Q: <strong>Learn More about everPresent's AI Philosophy</strong>

Across all analog formats we use artificial intelligence as a support tool, not a substitute for human expertise. AI assists with stabilization, cleanup, and consistency, allowing our specialists to focus on judgment, quality control, and preservation decisions. We don’t apply the same approach to every format, and we don’t automate simply for speed. Slides demand different care than VHS tapes; audio requires different judgment than film. Each project is reviewed by people who understand the material , the era it came from, and the responsibility that comes with preserving it. Every order reflects the same philosophy: thoughtful technology, human oversight, and respect for the original.

Question 1

Learn More about everPresent's AI Philosophy

Accepted Answer

Across all analog formats we use artificial intelligence as a support tool, not a substitute for human expertise. AI assists with stabilization, cleanup, and consistency, allowing our specialists to focus on judgment, quality control, and preservation decisions.

We don’t apply the same approach to every format, and we don’t automate simply for speed. Slides demand different care than VHS tapes; audio requires different judgment than film. Each project is reviewed by people who understand the material, the era it came from, and the responsibility that comes with preserving it.

Every order reflects the same philosophy: thoughtful technology, human oversight, and respect for the original.

Question 2

Can you convert vHS to digital?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. VHS tapes can be transferred onto DVDs or USBs, while the video file can be stored on a cloud — and given how vulnerable VHS tapes are to scratches, damages, and mold, there’s no better time to take on such a project! Of course, we’d be honored to help you. Whether you have five video tapes or 5,000, our family-run business will treat your project like our own, and make the process easy for you at every step.

Question 3

is it better to convert VHS to DVD or USB?

Accepted Answer

One isn’t necessarily better than the other; there are pros and cons to both. So, we’ll lay out the facts and you can choose which suits your needs best (or, you can give us a call at 866-363-3351 and we’ll happily chat you through your options in detail).

Turning old VHS tapes into DVDs has some great perks. DVDs offer a better picture quality compared to VHS because they have more pixels. This means your old memories will look even better when you convert them. However, DVD readers are becoming harder to come by, so that’s why USB is a nifty option too. With USB, you can watch your videos on almost anything with a USB port, like laptops, TVs, or computers. It's super easy to share your footage, plus USB sticks are small and easy to carry around.

Whichever you choose (and you might actually want to save a version on each!), your old videos will become a lot more accessible and enjoyable.

Question 4

what is the easiest way to convert VHS to DVD?

Accepted Answer

While doing a VHS to DVD transfer at home can be a fun project that saves a little money, if you’re looking to get the job done quickly and to the highest quality, we recommend using a professional VHS to digital service. They’ll not only have the equipment and capabilities to handle damaged and broken tapes, but the end product will be a much more stable picture, as their commercial-grade transfer stations won’t down-convert the footage (like an at-home transfer rig would). Plus, they’ll have the time and know-how to do it quickly, with no effort required on your end.

Question 5

How long are VHS tapes and will I pay more for long ones?

Accepted Answer

VHS tapes could be as little as a few minutes long or as long as eight hours long. VHS has three recording modes - SP, EP and LP - with certain formats allowing you to trade quality for length. In our experience, 99% of tapes are under 2.5 hours long, so we charge a flat fee for tapes of that length to create predictability in your VHS to DVD digitizing budget. Longer tapes have a surcharge. There are also surcharges for VHS tapes if they are in the PAL or SECAM formats, which means they were recorded on international equipment.

Question 6

If I have content on VHS tapes that's also on other formats, which format should I convert to?

Accepted Answer

Great question. The most common situation we see is someone who has a VHS tape with old 8mm or 16mm film footage - meaning that someone previously converted old films onto VHS. The answer here is simple. Given the quality of film transfer equipment at the time, you are much better off digitizing the original films and passing on the VHS tapes. That said, digitizing the VHS tape will be much cheaper, so if budget is the priority, transfer the VHS tape instead. On the flip side, if you have VHS tapes that were upconverted previously to more modern formats, most likely a DVD, it makes more sense to convert the DVDs UNLESS you weren't happy with the original VHS transfers. But if they were adequate, the DVDs have deteriorated less than the VHS tapes in the interim, and will be cheaper to transfer.

Question 7

Can my VHS footage be edited after it's converted to digital?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can commission EverPresent to edit your VHS footage for an hourly fee. That said, when we digitize your VHS to DVD service tapes we provide the transfers in standard h.264 .mp4 files which work on Mac or PC and have no restrictions. You can edit these VHS files on any normal computer on free software. So editing VHS footage is a low-pressure decision you can make before or after you commission EverPresent or anyone else to convert your VHS to digital.

Question 8

Will my transferred VHS footage play well on my mobile device?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your VHS transfers will play well on the small screen, whether streaming from the cloud or on a mobile app. Our transfers to the modern h264 codec provide exceptional quality at ~1.4GB/hour of footage, which means that the footage will not take all your phone storage and should stream adequately even with a so-so internet connection. All that said, it will always be a better experience to fully download your output from the private link we provide, and then play the footage once it’s fully stored on your phone or computer.

Question 9

Where should I store my digitized VHS files?

Accepted Answer

Please be safe about this, and do not rely on your mobile device alone. You’ll want three storage locations, at least one of which is outside your home. At home, you can use our included flash drives of discs, and the hard drive on your computer. You can also keep the original VHS tapes as a true backup copy. In terms of outside the home, most of our customers choose cloud storage. Many go with cheaper backup solutions like Amazon, but increasingly we see many of our clients storing their VHS footage on YouTube due to the easy streaming. If you go in this direction, please read the appropriate guides on YouTube and don’t accidentally select the wrong privacy options and accidentally make your private family VHS tapes visible to the world! This is a lesson you’d rather not learn the hard way with your videos showing up in search engines.

Question 10

What's the difference between hiring EverPresent for my VHS to digital project vs. doing it DIY?

Accepted Answer

Let's assume for the moment that you would read up properly and do the work as carefully as our technicians - and also assume that you have the time for the painstaking work. What that leaves is two main issues. First, we have experience dealing with broken or damaged tapes that fail. Second, our equipment is very robust. We carry commercial grade machines from Sony, Panasonic and JVC and can mix and match to find the right answer for your tapes. Further, all of the at-home solutions use less stable USB connections and capture cards that down-convert the footage. We are using IEEE1394 firewire connections into capture cards that can capture over 14GB/hour of footage. The at-home VHS transfer rigs often cost under $100. Our VHS transfer station costs over $100,000. This is not to say that doing VHS to digital work at home is a bad thing; it can be a really fun project and you can adequately save a memory while saving money if you have the time and inclination. But when it comes to pure VHS transfer quality, we've invested a lot to build our capabilities and you certainly get what you pay for.

Question 11

I'm thinking about trying DIY VHS to DVD conversion, Any tips?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. If you’ve decided to try an at-home VHS to DVD transfer, you should purchase a proper video capture card rather than a USB-based converter system. You’ll want a high-quality VCR and a set of cleaning tapes to keep it pristine while you do the recordings. Make sure you have a decent set of RCA or S-Video cables for the transfer. It may be worth buying new cables for the project so the recordings move well between your VCR and the computer. They will just cost a few bucks on Amazon or at a local store. Finally, when you buy a capture card and/or download some video capture software, make sure the tech is compatible with a Mac or Windows PC as is appropriate to your setup at home.

	EverPresent	LegacyBox	iMemories	ScanCafe	CVS, Walmart
AI Upscaling to HD	✅ Optional Upgrade	❌ Not available	✅ Optional Upgrade	❌ Not available	❌ Not available
Written Labels Transcribed to Filenames and DVDs	✅ Done for You; Transcribed from your tapes or included label instructions	❌ DIY In App Only	❌ DIY In App Only	✅ Per item labeling can be requested, up to 20 characters	❌ Folder labels only
Formats Digitized	VHS, VHS-C, Hi8, Digital 8, 8mm MiniDV, Betamax, Betacam, MicroMV, U-Matic, DVCPro, HDCam, PAL	VHS, VHS-C, Hi8, Digital 8, 8mm MiniDV, Betamax, MicroMV	VHS, VHS-C, Hi8, Digital 8, 8mm, MiniDV, Betamax, MicroMV	VHS, VHS-C, Hi8, Digital 8, 8mm, MiniDV	VHS, VHS-C, Hi-8, Digital 8, MiniDV, 8mm
Output Format Options	✅ .mp4, ProRes, PreResHQ, JPEG2000	❌ .mp4 only	❌ .mp4 only	❌ .mp4 only	❌ .mp4 only
Restorative Services	✅ Repair, mold cleaning, tape incubation for sticky shed, time-based correction	❌ None Advertised	❌ None Advertised	❌ None Advertised	❌ None Advertised

	EverPresent	LegacyBox	iMemories	ScanCafe	CVS, Walmart
Home Pickup	✅ Yes. Northeast, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, DC, Florida	❌ Not available	❌ Not available	❌ Not available	❌ Not available
Local Stores	✅ Yes. Over 130 local stores.	❌ Not available	❌ Not available	❌ Not available	✅ Local stores receive projects that are then shipped to Atlanta
Inbound Shipping Included	✅ Included	✅ Included	❌ Surcharge	❌ Surcharge	✅ Included
Flexible Shipping Approach	✅ Free labels to be used on any sized box	❌ Fully prepaid box; size limits	❌ Prepaid ship kit; size limits	✅ Prepaid ship kit or mail yourself	✅ Boxed and shipped for you at retail counter

	EverPresent	LegacyBox	iMemories	ScanCafe	CVS, Walmart
Inventory & Quotes	✅ Formats identified and counted for you	❌ You do the work	❌ You do the work	❌ You do the work	❌ You do the work
Order Approval & Payment	✅ Free quote provided, pay after approval	❌ Fully pre-pay before sending in your project	❌ Pre-pay for ship kit	✅ Pre-pay for ship kit OR 75% deposit based on DIY counts	❌ Fully pre-pay before sending in your project
Personalized Ordering Experience	✅ Choice of phone consultation or online self-service	❌ Online shopping cart	❌ Online shopping cart	✅ Online shopping cart with option to call first	❌ Online shopping cart
Digital Delivery Options	✅ Download and private cloud app free for 60 days	❌ Downloads not included in listed pricing	✅ Download and private cloud app free for 30 days	❌ Download from a .zip file via email or sign up for third-party hosting	❌ Available for 60 days via Google download

we convert VHS to DVD, digital or uSB

100,000+

130+

90,000+

115+

5 million

Our Mission

Why Choose Our VHS to Digital service

TRUST

VALUE

SECURE

RESPECT

We Convert Video Tapes to HD

costs to digitize video tapes

Digital Package

Great value for clients ready to download their files and back up on their own before sharing with friends and family online. Enjoy 60 days of app access for unlimited downloading and sharing.

A $50 service fee applies to all orders. This service fee provides for safe handling procedures including: intake, item coding, physical & digital storage, quality checks by senior technicians and packaging.

Signature Package

Most popular. Simple, flat-rate pricing to have everything done, including labeling & cloud backup. Zero work and zero worries for you after we finish. Easy to share cloud access and included USB or DVDs.

A $50 service fee applies to all orders. This service fee provides for safe handling procedures including: intake, item coding, physical & digital storage, quality checks by senior technicians and packaging.

Family Bundle

Best value if you are doing this for the family and would benefit from extended time with your private cloud archive. If you need more than three copies it’s easy and affordable to add them.

A $50 service fee applies to all orders. This service fee provides for safe handling procedures including: intake, item coding, physical & digital storage, quality checks by senior technicians and packaging.

Professional Package

Chosen by fewer than 10% of our clients, but popular with certain institutions and professionals. Unless you already know you want this service, you likely don’t need it.

A $50 service fee applies to all orders. This service fee provides for safe handling procedures including: intake, item coding, physical & digital storage, quality checks by senior technicians and packaging.

Our App

Stop Searching. Start Sharing.

3 easy ways to digitize VHS tapes with us

HOME PICKUPS

LOCAL STORES

FREE SHIPPING

Still have more questions about VHS to DVD?

866-363-3351

Comparing The Five Largest Digitizing Services

Frequently Asked Questions about VHS To DVD

we convert VHS to DVD, digital or uSB

100,000+

130+

90,000+

115+

5 million

Our Mission

Why Choose Our VHS to Digital service

TRUST

VALUE

SECURE

RESPECT

We Convert Video Tapes to HD

costs to digitize video tapes

Digital Package

Great value for clients ready to download their files and back up on their own before sharing with friends and family online. Enjoy 60 days of app access for unlimited downloading and sharing.

A $50 service fee applies to all orders. This service fee provides for safe handling procedures including: intake, item coding, physical & digital storage, quality checks by senior technicians and packaging.

Signature Package

Most popular. Simple, flat-rate pricing to have everything done, including labeling & cloud backup. Zero work and zero worries for you after we finish. Easy to share cloud access and included USB or DVDs.

A $50 service fee applies to all orders. This service fee provides for safe handling procedures including: intake, item coding, physical & digital storage, quality checks by senior technicians and packaging.

Family Bundle

Best value if you are doing this for the family and would benefit from extended time with your private cloud archive. If you need more than three copies it’s easy and affordable to add them.

A $50 service fee applies to all orders. This service fee provides for safe handling procedures including: intake, item coding, physical & digital storage, quality checks by senior technicians and packaging.

Professional Package

Chosen by fewer than 10% of our clients, but popular with certain institutions and professionals. Unless you already know you want this service, you likely don’t need it.

A $50 service fee applies to all orders. This service fee provides for safe handling procedures including: intake, item coding, physical & digital storage, quality checks by senior technicians and packaging.

Our App

First 60 Days FREE

Works On All Devices

Easy Sharing & Downloading

Secure Cloud Backup

Organize Photos & Videos

Stop Searching. Start Sharing.

3 easy ways to digitize VHS tapes with us

HOME PICKUPS

LOCAL STORES

FREE SHIPPING

Still have more questions about VHS to DVD?

866-363-3351

Comparing The Five Largest Digitizing Services

Frequently Asked Questions about VHS To DVD

Can you convert vHS to digital?

is it better to convert VHS to DVD or USB?

what is the easiest way to convert VHS to DVD?

How long are VHS tapes and will I pay more for long ones?

If I have content on VHS tapes that’s also on other formats, which format should I convert to?

Can my VHS footage be edited after it’s converted to digital?

Will my transferred VHS footage play well on my mobile device?

Where should I store my digitized VHS files?

What’s the difference between hiring EverPresent for my VHS to digital project vs. doing it DIY?

I’m thinking about trying DIY VHS to DVD conversion, Any tips?