CD, DVD and tape conversion: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What cd, dvd and tape conversion is

A media conversion provider transfers old discs, videotapes and audio tapes into digital files, cleaning the media where needed and delivering the files on a drive or online. People use it to keep home videos, music and recordings from being lost as the older players and media wear out.

Signs you need it

  • You have VHS, Hi8, mini DV or other video tapes that are getting old and are hard to play
  • You have audio cassettes, reel to reel tapes or microcassettes with recordings you want to keep
  • Your CDs or DVDs are scratched, sticky or showing errors when played
  • Your household no longer has a player that can read the format of your old recordings
  • You want old family recordings sorted, labeled and delivered as files you can share

What the pro does

  • Inspect each disc or tape for mold, sticky shed, scratches or a broken shell and note the condition
  • Clean or repair the media where the provider's process allows it, without damaging the recording
  • Play each item on the correct professional or consumer equipment for its format
  • Capture the audio or video at the quality and file format you chose
  • Check the files for playback problems, missing sections and sound or picture sync
  • Deliver the files on a drive or through an online download, with the originals returned

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The number of items and the length of each recording
  • The format of each item, since some formats need older or specialized equipment
  • The condition of the media, such as mold, sticky tape, scratches or damaged discs
  • The quality and file format requested for the finished files
  • Whether the files must be edited, labeled or organized by date or event
  • How the files will be delivered, such as on a drive or by download

What a written quote should spell out

  • The number of items, their formats and the approximate total running time
  • The quality setting and file format for the finished files
  • What cleaning or repair is included, and what the provider will not attempt
  • How the originals are returned, stored and handled
  • How the files are delivered and how long they stay available for download

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What equipment do you use for each format, and is it maintained?
  • How do you handle moldy, sticky or damaged tapes?
  • What file format and quality will I receive, and can I choose it?
  • Will you check the files for sync and playback problems before you deliver them?
  • How do you store my media and files, and how long are they kept?
  • Can I review a sample file before you convert the full set?

Red flags

  • Will not show a sample of the output for your format
  • Says all damaged media can be recovered completely without testing
  • Asks you to send originals without tracking or insurance
  • Keeps your files online with no clear deletion policy

What you can do yourself

You can check your discs with your computer's disc drive and copy simple files yourself, or use a capture device to transfer a tape to your computer if you know the equipment. Hire a conversion provider for old or damaged tapes, for mold or sticky shed, for many items or for formats your household cannot play.

Licenses and permits

No license is usually required for media conversion. Ask for sample files, references from past clients and a clear policy on storing and deleting customer files; check with your state or local business licensing office if the provider operates as a registered business.

CD, DVD and tape conversion questions

Can a damaged tape be transferred at all?

Sometimes. Ask the provider to test the tape first and explain what they can and cannot recover, before you pay for the full job.

What is the best file format for my family videos?

Ask the provider for a standard format that plays on common devices, and keep a copy of the highest quality file you can afford to store.

Should I keep the original tapes after conversion?

Yes, until you have checked the files on the devices you will use. Originals are the only copy if the files are lost or damaged.

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