Digitize VHS or any of the Following Memories

Any of these memory formats qualify for digitizing VHS and much more:

  1. Videotape (Digitize Videotape)
    a. VHS, VHS-C, Super VHS (Digitize VHS)
    b. miniDV (Digitize miniDV)
    c. Hi8, Digital8, Video8 (Digitize Hi8)
  2. Film (Digitize Film)
    a. 8mm film (Digitize 8mm Film)
    b. 16mm film (Digitize 16mm Film)
    c. Super 8 Film (Digitize Super 8 Film)
  3. Audio (Digitize Audio)
    a. Cassettes (Digitize Cassette)
    b. Records (Digitize Records)
  4. Scan
    a. Photos (Digitize Photos)
    b. Slides (Digitize Slides)
    c. Negatives (Digitize Negatives)

Digitizing is Simply Mysterious

When I ‘digitize’ media, I "capture" it and transform it from its current analog format into a playable format, and I store it electronically in order to take advantage of today's technology. Devices such as hard drives on computers, USB drives, mp3 players, laptops, smart TVs, and smartphones are where digitized files fulfill their purpose, resulting in new life for old memories. To digitize means to convert, as opposed to copy, analog media into a digital format.

Reborn Audio Video converts audio and visual analog media such as VHS tapes, audio cassettes, and reels of 8mm film from their current format into digital formats because the media:

1. In analog form has become impossible to use (i.e., there are no longer machines available to play them)
2. Deteriorates to the point that it is no longer able to play, and it cannot be digitized (all videotape)
3. Has become too cumbersome to store (bins and bins of photos, tapes, and cassettes)
5. Format is impossible to easily share with friends and family around the world (wedding pictures with all the relatives who attended)

How do I Enjoy Digital Conversions?

Converting memories to digital creates two basic choices:

  1. Digital file(s)
  2. discs: DVD (video) or CD (audio)

Digital conversion stores digital information on CDs and DVDs, but ironically, the media itself is quickly becoming obsolete. Some magnetic tape, such as miniDV and Digital8, contains digital information as well, but the media itself deteriorates daily. Consequently, if you are comfortable with digital files, then digital is a significantly better choice.

DVDs and CDs require DVD and CD players, which then connect to TVs and computers, resulting in a captive platform, including some standalone players (i.e., Walkman). The files on DVDs and CDs cannot be automatically copied and played on computers or other devices, emphasizing the captive technology. Scratching, breaking, and losing discs also loses all of the memories on them. Sharing DVDs means copying and mailing them in order for others to enjoy them. Even worse, DVD/CD players are going the way of VHS players; first, manufacturers will stop making them, then used players will wear out and stop playing, resulting in captive media with no captive players. Just try to find a good, working 16mm film projector.

Many devices, such as smart TVs, computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets, play digital files. Cloud storage enables sharing digital files worldwide with friends, associates, and family. Backing up digital files is simple, fast, and inexpensive, ensuring their safety for the future.

Simply double-clicking digital files will open and play them on any device where they reside.

Digital files can be delivered on a USB (Thumb) or external drives. Small jobs can be delivered via email or through the cloud.

Many Format Choices for Digital Files

There are many digital formats to choose from, depending on your needs.

Converted videotape and digitized film are available in the following formats:

  1. mp4 – by far the most popular and widely used
  2. ProRes (several options) – for more professional and publication. Uses more than double the storage compared to mp4
  3. AVI – older format, but still in use
  4. Many more – like Facebook, YouTube, etc.

Transfer cassettes and records to these formats:

  1. Mp3 – a universal audio format
  2. Wav – also very common, but much larger files and better for professional editing.

Digitized negatives, slides, and photos are available as:

  1. jpeg
  2. tiff (longer scan times and larger file sizes)

Will I have to convert my memories again and again?

Great question! We have all had to repeatedly change from one format to another. Why is digitizing today any different? Thankfully, there are several good answers.

  1. Once a file is in a digital format, it is easily converted through software into a subsequent format. As technology progresses, software that plays these files will also update to support multiple formats and adapt as needed.
  2. Digital files will be around as long as computers exist, most importantly to enable playing mp4 files on old Macs, current Windows, and my phones, some of which are 10 years different in age.
  3. There are no machines with moving parts to wear out, no tape to deteriorate, no cases or cassettes to break or malfunction.

When a computer manufacturer drops support for a particular format and rewrites their software that is not backward compatible, not only is the old format unsupported, but perfectly good digital memories are lost. The key to digital success is to use formats that are widely used across many different devices, brands, and manufacturers,  minimizing the risk of proprietary formats designed for one company.

Digitize VHS and much more: Get Started!

  1. Call or text Jamey: 720 204-5464
  2. Set an appointment (every project receives my personal attention)
  3. Drop off your tapes (and records, cassettes, slides, or negatives, too)
  4. Pick up your new digitized video in a week or less.