Frequently Asked Questions
Browse answers to common questions about our media digitization, slide scanning, safety processes, pricing, and NZ-wide shipping services.
1. Digital Focus & Formats
What is your primary delivery format for digitized video?
Our primary delivery format is high-quality MP4 files (H.264 video with AAC audio) saved onto a USB flash drive or delivered via a secure cloud download link.
Why is Video to Digital (USB/Cloud) preferred over DVD today?
Digital files (MP4) are highly versatile: they play directly on modern TVs, laptops, and smartphones. Unlike physical DVDs, they won't scratch or decay, they can be easily backed up to multiple drives or the cloud, and they are simple to share with family on social media or edit on your computer.
Can I still get my video transferred to DVD?
Yes, we maintain full DVD authoring services. We can convert your videos into standard DVD-Video format with custom interactive menus, chapters, plastic storage cases, and personalized cover/label designs.
How do I access and download my digitized files from the Cloud?
Once digitization is complete, we email you a secure download link. Clicking the link allows you to download all files directly to your computer or phone. The links remain active and secure for 30 days.
How much storage space do digitized MP4 files require?
Standard definition video digitized to MP4 uses approximately 1.5 gigabytes (GB) of storage space per hour of video footage.
2. Supported Media (Video, Audio, Slides)
What videotape formats are you able to digitize?
We digitize almost all family videotape formats: VHS, VHS-C, MiniDV, Hi8, Digital8, and 8mm Video.
Do you digitize older film reels?
Yes, we convert physical 8mm and Super 8 silent home movie film reels into digital files or DVDs.
What audio formats can you transfer to digital?
We digitize analog audio formats, including standard audio cassette tapes, LP/vinyl records, and reel-to-reel audio tapes, saving them as MP3 or WAV files.
What slide and negative scanning services do you offer?
We scan 35mm slides and negatives at a professional 4000 DPI resolution using CanoScan FS4000 technology, including automatic FARE dust and scratch removal.
Can you handle international video formats like PAL and NTSC?
Yes, we convert between PAL (NZ, Australia, UK) and NTSC (USA, Japan) systems for both playback and final output.
3. Safety, Quality & Restoration
How safe are my original tapes and films at your studio?
Your memories are 100% safe. All digitization is completed in-house at our Newmarket, Auckland studio. We never ship your precious physical materials overseas or outsource the work.
What happens if my tape is damaged, broken, or has mold?
We offer professional mold cleaning, tape splicing, and cassette repair services. In most cases, we can rescue and digitize 'unplayable' tapes.
What quality and resolution can I expect from the digital transfer?
We capture video at full standard definition resolution (720x576 pixels at 25 frames per second for PAL). We constantly monitor video tracking and balance audio levels during capture.
Why do you use uncompressed AVI format during digitization?
Uncompressed AVI is our master capture format. Starting with uncompressed files yields the highest quality, prevents compression artifacts, and is ideal for editing with zero further quality loss.
Do you clean or inspect the tapes before digitizing?
Yes, we manually inspect and clean every tape for physical wear, damage, or dust before placing them in our professional playback decks.
4. Ordering, Shipping & Logistics
How do I get my media files to your Newmarket office?
You can drop off your materials in person at our Newmarket office (27 Davis Crescent) during business hours, or ship them directly to us via courier.
How do you return my original tapes and my new digital files?
We return your original media and new physical drives via signature-required courier post anywhere in New Zealand.
What is your typical turnaround time?
Turnaround time depends on the size of your archive, but most standard orders (under 10 tapes) are completed and ready within 3 to 7 business days.
Do you offer urgent or same-day processing?
Yes, urgent digitizations can be fast-tracked for an additional 50% surcharge.
5. Pricing & Payments
What are your payment terms and late fee policies?
Payment is required upon completion. Please note that late payments incur an extra 25% administrative fee.
Do you charge if a tape is empty or has nothing on it?
If a tape is blank or contains television recordings we do not digitize, we charge a minimal inspection fee instead of the full transfer rate.
Are your prices inclusive of GST?
Yes, all prices listed on our website are fully inclusive of GST.
6. Editing & Backups
Can you edit my videos after they are digitized?
Yes, we offer professional video editing services. We can cut unwanted footage, rearrange scenes, add music tracks, and insert custom title cards.
Can I print photos from my digitized video frames?
Yes. Our software can capture individual high-resolution freeze-frames from your video, which can be printed as photos or used for DVD cover art.
How should I backup and store my new digital files?
We recommend the '3-2-1' backup strategy: keep 3 copies of your files, stored on 2 different media types (e.g., your computer drive and an external USB), with at least 1 copy off-site (such as a cloud drive).
Can I transfer copyrighted movies or television shows?
No. Our transfer services are strictly for personal home movies, slides, and customer-created media. We will not digitize copy-protected or commercially copyrighted materials.
Have More Questions?
We are happy to help you with any custom requests or specialized projects.
Call us: 021 0226 9922 | Email: info@homevideo.co.nz
We can digitize your videos to USB, Cloud, or DVD from all types of tapes: Digital 8, Hi 8, 8mm, MiniDV, VHS, and VHS-C. We can also add photos and sound to the same archive.
Collect all your family videos, movies and photos.
Make an unforgettable gift for your parents and friends with a proper picture and title.