Have you watched any old home movies lately? Compared to family photographs, film and video have a short lifespan — so don’t let your own “moving pictures” fade into oblivion. Each of the services below can convert your old movie film or videotapes to digital format, then burn the footage to DVDs you can view on your TV or computer. Many services also offer custom chapter marks and other personalization features.
iMemories
Cost: Digital conversion starts at $19.99 per videotape or 50-foot film reel; add $9.99 to get a DVD.
Options: For
an extra fee, get a USB drive loaded with your movies. They also offer
cloud storage. Ship in your own box or a prepaid SafeShip Kit.
Features: See
It Before You DVD It converts your film to digital format, then you go
online to sort, label, and organize films to save to DVD. Set your own
chapter marks.
Locations: Lab is in Scottsdale, Ariz. Set up your account and order online.
ScanDigital
Cost: Prices start at $20.95 to convert video to DVD; film starts at $9.50.
Options: ScanDigital can provide editable files on a USB drive.
Features: Chapter points are set using Scene Detection, or choose custom points.
Locations: Lab is in Fishers, Ind. Set up your order online and follow instructions for secure shipping.
YesVideo
Cost: Prices vary widely by store. A two-hour VHS-to-DVD conversion costs $28.99; film starts at $28.99 for the first 100 feet.
Options: YesVideo doesn’t offer editable files or any type of custom work.
Features: DVDs
feature chapter menus and the ability to personalize with a title,
background music and theme. Purchase includes 60 days free access to
view and share videos online.
Locations: Labs in Norcross, Ga., and Campbell, Calif. Drop-off services through local retailers including Costco, CVS, and Walmart.
A version of this article appeared in the March 2011 issue of Family Tree Magazine.
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