal download page to anyone you like and they can download the audio files to their device to enjoy. Why do you want digital files? There are a million and one reasons why, but here are just a few: Backup to places like Dropbox, Google Drive or Onedrive Listen to it on your computer Edit on your computer Store on your hard drive or external hard drive Share with friends and family on Facebook To access the digital files on your thumb drive, simply insert them into your USB port and you're ready to go! For Digital downloads we go through Microsoft Onedrive, just select the digital file you want to download and click the "Download" button at the top of the page. If you have any trouble downloading or accessing your file contact us for quick help.

Magnetic tape oxide is a magnetic material that is applied to the surface of the tape in order to record and store data. The most common type of magnetic tape oxide is made of iron oxide, which is a compound of iron and oxygen. Iron oxide has the ability to be magnetized, which makes it an ideal material for recording and storing data on magnetic tape. The oxide is typically applied to a polyester or polypropylene film base in a very thin layer, typically a few microns thick, as the oxide is the magnetic layer and the base is the support. There are also other types of magnetic oxides used in tapes, such as cobalt-modified iron oxide and chromium dioxide (CrO2), which are used for high-performance tapes, such as professional audio tapes. It is important to note that the oxide is only one of the components of magnetic tapes, the backing and the binder are also important for the tape performance. The binder holds the oxide particles in place and the backing provide the mechanical strength to the tape.

The 1980s: Most manufacturers stopped making reel-to-reel tape recorders as new digital formats took over.

We will carefully transfer each tape improving the sound quality as we do it. Hiss, hum, speed adjustments, EQ, baking & splicing are all included in the price of the transfer.

Sticky Shed Syndrome is a condition higher quality tapes from the late 70s and 80s can have. Usually, if your reel-to-reel tapes were not recorded in a professional studio, you don't have to worry about sticky shed. If they were and have Sticky Shed, we will bake your tapes at no cost. After the baking process, the recordings will be as good as new for 30 days. If you think your tape might have sticky shed, do not try to play them! Playing tapes with Sticky Shed without baking them will ruin them. Tapes by the brand "Ampex" commonly have Sticky Shed. Tapes originating from a studio or radio station commonly have sticky shed.

If your tape has sticky shed we will bake it at no extra cost.

We know some of you might consider buying a reel-to-reel deck and transferring your tapes yourself. We would like to show you it is much more cost effective to have your tapes professionally transferred when considering the cost of buying and having a reel-to-reel deck shipped to you. Check out this Ebay search.

Reel-to-reel tapes, also known as open-reel tapes, were available in a variety of reel sizes. The most common reel sizes for reel-to-reel tapes were: 3 inches (76mm): This size was commonly used for short-form recordings, such as dictation, and in portable tape recorders. 5 inches (127mm): This size was commonly used for home and semi-professional recording, and in portable tape recorders. 7 inches (178mm): This size was commonly used for home and semi-professional recording, and it was the most popular reel size for consumer use. 10.5 inches (267mm): This size was commonly used for professional recording and broadcasting. 12 inches (305mm): This size was commonly used for professional recording and broadcasting, and it was the largest reel size for open-reel tapes. The size of the reel will affect the duration of the recording that can be stored on the tape, with the larger reels being able to hold more audio than the smaller ones. Additionally, the width of the tape and the recording speed also play a role in the amount of audio that can be recorded.

Thumb drive (aka Flash drive) — Our standard, USB 2.0 thumb drive (included in the price of transfer) is a popular option. It's great because it is easy to just plug in and select what files you want to listen to. With most computers when a thumb drive is plugged in, a window will pop up and show you the content on the drive. Additionally most all computers have USB ports and should be able to play your thumb drive. If you're wanting to listen, edit, and upload, this is probably the best option. If you have any problems using your thumb drive we are always here to help. Just contact us. CD set — If you're not planning on listening to your tapes on a computer, but would prefer to listen to them in a CD player, the CD may be the best option. It's simple and easy to use. Download — This is the best option if you're wanting to share your reel to reel's audio with a a lot of people. Instead of having to give each one of them a CD of the digitized material, you can simply send them a link that has all of your audio stored on it. You can download it to your computer for permanent storage and so can the people you send it to! Downloads are available for 60 days for your or others to download as many times as they like, Each option is great, so it really comes down to what you want to do with your digitized reel to reel tapes audio.

The amount of audio that a reel-to-reel tape can hold depends on several factors, including the size of the reel, the width of the tape, and the recording speed. Typically, reel-to-reel tapes are available in various reel sizes, with the most common being 7 inches (178mm), 10.5 inches (267mm) and 12 inches (305mm). The larger the reel size, the more tape is available for recording, and therefore the more audio can be recorded. The width of the tape also plays a role in the amount of audio that can be recorded. The most common widths for reel-to-reel tapes are 1/4 inch (6.35mm) and 1/2 inch (12.7mm). The wider the tape, the more audio can be recorded. The recording speed also plays a role in the amount of audio that can be recorded. The most common speeds for reel-to-reel tapes are 3.75 inches per second (ips) and 7.5 ips. The faster the speed, the more audio can be recorded, but also the higher the noise level. As an example, a 7-inch reel of 1/4-inch tape recorded at 7.5 inches per second can hold approximately 15 minutes of audio per side. A 12-inch reel of 1/2-inch tape recorded at 7.5 inches per second can hold approximately 30 minutes of audio per side. It's worth noting that the quality of the recording will also depend on the tape used, the recording equipment and the recording conditions. The above figures are approximate and may vary depending on the specific tape and equipment used.

All 1/4 Inch Reel-to-Reel Tape. Any speed any head configuration.

From a couple of minutes to several hours. Reel-to-reel tape decks had different settings that affected how much audio could be recorded. Smaller tapes have less material recorded, and larger tapes have more. But there is much more to consider. First was tape speed measured in inches per second or IPS (The measurement of how many inches of tape traveled over the magnetic recording head in a second). Faster speeds produced higher-quality recordings, and slower speeds produced lower quality, but more could be recorded on the tape. Most consumer-grade reel-to-reel decks speeds are 1 7/8ips , 3 3/4ips and 7 1/2ips. As you can see, each speed is twice as fast as the previous one. Another factor is the size of the reel. Reel sizes ranged from 3 inches to 10.5 inches. The bigger the reel, the more tape it could hold, and more audio could be recorded. The most common reel sizes we see are 7 inches and 3 inches. Also to consider is the thickness of the tape. Cheap tape or bargain tape was very thin. The manufacturer would make this thin tape to put more on a reel, and the purchaser felt they were getting a good deal. These thinner tapes could make much longer recordings. Head configuration contributes to the total amount of audio a reel-to-reel tape could contain. This refers to how the tape came in contact with the recording heads of the machine. The heads could record using the entire width of the tape, creating high-fidelity recordings, or they could contact half of the tape or a quarter of the tape, depending on the settings the person recording chose to use at the time of the recording. A reel-to-reel tape recorded using the entire tape width would have only one side, and a tape with half the width could have two sides. For example, a two-sided stereo tape would use a quarter of the tape's width for the left and right channels. When the tape was flipped over and played back, it would do the same using all of the tape's width. Another head configuration was called four-track mono. The person recording the tape would use a quarter of the width of the tape two record twice in the same direction on each side. This made for very long recordings but also low-quality recordings. If you have a reel-to-reel tape that you did not record, you cannot tell how much audio is on it or what the content is. From our experience, we can give you a hint. Large 10.5-inch reels (often made of metal) usually have high-fidelity music recorded on them. They are often master recordings done in a recording studio. 7-inch reel-to-reel tapes could have music recorded from an LP collection or a radio broadcast but could also have family conversations or a combination of the two. They could b high fidelity or low fidelity. These 7-inch reels harbor the biggest mystery as to what their content is. Smaller reel-to-reel tapes, 3-4 inches in diameter, are usually people talking. Family members being silly or audio letters being sent back and forth in the mail. This was a common practice during the Korean or Vietnam war. We have transferred many of those. Smaller reels could also have music on them, but they would be of inferior quality.

The lifespan of a reel-to-reel tape depends on a variety of factors, including the type of tape, the storage conditions, and the frequency of use. Magnetic tapes, like reel-to-reel tapes, are affected by a number of environmental factors that can cause the magnetic coating to degrade over time. Humidity, temperature, light, and exposure to magnetic fields can all affect the longevity of a tape recording. Long-term storage in a warm and humid environment can cause the tape to become sticky and cause the oxide to flake off. Proper storage is crucial to the longevity of reel-to-reel tapes. The tapes should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and magnetic fields. Tapes that are frequently used should be rewound to the beginning after use and stored in their original packaging. The type of tape and the binder used also play a role in the longevity of the tapes. Some tapes have a better resistance to aging than others, and the binder used in the tape can also affect the longevity of the recording. A commonly used rule of thumb is that magnetic tapes, including reel-to-reel tapes, will retain their recordings for about 30 years under proper storage conditions. However, it's important to note that this can vary depending on the specific tape and storage conditions. Some tapes may last longer, while others may degrade more quickly. It's also worth noting that tapes that are frequently played or exposed to adverse storage conditions may degrade more quickly. It's important to transfer the tapes to a digital format for preservation, as the tapes may degrade over time, and the equipment to play them may not be available in the future.

Reel-to-reel decks, also known as tape recorders, were widely used in the past for audio recording and playback, but they have largely been replaced by newer digital audio formats and equipment. While it is still possible to find new and used reel-to-reel decks for sale, they are becoming increasingly rare, and it may take some effort to find one. Some audio enthusiasts and professionals still use reel-to-reel decks for their high-quality sound reproduction, warm and analog sound signature, as well as for the preservation of historical recordings. Therefore, some audio equipment manufacturers still produce new reel-to-reel decks for professional and high-end consumer use. You can find new reel-to-reel decks from companies such as Tascam, Otari, and Studer, but they can be quite expensive, and they are not as widely available as they once were. Additionally, you can also find used reel-to-reel decks on online marketplaces such as eBay or in audio equipment forums. It's worth noting that if you decide to purchase a used reel-to-reel deck, it's important to have it checked by a professional before using it, as the mechanical parts may need to be serviced or replaced. Also, depending on the age of the equipment, it may be challenging to find replacement parts or service.

Yes. You will get your reel to reel tapes back unharmed.

BASF (Badische Anilin- & Soda-Fabrik) is a German company that is known for producing high-quality reel-to-reel tapes for audio recording. They were one of the leading manufacturers of reel-to-reel tapes in the 1960s and 1970s, and their tapes were widely used in professional recording studios. Their tapes were known for their clarity and high-frequency response, and they were considered to be some of the best tapes available at the time. BASF tapes were also used in some consumer applications and were distributed under different brands. Many audiophiles and music professionals still highly regard their tapes as some of the best and most reliable tapes that were ever produced. It's worth noting that while BASF was a reputable brand of tapes, the quality of tapes can vary from batch to batch, and even from reel to reel within the same brand. Additionally, reel-to-reel tapes are not commonly used today and some of the tapes mentioned may not be available anymore. Overall, it can be said that BASF was a well-respected brand of reel-to-reel tapes known for producing high-quality tapes that were widely used in professional settings.

Reel-to-reel audio tape recording, also called the open-reel recording, is a magnetic tape recording in which the recording tape is spooled between reels.

Yes. Track placement is determined by the technician who edits your audio. If you have classical music or opera transferred, your track markers may not be correct. We do not charge for nor guarantee track placement—just audio transfer quality. Playing your CD from start to finish, you will not know where the tracks are. (No space or gap between tracks.) If we get it wrong, don't hesitate to call us. We stand by our work.

Fritz Pfleumer first invented magnetic tape for audio recording in Germany in 1928. He developed a method for applying a magnetic coating to paper or celluloid tape, which could then be used to record sound. The first practical tape recorder using Pfleumer's tape was built in 1935 by AEG (Allgemeine Elektricitäts-Gesellschaft).

2-3 weeks depending on the size and complexity of your transfer order. If you have a special deadline give us a call at 1-800-617-8273 and let us know. Currently we do not charge extra for rush orders.

There is no more fitting moment than now to restore reel-to-reel to digital and CD. Transferring your reel-to-reel tapes to digital and CD saves your special music and audio recordings that are concealed in your tapes. Curtis Media Transfer can convert your reel-to-reel tapes to digital downloads, thumb drives, or CDs. Shop Now

Reel-to-reel was the first form of audio magnetic tape recordings, and even though they are still considered to have the best sound quality of all audio formats, reel-to-reel tapes adhere to a limited lifespan. Like cassette and VHS videotapes, reel-to-reel recordings will gradually degrade over some time.

Yes. CD's will have tracks.

There are several brands of reel-to-reel tapes that are considered to be high-quality and well-regarded by audio professionals and enthusiasts. Some of the most well-known and respected brands include: Ampex: Ampex is an American company that was one of the first manufacturers of reel-to-reel tape recorders and tapes. They are considered to be one of the industry leaders in reel-to-reel tape technology, and their tapes are known for their clarity and high-frequency response. Quantegy: Quantegy was an American company known for producing high-quality audio tapes for professional use. They are no longer in business, but their tapes are still sought after by enthusiasts and collectors. AGFA/BASF: AGFA and BASF, both German companies, had a reputation for producing high-quality tapes widely used in professional recording studios in the 1970s-80s. Scotch: Scotch tapes are manufactured by 3M, which is known for producing high-quality magnetic tapes. They have been producing reel-to-reel tapes for decades and are considered by many to be one of the best brands on the market. It is worth noting that reel-to-reel tapes are not commonly used today, and some of the brands and tapes mentioned may not be available anymore. Additionally, the quality of tapes can vary from batch to batch and even from reel to reel within the same brand.

We will print any information we can find on the film's box, such as year, names, etc.; if more than one disc is needed, "Disc 1 of 2 and 2 of 2" will be printed accordingly. If you have a small title you would like to see printed on your DVD, please attach a "printer's note" to your media.

Sure. Each of these is one frame taken from an 8mm movie film. The left side is before, and the right side is after correction.

8mm and Super 8mm are both types of film that were used for home movies and independent filmmaking. The main difference between the two formats is the size of the film and the image quality that they produce. 8mm film, also known as Standard 8 or Regular 8, has a film width of 8mm and is shot at a frame rate of 16 frames per second (fps). The image area on 8mm film is smaller than Super 8, and the image quality is lower. 8mm film was first introduced in the early 1930s and was designed to be used in home movie cameras. Super 8mm film, on the other hand, has a film width of 8mm but has a larger image area, which results in a higher image quality. It is shot at a frame rate of 18 or 24 fps. Super 8mm was introduced by Eastman Kodak in 1965 as an improved version of 8mm film, with better image quality, and a sound recording capability. Super 8mm quickly replaced 8mm film as the most popular format for home movies and independent filmmaking. Both 8mm and Super 8mm films are now considered obsolete and are no longer in production, but they can still be found in archives and in the hands of enthusiasts. It's important to note that both formats require special equipment to be able to watch them, as well as special transfer service to digital format for preservation or sharing.

The price depends on the size of the reel. See our current pricing here.

8mm movie film, also known as Standard 8 or Regular 8, was introduced in the early 1930s as an inexpensive alternative to the more established 16mm film format. Initially 8mm movie film did not have the capability to record sound, it was only able to record visual content. However, in the 1950s, a new version of 8mm film called Super 8 was introduced, which included a magnetic strip along one edge of the film, allowing for the recording of sound. Super 8 film offered improved image quality and sound recording capabilities, but it was more expensive than the original 8mm film. The original 8mm film was mainly used for home movies and for low-budget independent filmmaking until the late 1960s and early 1970s, when it began to be replaced by Super 8 film. Super 8 film remained a popular format for home movies and amateur filmmaking until the late 1970s and early 1980s, when it was largely replaced by video formats. The format is now considered obsolete, but it can still be found in archives and in the hands of enthusiasts. It's important to note that it requires special equipment to be able to watch it, as well as special transfer service to digital format for preservation or sharing.

Great question! While we convert 8mm, super 8, and 16mm of various sizes, unfortunately, we do not digitize sound film. We can transfer sound film but the final transfer will not have sound.

8 mm film is a motion picture format in which the film strip is eight millimeters (0.31 in) wide. It exists in two main versions – the original standard 8 mm film, also known as regular 8 mm, and Super 8. Some 8mm films had sound, but that is very rare. We do not transfer the sound on sound films; we do, however, transfer the video. The best way to identify 8mm film is to note that it only has sprocket holes on one side of the strip. As for identifying Super 8mm film, the sprocket holes were made even narrower, which allowed the frame size of the film to be larger, increasing image quality and sharpness. Our experience has been that the original 8mm film looks better than Super8. In 1932 The Kodak Eastman company released 8mm film to the public. This format consists of tiny frames of film that are eight millimeters wide. 8mm film came out after 16mm film. The reason 8mm film became popular was because it was smaller than previous home film formats, and it was cheaper too. In the early 1960s, with the invention of new projectors, it was possible to show movies with sound. So, the Kodak company added that feature to its 8mm film format. The sound would be recorded on a tiny magnetic strip next to the perforations. Only 5% of the 8mm film sold had sound, so it is scarce to have sound movies. For that reason, we do not transfer the sound on sound films when we run across them. The video is captured just fine. In 1965 Super 8 film hits the market. Super 8 film was also 8 millimeters wide, which made it similar to previous formats. The most significant difference was that, instead of canisters and reels like previous 8mm formats, the Super 8 was quickly loaded in cameras because it came in cartridges instead. You would film your movies with a small camera, and it was essential to have the lighting just right. At first, people were so accustomed to still photos that when you took a movie of them, they would stand there like they were just having their picture taken. The person making the movie would have to ask them to walk about or something. Early films are kind of funny to watch because of that. The films would be sent to a processing lab and returned a few weeks later. Then the film would be threaded through a projector and shown on a specially-made screen or the wall. The screen was made with crushed glass to make it very reflective. A small 3" reel only lasted about 4 minutes. It mainly was home movies enjoyed by families gathered around the living room. Still, commercial films were also available in the back of magazines you could order that had cartoons, news updates, etc.

Frame rate refers to the number of individual frames played back in one second of a movie or animation. This frame rate determines the smoothness of the motion in the playback and affects the overall look and feel of the final product. 8 fps is a very slow frame rate and is not commonly used for modern films or animations. It can be used for special effects or to achieve a specific style, such as the stop-motion animation technique. 12 fps is also a slow frame rate and is not commonly used for modern films or animations. 16 fps was once a standard frame rate for home movies and low-budget films. 24 fps is the standard frame rate for most films and is widely used in the motion picture industry. It provides a natural and smooth motion while still retaining a film-like quality. Higher frame rates, such as 30 or 60 fps, are typically used in live-action video and video games to produce a smoother and more fluid motion.

8mm film, also known as Standard 8 or Regular 8, was first introduced in the early 1930s as an inexpensive alternative to the more established 16mm film format. The format was developed by the Eastman Kodak Company and was designed to be used in home movie cameras. The format's popularity grew quickly, and it became the most widely used amateur film format in the world during the 1940s and 1950s. 8mm film was widely used for home movies and for low-budget independent filmmaking until the late 1960s and early 1970s, when it began to be replaced by Super 8 film, which offered improved image quality and sound recording capabilities. The 8mm film format continued to be used to a lesser extent until the late 1990s, when it was almost completely replaced by video formats.

Download: Each videotape will be a file (MP4). When your transfers are complete, you will receive a link to your personal download page in your email. You can share the link with anyone you like. This is a great way to distribute your family's home movies to other family members. You can expect one file to be approximately 5GBs. Thumb Drive: Each videotape will be digitized and placed on a complimentary thumb drive. Each videotape will be one file. Thumb (Flash) drives are a convenient way to store your home movies and are handy for sharing on other devices. DVD: Each videotape will be transferred to a DVD. Videotapes over 2 hours will be put on multiple DVDs. We do not charge extra for long tapes. All output options are included in the transfer price. Note: If you choose DVD as your output option and want to order copies of your disc, be sure to add this to your shopping cart.

We will print any information we can find on the videotape or its box, such as year, names, etc.; if more than one disc is needed, "Disc 1 of 2, Disc 2 of 2" will be printed accordingly. If you have a small title you would like to see printed on your DVD, please attach a "printer's note" to your media.

If DVD is your transfer option, each disc will hold 2 hours. If a tape lasts over 2 hours, it will continue onto a new disc. Since we charge by the tape, longer videos will not change the transfer cost.

There are many video editing software options available, and the best choice will depend on your specific needs and budget. Here are a few popular options that are widely used by professionals and amateurs alike: Adobe Premiere Pro: Adobe Premiere Pro is a professional-grade video editing software that is widely used in the film and television industry. It offers advanced features such as multi-cam editing, motion graphics, and color correction. It is available for both Windows and Mac, and is part of the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite. Final Cut Pro X: Final Cut Pro X is a professional-grade video editing software that is exclusive to Mac. It is widely used in the film and television industry and offers advanced features such as motion graphics and color correction. It is known for its intuitive interface and ease of use. Avid Media Composer: Avid Media Composer is a professional-grade video editing software that is widely used in the film and television industry. It is known for its advanced features such as multi-cam editing and its support for a wide range of file formats. It is available for both Windows and Mac. DaVinci Resolve: DaVinci Resolve is a professional-grade video editing software that is available for both Windows and Mac. It offers advanced features such as motion graphics, color correction, and audio editing. It is available for free, with the option to purchase a paid version that includes additional features and support. iMovie: iMovie is a free video editing software that comes pre-installed on all new Macs. It is easy to use and offers a wide range of features, making it a great option for amateurs and beginners. Ultimately, you should try different options and see which one works best for you and your needs. Some software have free trials that you can use to test them out before making a decision.

The price varies by how many tapes you want to transfer. See our current pricing here.

We feel safe with the USPS "Priority mail". We have been using it for 20 years. Priority boxes are free from your local post office or can be ordered from the USPS website. Videotapes are not that fragile but they should not be allowed to bounce around in the box. Include your contact information on the inside and outside of the box. In 20 years of doing mail order business USPS "Priority mail" has a perfect track record.

Of course, every tape is different. VHS tapes could have anywhere from a couple of minutes to 6 hours, depending on how they were recorded. SP, LP, and EP were different settings on your video camera, and the different settings could record more or less video on a tape. Video8, Hi8, MiniDV, and Digital8 usually could only hold 2 hours of video. To transfer tapes, we estimate a videotape to be 2 hours long and 5GBs in digital size. If you choose a thumb drive as your output option, we will determine what will fit onto a drive and select the appropriate thumb drive for your project. 4GB thumb drive - 0 videotapes. 8GB thumb drive - 1 videotape 16GB - thumb drive - 3 videotapes 32GB - thumb drive - 6 videotapes 64GB - thumb drive - 12 videotapes You can also send an external hard drive with your tapes if you wish. We will place your digital files on that; This will not change the transfer cost.

Yes. We will refund the amount you paid for any blank videotapes.

The price varies by how many tapes you want to transfer. See our current pricing here.

16mm films are transferred using the latest frame-by-frame technology. Your 16mm films will be cleaned with emulsion cleaner and lubricated before being transferred. We also will color correct, stabilized, and correct bad lighting as much as possible.

Yes, 16mm film can be transferred to digital format. The process is called film scanning or film digitization. The film is run through a high-resolution film scanner, which captures each frame of the film and converts it into a digital image. The resulting digital files can then be edited, color corrected, and stored on a computer or other digital storage device. There are different types of scanners and methods for film scanning, the most common being a telecine machine, a device that uses a film projector and a video camera to scan the film frame by frame, transferring the images to a video format. The other option is a film scanner that uses a CCD or CMOS sensor to capture the images. Film scanners generally provide higher quality scans, but also are more expensive. It's important to note that the quality of the resulting digital files will depend on the quality of the original film, the scanner used and the settings used during the scanning process. Some films may require additional cleaning or restoration before they can be scanned. Also, the resolution and bit depth of the digital files will vary depending on the scanner used and the settings chosen. It's also worth noting that, depending on the length and the condition of the film, this process can be time-consuming and expensive. Therefore, it's important to find a reputable service provider with experience in film scanning and preservation to ensure the best outcome.

The resolution at which slides should be scanned will depend on the intended use of the scanned images. For most general use cases, a resolution of at least 300 dpi is recommended. This will provide a high-quality image that can be used for printing, online use, and other applications. A higher resolution, such as 600 dpi or 1200 dpi, may be necessary if you want to make large prints or want to have the ability to crop or zoom in on the image without losing image quality. When scanning slides, you should also consider the dynamic range and color depth of the scanner. Dynamic range refers to the range of brightness levels that a scanner can capture, and color depth refers to the number of colors that a scanner can capture. Both of these factors will affect the overall quality of the scanned image, and should be taken into consideration when choosing a scanner or scanning service. Keep in mind that the resolution of the original slide also plays a role in the final resolution of the scanned image. If the slide is of low quality, a higher resolution scan will not fix the problem. In this case, it's better to focus on getting the best color and brightness rather than the highest resolution. Lastly, it's also important to note that the best resolution is not always the highest resolution. A high-resolution scan will result in large files that can be time-consuming to edit and store. It's important to find the right balance between resolution and file size.

We will transfer them in the order you send them in. We start at the "1" spot for slide carousels and work our way around. For photos, please stack them in the order you want, and the files will be numbered in that order. Please do not send pictures in photo albums.

In a cassette, the tape starts on a feed reel at one side and proceeds along guides through the head mechanism, then passes on to the take-up reel on the opposite side. Cassette tape is only 0.15 inches (3.8 millimeters) wide.

The cost of professionally converting cassette tapes to CDs or digital files (MP3) is currently $19.99 per tape. Shop Now.

Curtis Media Transfer can directly transfer your old cassette tapes to a USB Flash Drive (included in the transfer price) in MP3 format. The USB flash drive can be connected to other devices to play the recorded music, such as a computer, MP3 player, portable speaker, automobile, etc. If you prefer a .wav file, leave us a note at checkout.

Yes you will.

Hiss and hum removal are all included in the transfer price. If you prefer us not to alter the sound of your cassette recording, leave us a note at checkout.

This is a process we do before transferring a cassette tape. You fast forward and rewind a tape to get it packed on the spools properly and evenly before playing it.

Thirty years is the average life of a cassette tape.

Blank cassette tapes are becoming increasingly difficult to find as digital audio formats have largely replaced them. However, it is still possible to purchase blank cassette tapes, although they may be less widely available than they once were. Some manufacturers still produce blank cassette tapes, but their production has decreased significantly in recent years. You can find them in music and electronics stores, online retailers such as Amazon, or websites specializing in audio equipment. Additionally, some independent audio equipment retailers and specialty stores may still carry blank cassette tapes. It's worth noting that blank cassette tapes are becoming increasingly difficult to find, and they may not be as widely available as they once were. Additionally, the quality of blank cassette tapes can vary, and choosing a reputable brand is essential to ensure the best recording quality. It's also worth noting that cassette tapes have a limited lifespan and can be affected by the environment, including temperature, humidity, and light. Therefore, storing them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and magnetic fields, is essential to ensure the best preservation.

The tape moves past the recording head; the oxide powder bonded to the tape is magnetized (and is moved) in such a way that the tape holds a history of the electric signal. On playing back the tape past the recording head, the signal is reproduced and then played through a connected speaker, which plays back the original sound.

The bit rate at which cassette tapes should be transferred to digital format depends on the intended use of the recordings and your personal preferences. When transferring cassette tapes to digital format, it's important to use a high enough bit rate to capture all the details of the original recording without any loss of quality. For most general use cases, a bit rate of at least 16-bit/44.1kHz is recommended. This is the standard bit rate for CD-quality audio and it will provide a high-quality digital copy of the original cassette tape recording. If you want to preserve the full audio quality of the original cassette tape and plan to use the recordings for professional or archival purposes, you may want to consider using a higher bit rate, such as 24-bit/96kHz or 24-bit/192kHz. These higher bit rates will capture more of the dynamic range and provide a more accurate representation of the original cassette tape recording. However, it's worth noting that the higher the bit rate, the larger the resulting digital files will be. So, it's important to find a balance between file size and audio quality that works for your specific needs. It's also worth noting that the quality of the original cassette tape will affect the final quality of the digital copy. If the cassette tape is of poor quality, a higher bit rate will not improve the sound. In this case, it's better to focus on getting the best sound quality possible from the tape, rather than using a high bit rate.