DV / Mini-DV / HDV Tape to Digital Transfer Service

Base Pricing*

We only charge for program time on the tape:

  • 30 minutes or less: $15
  • 30 - 60 minutes: $20
  • 60 - 80 minutes: $23
  • 80-124 min. (large tape) $25

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

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DV / Mini-DV / HDV Tape Conversion

Digital Video (DV) tape emerged in the late 1990s, revolutionizing picture quality. Now from a tiny camcorder you could film nearly broadcast quality footage without the noise and other analog artifacts of VHS or analog Beta. And the tapes were tiny, way smaller than an audio cassette.

In the early 2000s, they then made the transition to High Definition with the HDV format, which we used professionally for years. HDV used the same tape as mini-DV. 

Whether you have DV or HDV, we can manage your transfer to digital files that will look stunning.

We charge only for time on the tape. For estimation purposes we may use the full length of the tape, but the tally invoice will reflect the actual runtime of home video content. It could be less or more than the estimate.

DV / HDV Options
(Extra cost)

Enhancements:

  • Color Correction
  • Videotape Repair
  • Upres to HD
  • Scene Detection

     

Deliverables:

  • Flash Drive (standard)
  • DVD/Blu-Ray ROM (for computer)
  • DVD from DV with menu
    (for DVD players)
  • Blu-Ray from HDV w/menu
    (for HD BD players)

DV / HDV Transfer Process

In the Advent Media production studio, we play your tapes on professional DVCAM/HDV equipment, where the digital bitstream is sent to a computer without data loss. This data stream is captured in the 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.*

DV / HDV 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?

    If your tape is HDV, it will naturally be transferred in HD. If it is the more common DV, the source file is standard definition. Generally, DV footage is suitable for the AI Uprez option, which will convert SD video to HD, at extra cost. We can evaluate and advise whether this would be beneficial once the initial transfer is complete.

    HDV is not true "HD" because it uses non-square pixels (1440x1080) stretching them horizontally to the 16:9 aspect ratio. It is also an "interlaced" format, like SD video, recording 60 fields per second (1/2 the rows of pixels) which can display motion artifacts. Our Uprez option can deinterlace and expand HDV footage to "Full-HD," (1920x1080) or UHD (3840x2160).

  • What is "Scene Detection?"

    When capturing video from DV or HDV, the machine offers the ability to detect when the camera starts and stops. Thus it can capture 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 a DV 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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