8mm / Hi-8 / Digital-8 Video Tape to Digital Conversion Service

8mm Base Pricing*

We only charge for program time on the tape:

  • 30 minutes or less: $20
  • 30 - 60 minutes: $24
  • 60 - 120 minutes: $28
  • More than 120 minutes:  $28 + $10/ additional hour

Before quantity discount. Flash drive additional (or provide your own). Shipping not included. Minimum order $85.

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Video8 / Hi8 / Digital8 Video Tape Transfers

Leave it to Sony, inventors of Betamax (technically superior to VHS), to one-up the VHS-C format for camcorders. They introduced the 8mm videocassette, achieving VHS quality on 8mm tape, about 1/4" wide, in a cassette not much bigger than an audio cassette. This led to the "Handicam" line of compact video cameras that really caught on in the 90s. There are three types of 8mm tapes, all Standard Definition:

  • "8mm" / "Video8" tapes, have the simple "8" logo, and perform slightly better than VHS
  • "Hi8" uses the same shell, but has better tape and performance slightly better than Super VHS
  • "Digital8," has the same shell, but with a "D8" logo. These are equivalent to DV tape, with great SD performance. There is no HD version of 8mm.

Hi-8 and Digital 8 may give clean enough pictures that could uprez to HD.

Most 8mm tapes run 120 minutes, but we charge only for time on the tape. For estimation purposes we may use the full length of the tape, but the tally invoice (presented when transfers are finished) will reflect the actual runtime of home video content. It could be less or more than the estimate.

Note that 8mm videocassettes are much different from 8mm movie film reels. 

Options
(Extra cost)

Enhancements:

  • Color Correction
  • Videotape Repair
  • Upres to HD
    (Qualified tapes only)
  • Scene Detection
    (Digital8 only)

Deliverables:

  • Flash Drive (standard)
  • DVD ROM (for computer)
  • DVD with Menu (for set-top box)

Transfer Process

In the Advent Media production studio, we play your tapes on vintage Digital-8 equipment, which digitizes the analog types internally, and sends the digital bitstream to a computer. There, it is captured to a hard disk in the professional DV codec as a robust, high-bitrate "source" file (I-frame DV AVI in standard definition). This source file is then compressed to a consumer MP4 "Release" file, ready for playback on any media player device or streaming service.

What You Get
(Future-Proofed Data)

On your flash drive or portable USB hard drive, you will receive BOTH the Source File and the MP4 (compressed) Release File of each item. The Release file can be viewed on any computer or modern TV, shared with your family or uploaded to your favorite streaming service or cloud storage. The Source file is your future-proof master backup, which is best to use when editing the footage, or to transcode to the next new consumer format. You can opt to omit the source files to save cost on storage.

You may also choose to receive output on optical media, either as a computer-readable ROM disc, or a set-top player compatible CD (audio only), DVD (SD only) or BluRay (HD). Authoring fees apply, and discs have capacity limits.

We provide instructions on easy backup strategies to protect your investment.

How it works.

2. Drop Off
3. Pick Up

Turnaround Time:1

Typically within 1-2 weeks. Larger orders may take longer. Rush service available (extra cost).

We're located in NW Columbus, Ohio, very near the OSU airport.
(We accept major carrier shipments if you're not in the Columbus area. You provide the box!)

$85 minimum per order.*

8mm Video Q&A

  • What do I need to provide for an accurate quote?

    You may combine media types in an order to get more quantity discount. When you request a quote, please provide:

    • The TYPE of materials you want to transfer (Video, movie, stills, etc.) Combination orders are welcome and qualify for greater discounts
    • The LENGTH of program on the tape. If you don't know how full the tape is, just report the number on the case, e.g. T120.
    • The SPEED at which it was recorded, if you know.  VHS options are SP (Standard) LP, Long Play, SLP Super Long Play
    • And the QUANTITY of each type of material
    • If tape is damaged, describe the problem
    • Whether you want your files on a flash drive or optical drive (DVD)
  • Can you transfer my tapes in HD?

    All 8mm videos in the US are recorded in "Standard Definition." We digitize them in the NTSC-SD Digital Video (DV) format (720x480 pixels, 29.97 frames/second, interlaced), which is also the DVD standard. Assuming the video quality is good, it will look great if viewed on a small TV, especially one with a CRT picture tube, but may look fuzzy on a big HD or 4K TV. For best results view in a window on a computer, or at a distance if using a big TV.

    Digital-8 and Hi-8 tapes may qualify for uprez to HD at extra cost because these formats typically lack the noise encountered with "Standard-8" and VHS. Tapes recorded at Long Play or Extended Play speeds cannot be successfully uprezzed.

    More on uprez to HD

  • How about longer tapes?

    8mm tape had an extended play setting.  If a tape exceeds 2 hours, there's an added fee for each additional hour, or portion thereof. Note that extended play quality will be even less than standard play.

  • What is "Scene Detection?"

    When transferring from Digital8 only, the machine offers the ability to detect when the camera starts and stops, and capature a unique file for each "scene." The result is like shooting video with your iPhone, where every shot is a separate file. Scene detection is very useful if you intend to edit the footage into a more intricate production. There is no extra cost for Scene Detection, provided it's done at time of capture.

  • Can you transfer time-shifted broadcast programs?

    It's highly unlikely an 8mm tape will have time-shifted broadcast programs. But if a tape contains copyrighted programming, client bears full responsibility for any copyright infringement claims.

  • What are my deliverable options?

    USB Flash Drive:
    Most of our customers choose delivery on a USB flash drive or portable hard drive. With so many sizes available, we can usually fit all your content on one USB drive. Most modern TV sets and all computers (Mac/PC) will play content from a flash drive. We include instructions on how to backup and safeguard your investment

    DVD
    Some customers prefer delivery on optical disc, usually DVD. While we can "author" the disc to play on a set-top player, DVD has the following disadvantages:

    • Maximum 2-hour runtime (DVD)
    • Cannot reorder or rename files
    • Can lose data after 10-15 years - difficult to back up
    • Players are becoming rare

    We do NOT use cheap DVD recorders to transfer your footage direct to DVD. We create DVD from the robust Source File made at time of capture, meaning full fidelity of the signal is preserved on a USB drive for future use.

    Digital Download
    We do not provide digital upload/download service except if preview or approval is necessary. More on Digital Download

  • Can I provide my own disk for output?

    Yes, we support BYOD (bring your own disk). While we normally provide output on our media (cost varies with drive size), you can instead provide a new-in-box (sealed) flash drive or portable hard disk/SSD at no extra charge. We can estimate drive size needed with your estimate, and confirm the size when transfers are complete.

  • Can I make my own copies?

    Absolutely! We make no copyright claim on your content, so you are free to make copies (provided, of course, the material is not copyrighted by a 3rd party.) If you prefer for us to make your copies, they're available for only the cost of the media.

    Additional copies may be ordered from our master files with or without the source files for up to 3 months following delivery. Our masters are scheduled for deletion after 3 months unless you choose the archive option.

Take the next step.
Let us know what legacy materials you have to see how we can help.
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