Revisiting Precious Memories
Do you have home movies stuck on older formats you can no longer play?
Tapes and films degrade over time, putting those memories at risk. Now’s the perfect time to bring them back to life with digital copies that are easy to watch, share, and keep safe for the future.
Why Choose Dan Hendley Digital?
I know how important home movies can be. They offer a look back at moments we don't want to lose. That’s why I don’t rush the process and cut corners. Each order is handled with care, so these memories are properly preserved. I also offer free pick up and drop off to all customers in Guelph.
Pricing and Formats
I offer transfer services for VHS, VHS-C, Hi8, Video8, Digital8, MiniDV, 8mm film, Super 8 film, DVD, and Mini DVD. Please click the images below to see a breakdown of these services.
Shipping and USB/DVD Costs
For orders over $150, I offer free return shipping and include the first copy on USB or DVD at no extra cost.
Additional copies (or first copies for smaller orders) start at $30 per USB (depending on storage needs) and $10 per DVD.
Please note, the cost of shipping home movies to Dan Hendley Digital is the customer’s responsibility.
For all customers in Guelph, you can choose to skip shipping costs altogether by requesting that I pick up and drop off from your location.
The Process
I start by checking each tape for visible dirt or mold. Mold can severely impact video quality and often damages both the tape and the player. I use specialized cleaning equipment on any tape that requires it. Film formats like 8mm and Super 8 tend to attract more dirt so I always clean them before proceeding.
Next, I capture the video using high quality, well maintained equipment. This creates a digital copy that often looks good but leaves some room for improvement. That’s why I provide additional cleanup services for all tape formats under my Standard and Premium tiers. Cleanup work is included for all 8mm and Super 8 film transfers.
The final step before delivery is post processing. My goal is to improve the quality with a series of subtle adjustments without going too far and losing important detail. This is a step that many other transfer services skip, but one that makes a noticeable difference.
The final video(s) are delivered to you on USB or DVD based on your preference.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you recommend transferring to DVD or USB?
I usually recommend USB. The video quality is often better and it's easier to copy and share the files.
What format will my videos be delivered in
All home movies delivered on USB will be delivered as H.264 MP4 files to ensure smooth playback and wide compatibility across modern devices.
Should I choose Basic, Standard, or Premium?
I usually recommend the Standard tier. For most home movies it offers the best balance of quality and value, with noticeable improvement over the Basic tier while still staying affordable.
Premium is best suited for the home movies that need the extra attention and care. I recommend Premium only for the most precious home movies as well as any that may have become damaged or degraded over the years.
How long does it take to transfer my tapes?
Most orders are completed within 1–3 weeks depending on quantity and condition. Large orders may take longer, but you’ll receive an estimated completion time when you book.
Can I drop off and pick up my home movies in person?
I work from my home and due to privacy and security reasons I don't offer pickup and drop off from my location. However, if you live in Guelph I’m happy to come to you for pickup and drop-off. For all other customers, shipping is the best option.
Do you return my original tapes?
Yes, you’ll always get your original tapes back unless you request to have them disposed of after digitization.
Do you charge for blank tapes?
No I don't. If a tape from your digitization order has no footage on it, you won't be charged for the tape. Return shipping still applies for orders under $150.
My tapes are old. Can you get good quality footage?
Most VHS tapes are now degrading which is why it's important to get them digitized sooner rather than later. They typically degrade by 10-20% after 10-25 years. The quality of the original media is also largely impacted by its storage conditions.
I regularly maintain my equipment and clean moldy tapes in order to properly preserve these memories. I can often deliver good quality footage from older tapes and films but still expect there to be imperfections depending on their condition.
Can you improve the quality of my home movies?
I use high-quality equipment and careful post-processing techniques to bring the best out of your home movies. Depending on the service, this may include reducing unwanted noise, sharpening details, improving colour, and more. The quality is still dependent on the condition of the original recordings so results will vary.