Price List
Server 2 HG

 
Click here for BBB Business Review

Note: We do not transfer Copyright movies, CD's or any materials that are currently commercially available in the marketplace.

High quality digital encoding using the very latest codecs (compression/decompression algorithms).  Prices reflect an unedited transfer (what you see on the DVD-R is an exact image copy of what was on your tape - that is: a virtual clone. This is the most economical way of preserving your videos. They may always be edited later.

For greatest compatibility with DVD players in the marketplace, we record only using the DVD-R format.

Note also that we record no more than 2 hours of video (SP Mode) on a DVD-R to maintain high quality. Optionally, we can record the DVD in XP mode for the highest possible DVD quality. (1 DVD will hold only 60 minutes each in XP mode)

We can also transfer to DV, MiniDV, Digital8 or DVCAM that has certain advantages over a DVD if future totally lossless editing is to be performed. Because DVCAM is an expensive format, we charge an additional $4.00 per tape when DVCAM is selected as the target format to pay for machine wear & tear and maintenance. Unless there is some burning reason DVCAM is necessary because of the synchronized audio lock capability, MiniDV is otherwise the same DataStream but at a much lower cost not only in terms of machine cost but also the cost of tape stock. Naturally, customers may supply their own tape stock as long as it is Sony Brand and still in the original new packaging.  We do not accept used tape stock for transfer.   Because of quality issues, we only burn CD's and DVD's to our own supplied media.  Because of the wide range of other choices (so this thing doesn't go on for another 50 more pages) please contact us for other types of target media and formats.

NOTE: Effective July 1, 2004 we are no longer accepting any work originating from within the State of Maine !

The State of Maine has levied a new "Service Provider Tax", which is in addition to the existing Sales Tax reporting requirements.  The implementation of this new tax requires a few businesses such as Video Interchange, who sells both services and materials in various & often complicated combinations, to now track and collect two separate taxes, and report the taxes in two separate filings to two different State agencies.  Furthermore, the classification of our services and the application and distribution of each item being deemed either Service or Sales taxable, is different for nearly every job, and depends upon a confusing set of rules often open to interpretation as to how each is to be categorized... So unique is this operation, that the new law does not clearly address how many of our services are to be classified. Obtaining  written rulings for each job component & how each may be treated differently depending on combinations of other services or materials provided, would be a time consuming and expensive endeavor.

After carefully reviewing the new laws and contacting Maine DOR several times for clarification, and each time receiving conflicting interpretations, (9 calls & 9 completely different answers to just one single question), we have reached the conclusion that the expense and time spent administering and reporting the new tax, will cost substantially more than the total gross amount of billings originating from Maine. 

Regrettably we have therefore decided we cannot accept any work from customers residing in the State of Maine. This situation is unique to Maine, and does not affect any other states or countries...


First Step: Label your Media !

Label all your media with your last name, not just the cases, but the media itself.  Unlabeled tapes are too easy to get mixed up with someone else's or separated.  If order is important, then also number them, as that will then be the sequence we will use in making the transfers. A grease pencil usually works fine for this and is easily removed later if so desired.

Content:  

You are responsible for sending us the correct tapes for transfer. If you do not know what is on them, then don't expect us to know either until we make the transfer. 

(We're good at what we do....  just not clairvoyant !)  We do however offer screening services at additional cost to screen the tapes first for content. Unless screening is requested, we transfer all that is recoverable without regard to content - other than spot checking for copyright infringement.

Tape Screening:  

In cases where you have no idea of what is on your media, we offer screening services for most formats to identify rough content before proceeding with the transfer. Tape Screening is not a detailed rundown of every exciting minute, but rather is a general screening of the tape for content , sampled approximately every 10 minutes of tape. We then call you with a general description of the content. In some cases, tape baking charges apply in addition to screening, since we often have to clean and bake the tapes first to even get them to play. Screening and associated baking charges apply whether or not you desire the final transfer, since we have already at that point performed much of the time consuming tape preparation work. Labor to screen and email results is in addition to the standard transfer costs if you decide you do want the material. Costs for screening and baking if applicable must be pre-paid in advance.

 

Below are our prices for transfers to DVD-R in SP or XP mode.  Prices are for the transfer only and do not include the cost of target media, labeling of cases or archival storage cases. Since many folks prefer to use or purchase their own archival cases to match the rest of their collection, the DVD will be shipped in a clamshell case to afford the best protection in shipping. Naturally, archival cases are available. Prices do include color labeling of the DVD itself printed directly onto the DVD or CD. To take advantage of the formats where lower costs for additional copies/recording hours are offered, all tapes of the same format must be organized together. Prices are based on recording time per source tape.

Source video tapes are transferred unedited with the exception of large areas of either blank or unrecoverable areas. Otherwise, the DVD-R or target format will be a duplicate of the master supplied. Our specialty is in the recovery & transfer of extremely rare, vintage or damaged tapes. As such, we do not offer any other editing services as our time is much better spent doing what few others can do .....  There are however, many sites on the web that specialize in post production editing !

 

Video Transfer costs include the following.

machine setup
Standard tape cleaning (1 cycle)/re-tensioning
*
Time Base Correction to RS-170A Broadcast sync timing specifications
setup of video levels (process amplifier)
Chroma and Luminance Noise Reduction when applicable

chroma gain/phase
and up to 10 attempts to recover the video should your tape be damaged.

* Additional cleaning pass/passes are required for tapes exhibiting mold, the effects of hexadecanoic acid or just plain absolutely filthy tapes. Tapes exposed to flood waters will always require additional cleaning. Additional cleaning cycles if required, incur an additional cost. Tape burnishing is not included in the standard included cleaning.

Because of the wide variety of target media types available, media is an additional cost. (See the link to current media prices at the bottom of this page). Clients have the option of supplying their own blank media stock, however supplied tape media must be factory fresh and unopened. Because of DVD quality issues, we use only our own DVD media.

DVD's are labeled and are shipped in a clamshell shipping case that affords the best protection during shipment. 

 

Return  Shipping

Domestic Shipments are returned via UPS. Alternately we ship via the USPS Priority Mail upon request.   We DO NOT ship via any other carrier including Federal Express, even although you may have a FedEx account number to bill against . Neither do we ship to Post Office Boxes. In all cases, a $6.00 handling fee applies to all return shipping except for fragile records which incur a $12 handling charge.
Shipments are insured though UPS for up to $100.  Please advise if you desire additional coverage.  Actual coverage provided is per their published insurance tariffs.  
Visit or contact UPS  www.ups.com for more information on their insurance tariffs and coverage.


We ship via the USPS ONLY for APO/FPO  addresses, in the case of some International shipments or other times we deem it more appropriate. 

Note: USPS in many cases, has a $200 maximum limit on insurance coverage.  In the case of International shipments, USPS insurance coverage
is ONLY in effect while the package is still in the United States. Once the package has left  US shores and outside the immediate jurisdiction of the USPS,
there is no insurance coverage.


 

General Terms

All estimates exceeding $100.00 US will be charged one half the estimated amount before any work is initiated.

In the case of flood, fire, chemical or mold damaged tapes, the cleaning costs must be prepaid. Because of the very nature of such tapes, there is never any guarantees of recovery - the cleaning/preparation charges represent our best efforts.

Other than water damaged tapes, Jobs are placed in the queue in the order they are received.  In the case of jobs where we did not receive any billing information by the time they became next in line, then those are returned to the end of the queue. After 90 days and 3 attempts at contacting you by ANY combination of phone message or email, we assume you changed your mind and the job and all materials received  we will deem as being abandoned.

 Abandoned Materials: Once deemed abandoned, we still retain the materials for 2 years, after which they will be discarded. We simply haven't the room. There is a $25 additional charge on top of the current rates in effect for locating abandoned materials. In those cases, 100% of the new estimate must be paid up front.

 

 

Payment

We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover directly. Credit Card info must be included in your shipment or phoned in before work is commenced. When included with your order, please clearly type or print your name EXACTLY as it appears on the card, the type of card, card number, CID number (the last 3 digits of the numbers appearing on the back of the card), the billing address the bank has on file (where the bank sends the statements) and expiration date. Your credit card will not be charged until your order ships or recovery services are initiated. We strongly recommend that you never send any credit card information to anyone in an email. Once your job has been completed and shipped, we do not retain any credit card information other than the last 4 digits of the credit card used and the address the bank had on file for that credit card.




We also accept PayPal. This means we never receive your credit card information at all...  only the transfer of funds from your PayPal account where PayPal acts as your paymaster to our own PayPal account. The other advantage is that by using PayPal, more credit cards are accepted including direct wire transfers from your bank accounts.

Since we do not retain on file any payment information, in the case of all work to be performed that is to be paid for via PayPal, those jobs require half the estimated amount to be paid up front before any work is commenced, and the balance due on completion, before shipping of the materials. 

We also accept payment via personal or company checks. Orders will ship, subject to clearing. Note that "bounced" checks will incur a $20 additional service charge (to untangle the accounting "mess" !)   We also accept International Money Orders or USPS money orders....

 

When paying by Check or Money Order, the  amount is to be made out at least 1/2 of the total estimate. Should overpayment be made, a refund check for the difference will be included in the return shipment.

 

 

Transfer Costs

All transfer costs are per tape or block time as listed unless otherwise noted.
We do not pro-rate the actual amount of material transferred in the case of short tapes.
A VHS tape for example that had only  7 minutes of recorded material is billed at $22 - the same
as had it contained 59 minutes since it fell within 0 to 60 minutes of material transferred.

 

Return Shipping via UPS Ground - International Price
International Shipment Document Preparation 10.00

 

1/4 Inch Open Reel Video Format
No Longer Supported

1/4" Open Reel to Reel: Akai
(Owing to this media's age, Tape Baking is always required & included in the transfer cost for this format)

 

Length/Tape - per reel

Price
0 to 60 minutes (First reel always) 215.00
each additional 0 - 60 minute reel 150.00
Tape Screening for content - 30 min tape 50.00
Tape Splicing 5.00

 

Half Inch Open Reel Video Formats

These are listed in order of popularity

1/2" inch Open Reel to Reel Video:  EIAJ EIAJ-1 or EIAJ-2
Both Color (-2) or B/W (-1)
(Owing to this media's age, Tape Baking is often required, but NOT included in the transfer cost )

Released in the US in 1970

(Some EIAJ's stored in arid desert conditions such as the desert southwest with relative humidity 20% or lower, are often ok -
all else will most likely require baking.)

Length/Tape - per reel Price
0 to 30 minutes (first tape always)

95.00  (130.00 with baking)

31 to 60 minutes (first tape always)

140.00  (175.00 with baking)

each additional 30 minute tape 60.00  (72.00 with baking)
each additional 60 minute tape 90.00  (102.00 with baking)
Tape Screening  for content 33.00
Tape Splicing 10.00

 

1/2 Inch Open Reel to Reel Video: Skip Field  Sony CV Series
(Owing to this media's age, Tape Baking is always required & included in the price)

 

Length/Tape = per reel

Price
0 to 30 minutes    (First Tape always) 172.00
31 to 60 minutes  (First Tape always) 207.00
each additional 30 minute tape 110.00
each additional 60 minute tape 134.00
Tape Screening for content   - per tape 34.00
Tape Splicing 10.00

 

1/2" Open Reel to Reel Video: Shibaden
(Owing to this media's age, Tape Baking is always required & included in the transfer cost for this format)
 

Length/Tape - per reel

Price
0 to 60 minutes (First cartridge/reel always) 226.00
each additional 0 - 60 minute cartridge/reel 147.00
Tape Screening for content  - 30 min tape 43.00
Tape Splicing 10.00

 

1/2" Open Reel to Reel Video: Apeco 1/2" Open Reel
(Owing to this media's age, Tape Baking is always required & included in the transfer cost for this format)

 

Length/Tape - per reel

Price
0 to 60 minutes (First cartridge/reel always) 226.00
each additional 0 - 60 minute cartridge/reel 147.00
Tape Screening for content - 30 min tape 47.00
Tape Splicing 10.00

 

1/2" Open Reel to Reel Video: Bell & Howell
(Owing to this media's age, Tape Baking is always required & included in the transfer cost for this format)

 

Length/Tape - per reel

Price
0 to 60 minutes (First cartridge/reel always) 226.00
each additional 0 - 60 minute cartridge/reel 147.00
Tape Screening  for content - 30 min tape 47.00
Tape Splicing 10.00

 

1/2" Open Reel to Reel Video: Concord 12 ips - inch per second ips
(Owing to this media's age, Tape Baking is always required & included in the transfer cost for this format)
a rare format...
 

Length/Tape - per reel

Price
0 to 60 minutes (First cartridge/reel always) 264.00
each additional 0 - 60 minute cartridge/reel 185.00
Tape Screening for content 55.00
Tape Splicing 10.00

 

1/2" Open Reel to Reel Video: Pilot Tone A - Sony  Color
(Owing to this media's age, Tape Baking is always required & included in the transfer cost for this format)
 

Length/Tape - per reel

Price
0 to 60 minutes (First reel always) 226.00
each additional 0 - 60 minute reel 152.00
Tape Screening for content - 30 min tape 45.00
Tape Splicing 10.00

 

1/2" Open Reel to Reel Video: Craig
(Owing to this media's age, Tape Baking is always required & included in the transfer cost for this format)
This format is extremely rare !

 

Length/Tape - per reel

Price
0 to 60 minutes (First cartridge/reel always) 375.00
each additional 0 - 60 minute cartridge/reel 275.00
Tape Screening for content 75.00
Tape Splicing 10.00

 

One Inch Open Reel Video Formats

These are listed in order of popularity

1 inch Type C  (Released in 1978)
(Owing to this media's age, Tape Baking is usually required)
 

Length/Tape - per reel

Price
Spot or 10 Minute Reel 90.00
11 to 30 minutes           105.00
31 to 60 minutes          

140.00

61 to 90 minutes           

180.00

91 to 180 minutes

225.00

Tape Screening for content (per tape)

47.00

Tape Splicing

12.00

 

1 inch Type A
(Owing to this media's age, Tape Baking is always required & included in the transfer cost for this format)


 

Length/Tape - per reel

Price
0 to 30 Minutes  (First Tape always) 207.00
31 to 60 minutes (First tape always) 260.00
each additional 0-30 minute tape 135.00
each additional 31-60 minute tape 169.00
Tape Screening for content 43.00
Tape Splicing - Shell Repair 12.00

 

1 Inch IVC-600 to 900 Series
(Owing to this media's age, Tape Baking is always required & included in the transfer cost for this format)

Length/Tape - per reel

Price
0 to 30 Minutes  (First Tape always) 220.00
31 to 60 minutes (First tape always) 286.00
each additional 0-30 minute tape 154.00
each additional 31-60 minute tape 200.00
Tape Screening for content 47.00
Tape Splicing - Shell Repair 12.00

 

1 Inch - Sony EV Series  (Both color and Monochrome)
(Owing to this media's age, Tape Baking is always required & included in the transfer cost for this format)
 

Length/Tape - per reel

Price
0 to 30 Minutes  (First Tape always) 231.00
31 to 60 minutes (First tape always) 291.00
each additional 0-30 minute tape 161.00
each additional 31-60 minute tape 203.00
Tape Screening for content 50.00
Tape Splicing - Shell Repair 12.00

 

2 Inch Open Reel Format

From 2 inch Quadruplex
(Owing to this media's age, Tape Baking is usually required)

Note: Both our Quad Machines are currently down
 

Length/Tape - per reel Price
Spot or 10 min reel  (First Tape always)

165.00

30 minute reel           (First Tape always) 275.00
60 minute reel           (First Tape always) 385.00
90 minute reel           (First Tape always) 495.00
each additional 30 min tape 247.00
each additional 60 min tape 346.00
each additional 90 min tape 445.00
Tape Screening for content  - per tape 77.00
Tape Slicing 22.00

 

Cassette & Cartridge Formats

Alphabetical Order

3/4-U, 3/4-U-SP  NTSC
 

Length/Tape - per reel Price
0 to 30 min   (First Tape always)

60.00

31 to 60 min (First Tape always)

70.00

61 to 90 min (First Tape always)

90.00

each additional  0 to 30 minute tape

42.00

each additional 31 to 60 minute tape

49.00

each additional 61 to 90 minute tape

63.00

Tape Screening for content (per tape)

24.00

Tape Cleaning/Burnishing on RTI

9.00

Tape Splicing - Shell Repair

25.00

 

3/4-U, 3/4-U-SP  PAL or SECAM
 

Length/Tape - per reel Price
0 to 30 min   (First Tape always)

100.00

31 to 60 min (First Tape always)

115.00

61 to 90 min (First Tape always)

129.00

each additional  0 to 30 minute tape

70.00

each additional 31 to 60 minute tape

80.00

each additional 61 to 90 minute tape

90.00

Tape Screening for content (per tape)

40.00

Tape Cleaning/Burnishing on RTI 9.00
Tape Splicing - Shell Repair

25.00

 

8mm, Hi8, Digital8 - NTSC
 

Length/Tape - per reel Price
0 to 60 minutes     (First Tape always)

38.00

61 to 120 minutes (First Tape always)

55.00

121-180 minutes   (First Tape always)

69.00

each additional 0 to 60 Minute Tape

26.00

each additional 61to120 Minute Tape

38.00

each additional 121-180 Minute Tape

48.00

Recover tapes recorded on mis-aligned decks (per tape addl)*

200.00

Recover additional Pixelating Tapes with same mis-alignment

10.00

Tape Screening for content (per tape additional)

22.00

Tape Splicing - Shell Repair

22.00

 

8mm, Hi8, Digital8 - PAL
 

Length/Tape - per reel Price
0 to 60 minutes     (First Tape always)

61.00

61 to 120 minutes (First Tape always)

80.00

121-180 minutes   (First Tape always)

95.00

each additional 0 to 60 Minute Tape

42.00

each additional 61to120 Minute Tape

56.00

each additional 121-180 Minute Tape

66.00

Recover tapes recorded on mis-aligned decks (per tape addl)*

200.00

Recover additional Pixelating Tapes with same mis-alignment

10.00

Tape Screening  for content (per tape additional)

30.00

Tape Splicing - Shell Repair

22.00

 

Betamax - NTSC
 

Length/Tape - per cassette Price
0 to 60 minutes     (First Tape always)

55.00

61 to 120 minutes (First Tape always)

75.00

121-180 minutes   (First Tape always)

93.00

181- 240 minutes (First Tape Always)

110.00

241-300 minutes (First Tape Always)

128.00

each additional 0 to 60 Minute Tape

38.00

each additional 61to120 Minute Tape

52.00

each additional 121-180 Minute Tape

65.00

each additional 181-240 Minute Tape

77.00

each additional 241-300 Minute Tape

89.00

Tape Screening  for content (per tape additional)

24.00

Tape Splicing - Shell Repair

24.00

 

Betamax PAL
 

Length/Tape - per cassette Price
0 to 60 minutes     (First Tape always)

78.00

61 to 120 minutes (First Tape always)

100.00

121-180 minutes   (First Tape always)

115.00

each additional 0 to 60 Minute Tape

54.00

each additional 61to120 Minute Tape

70.00

each additional 121-180 Minute Tape

80.00

Convert PAL Betamax to NTSC, SECAM, PAL-N or PAL-M

50.00

Tape Screening  for content (per tape additional)

33.00

Tape Splicing - Shell Repair

24.00

 

Beta ED (Extended Definition) - Super Beta
 

Length/Tape - per cassette Price
0 to 60  Minutes (First hour always) 88.00
each additional 0 to 60 minutes 71.00
Tape Screening for content (per tape) 35.00
Tape Splicing - Shell Repair

24.00

 

Cartrivision
(Owing to this media's age, Tape Baking is always required & included in the transfer cost for this format)

All necessary parts including brand new heads, now acquired !  - This format will be supported shortly !
 

Length/Tape - per cartridge

Price
0 to 60 minutes (First cartridge/reel always) 215.00
61 to 120 minutes (First cartridge/reel always) 242.00
each additional 0 - 60 minute cartridge/reel 150.00
each additional 61 - 120 minute cartridge/reel 169.00
Tape Screening for content  - per cartridge 49.00
Tape Splicing - Shell Repair 35.00

 

CED Videodisc
 

Length/Tape Price
Per Disc 57.00

 

DVCAM
NTSC or PAL
 

Length/Tape - per cassette

Price
0 to 30 minutes 41.00
31 to 60 minutes 66.00
61 to 120 minutes 77.00
121 to 180 minutes 101.00
DVCAM VCR Usage when target 4.00 (per tape)
Tape Screening for content  (per tape) 19.00
Tape Splicing - Shell Repair 24.00

 

DVD to DVD Copies - VHS - MiniDV Additional Copies

The DVD-R Copy will be an exact lossless digital copy of the original
 

Length/Tape Price
DVD : 0 to 120  Minutes 15.00
Addl DVD Copies with order  10.00
DVD+R surcharge per DVD+R * 4.50
MiniDV 0-60 min each 15.00
VHS 0-120 Min 15.00

* Our main high speed burners are DVD-R only, which also provides the greatest compatibility with the installed base of DVD players.
There is a $4.50 surcharge per DVD to optionally burn in the DVD+R format

 

Funai / Technicolor CVC
(Owing to this media's age, Tape Baking is always required & included in the transfer cost for this format)
 

Length/Tape - per cassette

Price
0 to 30 minutes (First Cartridge - always) 195.00
31 to 60 minutes (First cartridge- always) 220.00
each additional 0 - 30 minute cartridge 125.00
each additional 31 - 60 minute cartridge 143.00
Tape Screening for content  - per cartridge 45.00
Tape Splicing - Shell Repair 24.00

 

Laserdisc
 

Length/Tape - per Disc Price
0 to 60 minutes     (First Disc always)

34.00

61 to 120 minutes (First Disc always)

50.00

121-180 minutes   (First Disc always)

64.00

each additional 0 to 60 Minute Tape

23.00

each additional 61to120 Minute Tape

35.00

each additional 121-180 Minute Tape

43.00

Screening  for content (per disc additional)

20.00


M-I  MI  M1

Length/Tape - per cassette

Price
Spot or 10 Minutes (First Tape always) 112.00
11 to 30 minutes      (First Tape always) 130.00
31 to 60 minutes      (First Tape always) 202.00
61 to 90 minutes      (First Tape always) 277.00
each additional Spot or 10 minute tape 83.00
each additional 11 to 30 minute tape 91.00
each additional 31 to 60 minute tape 141.00
each additional 61 to 90 minute tape 192.00
Tape Screening  for content (per tape) 43.00
Tape Splicing - Shell Repair

24.00

 

M-II  MII  M2
 

Length/Tape - per cassette

Price
Spot or 10 Minutes (First Tape always) 75.00
11 to 30 minutes      (First Tape always) 87.00
31 to 60 minutes      (First Tape always) 135.00
61 to 90 minutes      (First Tape always) 185.00
each additional Spot or 10 minute tape  52.00
each additional 11 to 30 minute tape 61.00
each additional 31 to 60 minute tape  94.00
each additional 61 to 90 minute tape 128.00
Tape Screening  for content (per tape)  38.00
Tape Splicing - Shell Repair

24.00

 

MiniDV
 

Length/Tape - per cassette Price
0 to 60 minutes     (First Tape always)

37.00

61 to 120 minutes (First Tape always)

55.00

121-180 minutes   (First Tape always)

69.00

each additional 0 to 60 Minute Tape

26.00

each additional 61to120 Minute Tape

38.00

each additional 121-180 Minute Tape

48.00

Recover MiniDV Pixelating - Mosaic Video (per tape addl)*
Pixelating recovery pertains to NTSC SP Recorded Tapes only

200.00

Recover additional Pixelating Tapes with same mis-alignment

25.00

Recovery employing Dynamic Tracking (per tape)

50.00

Tape Screening  for content per tape additional)

24.00

Tape Splicing - Shell Repair

24.00

* We are able to recover most damaged NTSC MiniDV SP tapes that exhibit pixelization - pixelating or mosaic pattern video.
However we do not support the recovery of HD or LP Recorded Tapes.

 

Quasar VX Format - VR-1000  Great Time Machine (VC30 VC60 or VC120)
(Owing to this media's age, Tape Baking is always required & included in the transfer cost for this format)
 

Length/Tape - per cartridge

Price
0 to 60 minutes (First cartridge/reel always) 195.00
61 to 120 minutes (First cartridge/reel always) 220.00
each additional 0 - 60 minute cartridge/reel 126.00
each additional 61 - 120 minute cartridge/reel 143.00
Tape Screening for content  - per cartridge 47.00
Tape Splicing - Shell Repair - VX or Vcord 35.00

 


VCord I or II Cartridge (VT20 VT20C)

(Owing to this media's age, Tape Baking is always required & included in the transfer cost for this format)

 

Length/Tape - per cartridge

Price
0 to 60 minutes (First cartridge/reel always) 195.00
61 to 120 minutes (First cartridge/reel always) 220.00
each additional 0 - 60 minute cartridge/reel 126.00
each additional 61 - 120 minute cartridge/reel 143.00
Tape Screening for content  - per cartridge 47.00
Tape Splicing - Shell Repair - VX or Vcord 29.00
 

VHS, VHS-C, S-VHS, S-VHS-C
 

Length/Tape -per cassette

Price

0 to 60 minutes      (First Tape always)

31.00

61 to 120 minutes (First Tape always)

44.00

120 to 240 minutes  (First Tape Always)

59.00

241 to 360 minutes (First Tape Always)

68.00

361 to 480 minutes (First Tape Always)

76.00

ea additional 0 to 60 minute Transfer

22.00

ea additional 61 to 120 minute Transfer

30.00

ea additional 120 to 240 minute Transfer

41.00

ea additional 241 to 360 minute Transfer

47.00

ea additional 361 to 480 minute Transfer

53.00

VHS-C Transfers

 
First VHS-C 0-30 Minutes

25.00

First VHS-C 31-60 Minutes

31.00

First VHS-C 61-120 Minutes

44.00

First VHS-C 121-180 Minutes

59.00

each additional VHS-C cassette (0-30 min)

18.00

each additional VHS-C cassette (31-60 min)

22.00

each additional VHS-C cassette (61-120 min)

30.00

each additional VHS-C cassette (121-180 min)

41.00

Screening & Repair

 
Tape Screening  for content (per tape)

19.00

Tape Splicing - Shell Repair

22.00

VHS-D  D-VHS  Digital VHS
 

Length/Tape -per cassette

Price

0 to 60 minutes      (First Tape always)

37.00

61 to 120 minutes (First Tape always)

52.00

120 to 240 minutes  (First Tape Always)

71.00

241 to 360 minutes (First Tape Always)

81.00

361 to 480 minutes (First Tape Always)

91.00

ea additional 0 to 60 minute Transfer

26.00

ea additional 61 to 120 minute Transfer

36.00

ea additional 120 to 240 minute Transfer

49.00

ea additional 241 to 360 minute Transfer

56.00

ea additional 361 to 480 minute Transfer

63.00

Screening & Repair

 
Tape Screening  for content (per tape)

22.00

Tape Splicing - Shell Repair

22.00

 

 

Standards Conversion - Industrial Grade

(We do not offer low end consumer grade conversions)

PAL to NTSC or SECAM Conversion
 

PAL Source  

NTSC

 

SECAM

MESECAM

Price

VHS   VHS-C
S-VHS   S-VHS-C
DV    MiniDV, Video8, Hi8, Digital8, DVCAM, DVD,
BETA II, III, 3/4-U

To

Any Supported

or

VHS
VHS-C
S-VHS
S-VHS-C

VHS
VHS-C
3/4-U

$50.00 First Tape
$20.00 per ea addl

 

NTSC to PAL or SECAM Conversion
 

NTSC Source  

PAL

 

MESECAM

SECAM

Price

Any Supported

To

VHS   VHS-C
S-VHS   S-VHS-C
DV   MiniDV
 

or

VHS
VHS-C
3/4-U

VHS
VHS-C, BETA II, III, 3/4-U

$50.00 First tape
$20.00 per ea addl

 

SECAM to NTSC or PAL
 

SECAM Source

MESECAM

 

NTSC

 

PAL

Price

VHS   VHS-C
S-VHS   S-VHS-C
 BETA II, III 
3/4-U

 

To

Any
Supported

or

VHS   VHS-C
S-VHS   S-VHS-C
3/4-U   DV  MiniDV  
Video8 Hi8  Digital8,
BETA II, III 
3/4-U, DVD-R
DVCAM

$50.00 First tape
$20.00 per ea addl

 

Snell & Wilcox Alchemist PhC Conversions

For the ultimate in broadcast quality conversions

Format

Spot 15 min 20 min 30 min 45 min 60 min 90 min 120 min
Any format we currently support 178 213 288 357 418 483 546 619

Pal Conversion Quality Considerations  Click here to read more.....

Before looking for the least expensive price, consider the following.....  All conversions are not of equal quality. Depending on the converter employed, output quality ranges from almost un-watch-able to virtually transparent.  The link above covers this issue in greater detail. Also covered is a simple explanation of the conversion process and how it is technically accomplished. Though by no means an in depth article, you might find it quite interesting.  Click the link above to learn more...

Baking Rates - Tape Baking

Tapes of the same size/format can be combined for a small additional handling fee, up to the limits of our oven capacity.
Due to different baking & cool down time requirements for different tape sizes, we cannot mix disparate sizes or formats.
 

Format First Tape per run Additional Tapes/Run
2 inch Quadruplex 55.00 15.00
1 inch type C 45.00 14.00
3/4 inch U-Matic 40.00 14.00
Broadcast Formats (BetaCam, M-II etc) 35.00 12.00
Consumer (Vhs, S-Vhs, VHS-C, 8mm, Beta) 35.00 12.00
Consumer - Remove from shell 45.00 20.00
Vcord, VX or Cartrivision cartridges 40.00 15.00
1/2" Reel to Reel, 35.00 12.00
Audio 8-Track Cartridges 35.00 12.00
Audio Tape  2 inch 55.00 15.00
Audio Tape 1 inch 40.00 14.00

Audio Tape  1/4 & 1/2 inch

35.00 12.00

 

Chapter Creation
 

Chapter Creation (Break out separate selections into their own chapters)

$5.00 per separate chapter

Each chapter will have it's own thumbnail on the start menu

Cleaning & Burnishing - (Standard Final Cleaning)
 

Format

0 - 30 min
(5"Reel)
31 - 60 min
(7" Reel)
60  - 120 min
(10" Reel)
120 - 240 min
1 inch Type C or 1" Audio Tape 20.00 25.00 30.00 -
3/4 inch U-Matic (RTI Cleaner/Burnishing) 9.00 9.00 9.00 -
1/2 inch broadcast Cassette Based Formats 17.00 22.00 27.00 -
VHS (RTI Cleaner/Burnishing) 9.00 900 900 9.00
Consumer  Beta & 8mm 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00
Video Cartridges (ie VX, Vcord, Cartrivision etc) 22.00 27.00 33.00 -
1/2 inch Reel to Reel (EIAJ, Skip Field, Pilot Tone etc or audio tape 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00
1/4 inch Video or Audio Tape 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00
Clean/ DVD only  - per disc 5.00      
Polish DVD - per DVD (remove moderate to severe scratches) 20.00      

One cleaning cycle if required, is included in the basic transfer.  Additional cleaning passes are often necessary for tapes exhibiting the effects of hexadecanoic acid (a white crusty deposit that's not water soluble) or just plain absolutely filthy tapes that were improperly stored, as is sometimes the case.
Flood damaged or tapes with mold require additional cleaning procedures.

 

Cleaning - Flood Damaged Tapes
 

Format Price
All Open Reel Formats 25.00
All Cassette Based Formats 55.00

Flood damaged tapes often are loaded with, mud, silt, as well as many other contaminants.  In cases where the tape is in a cassette, the tape must be removed to allow cleaning of both the tape, but also the hubs and shell interior in a surfactant bath. This cleaning is in addition to the final cleaning which is performed after the tapes have been baked. Tapes that were exposed ONLY to clean water, usually do not require this step, but only need a standard cleaning & burnishing.

 

Color Correction
 

Color Correction  (in addition to transfer costs)

$50 per Hour

To read more on Color Correction:   Click Here.......

 

Noise Reduction - Recursive and Median Filtering
 

Video Noise Reduction for severe noise problems

$50 per reel or cassette

Often dramatic improvement in cases of moderate to severe "noisy or grainy" video

 

Lubrication & Re-lubrication of Vintage Tapes - Tape Lubrication
 

Tape Width

Cost
2 inch Quadruplex or 2" Audio Tape 26.00
1 inch Type C or 1" Audio Tape 19.00
1/2  & 3/4 inch Cassettes 12.00
1/2 inch Reel to Reel 12.00
8mm or MiniDV Cassettes 15.00
1/4 inch Video or Audio Tape 12.00

The Binder Layer of of magnetic audio and video tapes are impregnated with a lubricating agent when the tapes are manufactured. This lubrication is lost over time partly due to the tapes' aging process, but also a small amount is lost each time the tape is played. Thus tapes that don't suffer from the effects of hydrolysis resulting in the dreaded "Sticky Tape Syndrome" or tapes that have been successfully baked, can still bind on the head drum from lack of adequate tape lubrication. Tapes that suffer the most from this effect are notably the older reel to reel tapes.

Re-lubrication of the the tape involves application of a lubricating agent to replace that which was lost.
 

 

Mold (Mould) Removal
 

Format - Per Reel, Cassette or Cartridge Price
All Open Reel Formats 25.00
All Cassette Based Formats 50.00

Removal of mold requires special procedures due to the health hazards involved.

 

Skip Field Recovery
 

Length/Tape Price
Per Tape 50.00

 

 


Tape Baking

This is the technique of "last resort" for tapes where the binder has become "sticky" and simply won't play due to jamming in our playback decks.  The process involves literally baking the tape in a temperature  controlled electric convection laboratory oven. Past experience dictates that it is successful in about 95 % of the cases. In the remaining 5 %,  some or even many parts of the tape probably still will not be playable depending upon the amount of other damage previously done. The process does not damage the tape in any way, but rather greatly improves the stability of the tape by removing the absorbed moisture and re-stabilizing the binder layer of the tape, thus allowing it to glide smoothly again over the head drum without sticking.

The process is not a permanent fix and it's positive effects are relatively "short lived", but will usually allow playback for several days. By that time, we've safely had your video transferred, so the old tape is no longer a concern.

The above prices pertain to whether the outcome is successful, or only partly successful (only some of the video is recovered). Should the tape be "too far gone" (for example the tape has been stored out in your barn for the past 40 years) and nothing is capable of being recovered, then there is no charge and your tape is returned and any payment made fully refunded - less shipping costs. (We'll cry right along with you....)    Luckily,  this is rare.  Read more on Tape Baking

Damaged Tape Recovery - Skip Field Recovery

Additional labor to attempt recovery from severely damaged tapes where it's absolutely imperative that the video be recovered, such as those as evidence in court cases etc. It's no "no holds barred" approach whereby we invoke every known trick in the book. This might involve techniques for example, such as adjusting head amp gain, white peak, frequency response, tape path / skew alignment, tape tension in the source vtr/vcr, skip field recovery or requiring additional cleaning passes depending upon the nature of the defect.   $75.00/tape

Splicing   Reshelling  Re-shelling  Shell Repair

Often times the video or audio tape itself is fine, but the shell housing simply wore out, internal parts corroded, or is either jammed or drags unevenly.  Re-shelling involves removing the tape from the defective cassette and placing it in a new one or making repairs to the original. Open reel formats are obviously the easiest while VHS, BETA, 3/4-U etc cassettes typically take longer, as they're held together by small screws and the wide tape is much easier to deal with. Other shells are more difficult to work with such as VCord, Quasar VX,  and most cartridge based shells

Shells housing broken tape that requires cutting & splicing takes a bit longer. Some small format cassettes are not easily disassembled without the serious risk of damaging the otherwise good tape housed inside. Some shells are thermally welded which require drilling out the welds or breaking the old shell to get the tape out.  In those cases the tape must be literally cut out and then either replaced in a repair shell (if available) or spliced into another should a repair shell not be offered for that format. In these cases, the repair is much more time consuming plus narrow tape formats are not as easily manipulated. These shells may take up to 2 hours.

Re-shelling and/or splicing for shells that are thermally welded together are billed $10 additional.

 

Audio Price List

 

 

NOTICE: these prices are ONLY FOR THE END CONSUMER.......  the CD's ordered at these prices are to be used only for personal, non-commercial use in the home.  Federal law allows one copy for private archival use of copyright material, but specifically prohibits the use of restoration and re-mastering services for the "purpose of duplicating, distribution or re-distribution, publishing, broadcasting, net-casting or any other form of digital or analog copying and/or distribution" without proof of copyright ownership.

By ordering you agree to these terms and understand that the single CD Transfer is for private use in your home only, and that no other copies will be made. This does not apply for works in the public domain or those materials for which you own or have purchased the copyright. Because of the liability exposure we would have and the paperwork & compliance issues involved, we do not offer additional copies for any of our restoration services and is why do not see them on our price list...

Note also that we will not copy any copyrighted material that is currently in print and available for purchase in the marketplace.

 

Transfers/Restoration to CD, DVD, DAT or ProTools

 

1/4" Reel to Reel Stereo Audio
1/4" Open Reel - 4 track Quad Discrete - 2 Channel Half Track
1/2" Open Reel 8 Track

Original recording on
open reel to reel magnetic tape from a single source
Transfer Prices are per 74 minutes



Services

1/4" mono or
4 Track Stereo
 
1/4" Open Reel
Half Track
1/4" Open Reel
4 track Discrete
 
1/2"  Open Reel
8 Track discrete
 

Target Formats   >

CD, standard cassette, MiniDisc or select others CD, standard cassette, MiniDisc or select others DA-88, Alesis or Pro Tools
CD Requires Mix Down
DA-88, Alesis or Pro Tools
CD Requires Mix Down

Direct Transfer  -  Raw Transfer Only  (Minimal cost)
The target will sound EXACTLY like the original source.  No noise reduction. The entire recording is transferred as 1 large track . No frills - just a high quality archival transfer.  Up to the first 74 minutes

$48.00 $70.00 $93.00 $120.00

Each Additional 74 minutes or part thereof from the same source
(for extended length tapes that contain over 74 minutes of material

$33.00 $49.00 $65.00 $84.00

Tape Screening for Content - Per source
We briefly sample several seconds of tape approx every 15 minutes down tape and call you with what we found.

$12.00 $18.00 $23.00 $30.00

Additional Track or Source Restoration Filtering
Tracks originating from different media usually require different filters to be applied.

   $10.00 per addl cut  $10.00 per addl cut $10.00 per addl cut    $10.00 per addl cut
Tape Splicing - Open Reel $5.00 $5.00 $5.00 $7.00

* These prices are for quantities of 1 - 2 CD's. Media not included. Each CD may contain up to 74 Minutes.
** Transfer cost per each 74 minute block.   Includes transfer to DA-88 but not initial format/striping of the tape.
DBX noise reduction processing for DBX encoded tapes: $3.00/channel

*** Note: Audio Restoration is NOT normally required on most magnetic media if originally recorded properly...

Professionally recorded open reels, may have used DBX Noise Reduction ( Available at $3 addl per channel)

 

Time Chart for Open Reel-to-Reel Analog Audio Tape   (Approximate)

Physical

One Direction
Mono/Stereo/4 Track Discrete

2 Directions
Mono or Stereo (A & B)

Four Directions
4 Separate Mono Tracks


Speed - ips
 

Diam  Length
15/16 1 7/8 3 3/4 7 1/2 15 15/16 1 7/8 3 3/4 7 1/2 15 15/16 1 7/8 3 3/4 7 1/2 15
    3"          300 ft 1 hr 30 min 15 min 8 min 4 min 2 hrs 1 hr 30 min 15 min 7.5 min 4 hrs 2 hrs 1 hr 30 min 15 min
    5"          600 ft 2 hrs 60 min 30 min 15 min 8 min 4 hrs 2 hrs 1 hr 30 min 15 min 8 hrs 4 hrs 2 hrs 1 hr 30 min
    5" *        900 ft 3 hrs 90 min 45 min 22 min 11 min 6 hrs 3 hrs 1.5 hrs 45 min 23 min 12 hrs 6 hrs 3 hrs 1.5 hrs 45 min
    7"         1200 ft 4 hrs 2 hrs 1 hr 30 min 15 min 8 hrs 4 hrs 2 hrs 1 hr 30 min 16 hrs 8 hrs 4 hrs 2 hrs 1 hr
    7" *      1800 ft 6 hrs 3 hrs 1.5 hrs 45 min 23 min 12 hrs 6 hrs 3 hrs 1.5 hrs 45 min 24 hrs 12 hrs 6 hrs 3 hrs 1.5 hr
    7-10" *  2400 ft 8 hrs 4 hrs 2 hrs 1 hr 30 min 16 hrs 8 hrs 4 hrs 2 hrs 1 hr 32 hrs 16 hrs 8 hrs 4 hrs 2 hrs
    10"    *  3600 ft 12 hrs 6 hrs 3 hrs 1.5 hrs 45 min 24 hrs 12 hrs 6 hrs 3 hrs 1.5 hrs 48 hrs 24 hrs 12 hrs 6 hrs 3 hrs

 

* Some tape is thinner and thus more can be spooled on the same diameter size reel.

For example: a 7" diameter reel if fully spooled, could have either 1200, 1800 or 2400 ft of tape.

 

4 Track Cartridge

Length/Tape Price
Direct Transfer  0 - 74 minute tape $69.00
Tape Screening for Content - Per source
We sample the first several minutes of of tape and email you a sample 30 second audio clip.
$19.00 per source
Tape Splicing - Shell Repair 24.00

Predecessor of the 8 track cartridge

 

8 Track Cartridge - Standard Stereo

Length/Tape Price
Direct Transfer  0 - 74 minute tape $47.00
Transfer by Track $5.00/track
Tape Screening for Content - Per source
We sample the first several minutes of of tape and email you a sample 30 second audio clip.
$15.00 per source
Tape Splicing - Shell Repair 24.00
Where tape broke at hub requiring full re-spooling 96.00
Replacement Pressure Pad (often required) 5.00

 

8 Track Cartridge - 4 Channel Quad Discrete

Length/Tape Price
each 0 - 74 minute tape $75.00
Tape Screening for Content - Per source
We sample the first several minutes of of tape and email you a sample 30 second audio clip.
$24.00
Tape Splicing - shell Repair 24.00
Where tape broke at hub requiring full re-spooling 48.00
Replacement Pressure Pad (often required) 5.00

 

WAV file Copy of Master Transfer

Length/Tape Price
Per CD or DVD 12.00

These wav files are the original master transfer - exactly as what was sampled unfiltered, un-edited & unprocessed
as directly transferred from the source.
Small files are supplied on a data CD, while larger files are supplied on DVD-R.
Prices do not include the cost of blank media

The 44.1 16 bit WAV files are the desired format that will serve as the starting point for any future restoration work.

 

Alesis ADAT

Length/Tape Price
0 - 65 minutes (First tape) $75.00 per source
0 - 65 minutes (additional tapes) $55.00 per source
Tape Screening for Content - Per source
We sample the first several minutes of of tape and email you a sample 30 second audio clip.
$20.00 per source
Tape Splicing - Shell Repair 22.00

 

Audio Mix Down

Mix Down from 4 & 8 Track - per cut Price
From 4 Tracks to 2 track stereo 30.00
From 8 Tracks to 2 track Stereo 40.00

 

Audio Restoration - Noise Reduction

Length/Tape Price
Per 74 minutes or source (no master incl) 33.00
Per 74 minutes or source (44.1 - 16 bit master file incl) 40.00*
Professional Level (Billed at hourly rate) 70.00 per hour

* Includes separate CD of un-restored Master .WAV file

 

Cart Machine - NAB Broadcast

Cart Machine Transfer  - First Tape

$60.00

Each Additional Tape

$45.00

 

CD Duplication - Audio

Duplication onto CD-R   (With order)

$5.00

Duplication onto CD-R (separate order) $10.00

The duplicate CD's will be perfect digital copies. Price includes Jewell case and standard CD labeling but does not include the CD-R media.
(Note: We do not copy CD's that contain copyrighted material)

 

Compact Cassette (standard audio cassette)

Length/Tape Price
each 0 - 74 minute tape - Direct Transfer $35.00
Additional 74minutes from same source 24.00
Tape Screening for Content - Per source
We sample the first several minutes of of tape and email you a sample 30 second audio clip.
$15.00 per source
Tape Splicing - Shell Repair Compact Cassette 19.00

 

Compact Cassette - 4 Track Discrete - Quad DBX
(4 separate discrete audio tracks)

This is the older and much rarer format that used DBX Noise Reduction instead of Dolby

Length/Tape Price
each 0 - 74 minute tape $60.00
each additional 0-74 min tape 42.00
Tape Screening for Content - Per source
We sample the first several minutes of of tape and email you a sample 30 second audio clip.
$17.00
Tape Splicing - Shell Repair 17.00

 

DAT - Standard Stereo (Digital Audio Tape)

Length/Tape Price
Per Cassette 50.00
Screen for content 17.00

 

DBX Noise Reduction

TASCAM DBX Decoding Price Per Channel
Per Channel and Source 4.00

Before Dolby® -  DBX was a popular noise reduction encoding technology. First employed on open reel formats, it was
also later adopted by professional cassette formats as well as early 1 inch Type C Video tape.

We support Type 1 for open reel tape, and Type II for cassette based formats

 

DCC Digital Compact Cassette

Length/Tape Price
Per Cassette 62.00

 

Dictabelt

Length Price
Direct Transfers- per belt 65.00
Clean - reform & soften brittle or dirty belts if required - 1st belt 50.00
Clean - reform & soften brittle or dirty belts - ea addl belt 10.00
Mold removal - per belt 30.00

 

Ediphone - Dictaphone - Wax Cylinders - Blue Amberols

Cylinder Transfer Price
Direct Transfer 130.00

 

Dictaphone Minicassette - Mini Cassette

Cassette Transfer Price
Direct Transfer - First Tape 74.00
each additional Tape thereafter 37.00

Note: Dictaphone Minicassettes are not the same as microcassettes.

Elcaset Tape Transfers

Length/Tape Price
0 - 30 minutes $70.00 per source
31 - 60 minutes $90.00 per source

Tape Screening for Content - Per source
We sample the first several minutes of of tape and email you a sample 30 second audio clip.

19.00 per source
Tape Splicing - Shell Repair 24.00


IBM Executary 3" Magnabelt - Magnetic Belt

Length Price
IBM Executary - First 3" Belt 82.00
IBM Executary - ea addl 3" Belt 40.00
Screen for content 10.00
Mold removal - per belt 30.00


IBM Executary 4" Magnabelt - Magnetic Belt

Length Price
IBM Executary - First 4" Belt 95.00
IBM Executary - ea addl 4" Belt 55.00
Screen for content 10.00
Mold removal - per belt 30.00


Memovox Discs

Length/Tape Price
Per Disc 68.00

 

Micro Cassette - Microcassette

Length/Tape Price
each 0 - 74 minute tape - Direct Transfer $35.00
Additional 74minutes from same source $25.00
Tape Screening for Content - Per source
We sample the first several minutes of of tape and email you a sample 30 second audio clip.
$12.00 per source
Tape Splicing - Shell Repair       Micro Cassette 26.00

 

Micro Pack 35 - Sanyo
Channel Master Audio Cartridge (a Re-Badged Sanyo Micro Pack 35)

Length/Tape Price
Per Cassette 100.00

 

Midgetape

Length/Tape Price
Per Cassette 100.00

 

Norelco Dictation Cassettes

Cassette Transfer Price
Direct Transfer - First Tape 74.00
each additional Tape thereafter 37.00

Note: Norelco Dictation Cassettes are not the same as microcassettes.

 

Orrtronic Auto-Mate Cartridge
Early predecessor to the 4 and 8 track cartridges

Length/Tape Price
Per Cartridge 100.00

 

PCM-F1 Sony
(The first digital tape format - We also support PAL tapes)

Length/Tape Price NTSC Price PAL
Per Source Per 74 minutes $88.00 $129.00
ea Additional 74 minute block from same source $61.00 $90.00
Screening $30.00 per source $30.00 per source

 

Playtape

Length/Tape Price
Per Cassette 69.00
Replacement Pressure Pads  2.00

 

Pro Tools® Session Setup

Pro Tools Session Setup Price
Per source 40.00

Prices do not include the cost of blank media

(If you don't know what a Pro Tools Session Disc is, then you will probably not require this !)
 

RCA Sound Tape Cartridge - Soundtape

Length/Tape Price
Direct Transfer $65.00 per Cassette - 0 to 74 min
Direct Transfer $46.00 per ea addl 74 min from same Cassette
Tape Screening for Content - Per source
We sample the first several minutes of of tape and email you a sample 30 second audio clip.
$24.00 per source
Tape Splicing - Shell Repair 25.00
 
Sound Tape mono cassettes have 4 tracks each holding up to 30 minutes when recorded at 3.75 ips and 1 hour
each when recorded at 1 7/8 ips for a total of either 2 or 4 hrs per cartridge.
Stereo Cartridges can potentially hold up to either 1 or 2 hours depending on the recording speed

 

Smith Carona  - Mail Call Letterpack - Letter Pack Cassettes

Length/Tape Price
Per Cassette 69.00
Replacement Pressure Pads  2.00

 

Sonaband - Walkie Recordall - Sonoband

Per 1.75" Wide Belt Price
Direct Transfers- per belt 95.00
Clean - reform & soften brittle or dirty belts if required - 1st belt 50.00
Clean - reform & soften brittle or dirty belts - ea addl belt 7.00
Mold removal - per belt 30.00
Screen for Content (per belt) 20.00

 

Soundscriber Discs

Length/Tape Price
Per Disc 70.00

 

TASCAM DA-88
Transfer to Pro Tools or as Individual wav files
(includes SY-88 Video/SMPTE Sync card)

Length/Tape Price
First tape - 8 track $120.00
each additional tape  -  8 track $84.00
Tape Formatting/striping * $15.00 per tape
Tape Screening for Content - Per source
We sample the first several minutes of of tape and email you a sample 30 second audio clip.
$24.00 per source
Tape Splicing - Shell Repair 25.00

* Tapes to be recorded must first be formatted at 44.1 or 48 kHz sample rates if the DA-88 is the target format.
Transfer prices to DA-88 do not include tape stock.

 

VersaCorder

Length/Tape Price
Direct Transfer $21.00 per recorded hour
Tape Screening for Content - Per source
We sample the first several minutes of of tape and email you a sample 30 second audio clip.
$15.00 per source
Tape Splicing - Shell Repair 19.00

Note: A VersaCorder can hold up to 8 hrs on a 120 minute cassette (4 hrs/side)

 

 

 

Record Transfers 

Vintage 78's - Microgroove - Transcription Discs

For these low cost - yet high quality transfers, we use a standard .7 mil stylus for all
microgroove records and a  3.7 to 6 mil truncated elliptical or conical stylus for most vintage 78s. For the ultimate quality
vintage 78 transfers - especially where groove wear is apparent, see our professional rates below.

 

Description Microgroove
LP's & 45's
Vintage 78's Transcription
Vintage 16" discs
Speak-O-Phone
Aluminum Discs

Direct Transfer - Standard Noise Reduction
The CD will sound better than the original source.  We remove rumble, high end surface noise and lightly reduce impulse  noise. The entire record is recorded as 1 large track .

  $37.00 per record or Source $50.00 per record or source $60.00 per record or source $75.00 per Record or source

Transfer and Sound Restoration
More aggressive noise filtering techniques.
  One global filter set is applied to the entire record and is effective for tracks originating from the same source media.

  $70.00 per record or Source $83.00 per record or source $93.00 per record or source $108.00 per record or source

Record Cleaning
Vacuum Disc Technology greatly decreases surface noise
Note: Many Vintage discs cannot be vacuum cleaned

$4.00 per Record $5.00 per Record $5.00 per Record $5.00 per Record

Additional Track or Source Restoration Filtering
Tracks originating from different media usually require different filters to be applied.

   $11.00 per additional cut or source  $11.00 per additional cut or source $11.00 per additional cut or source $11.00 per additional cut or source

Screening for Content - Per source
We sample the first several minutes of of each disc and email you a sample 30 second audio clip. Only a standard .7, 2.7 or 6mil stylus is used as appropriate to the groove cut and no cleaning is performed.

15.00 20.00 25.00 $35.00

Return Shipping. 
Unless you specify otherwise, we ship by UPS Ground Service. 

   Actual cost plus $12.00 for packaging/handling Actual cost plus $12.00 for packaging/handling Actual cost plus $12.00 for packaging/handling Actual cost plus $12.00 for packaging/handling


Because fragile records require special packing & handling, there is a $12 handling fee for fragile items

 

 

Half Speed Re-Mastering
 

Vintage 78's, Microgroove or tapes

$35 per disc or tape

Recovery of badly damaged, warped or crazed surface disks usually necessitate the half speed mastering technique whereby an intermediate half speed master is made.
Often times a slow turntable speed is the only way a stylus may be made to track the deformed surface.

To read more on Half Speed Re-Mastering....     Click Here...

 

Flatten Warped Record *

 

Vintage 78's or Microgroove

$150 per disc or source additional

* Due to different construction or surface condition, this is not always possible for many vintage recordings

 

Professional Record Cleaning

We employ deep cleaning vacuum technology.
Non alcohol based solvents are used on vintage 78's

 Microgroove discs  (LP's & 45's)

$4.00/disc

Vintage 78's *

$5.00/disc

* Note: Many vintage 78's may not be wet cleaned.

Transcription Recordings

Before the advent of magnetic tape, transcription records were used mostly by radio stations to record programs for delayed broadcast. Most transcription recordings were mastered on  large 16" diameter discs. Composition of the discs were either aluminum core with lacquer, glass with lacquer, or more modern vinyl. Though there were no standards per se, most were recorded at 78 or 33 1/3 rpm although we have occasionally run across some recorded as low as 16 rpm.  What's peculiar to this format, is the way that some started on the inside track and worked their way to the outside tracks.

A special turntable is required to play these discs.

 

Wire Recordings

Wire recordings were popular from 1947 through 1952 - before the advent of magnetic tape machines. The information was recorded on a very thin steel wire - about the diameter of a human hair. It was low fidelity but still of reasonable quality.  The machine initially found service during WWII for sending messages via shortwave and the US Army & Navy employed many of them in their operations centers. Following the war, manufacturers such as Webster & Pierce offered them to the public, and many found their way into homes across America.  Read more about Wire Recorders - their history, maintenance tips, longevity and pictures.

Prices are on a per wire reel basis. A 3 3/4" diameter reel can hold up to 7200 ft or approximately 1 hour of material.

 

Wire Recording Transfer Prices 

All wire recording transfers include basic sound restoration hum removal and high end cutoff.

(Note: Most Wire recordings will NOT require sound restoration - they are holding up pretty well !)

We can transfer to almost any audio format :  CD - Cassette - MiniDisc - DVD  and many more
(refer to the link at the bottom of this page for current blank media prices)

Webster - Silvertone and others on  standard 2 ¾ Inch diameter reels

Transfer/Restoration Service - Webster - Silvertone on 2 ¾" Reels

Unit price

From 1 wire   - Direct Transfer Only     

$65.00

From 2 wires - Direct Transfer Only     

$113.00

From 3 wires - Direct Transfer Only     

$151.00

Additional reels - Direct Transfer Only

$33.00

Sound Restoration - more aggressive sound restoration (Rarely required) $33.00
Wire Reel Screening **   (to find out if a reel is completely blank, we must still fully play it) $25.00
Empty  Webster/Chicago  Reels for re-spooling - per reel $16.00

Optional items

 

Repair    -   Removal of simple Snarls and Tangles  ( * SEE NOTE BELOW )

$10.00 per tangle *

 

Minifon Wires (1 ¾ diameter - 5/8" hubs)

Minifon Wires (1 ¾ diameter - 5/8" hubs) * Price
Per Wire 100.00

Non Standard Wire Reels *

Non-Standard Wire Reels Price
Per Wire 150.00

* Non-Standard refers to those reels other than Webster or Minifon reels

Note: Wires must not be snarled and also must be tightly packed on the spool.  The Wire pack should feel solid while pressing with your small finger.
Loosely packed spools will NOT be accepted for transfer !


Wires must also have an easy to identify end !

(Scotch tape the wire end to the reel if the wire has no leader or splice a piece of string to the wire end)

**    We do offer full screening of each wire which is billed at the rate of $25/wire. In the case where there is recorded information, we email you with a brief general contents of the wire.  The screening fee applies in the case where the wire contains no recorded material or you decide based on it's contents, that you do not desire to have it transferred. Screening of each wire continues to the end of the wire or the point where we encounter a wire break or snarl. Unless instructed otherwise, we make no billable repairs to wires just being screened for content. Due to the time consuming nature of screening a wire then communicating the results, the cost is almost the same as for making the transfer.

All of our transfers are made by way of a direct line level connection on well maintained equipment.

* Reels that are tightly packed and not previously spliced, rarely exhibit any tangles or breaks, but occasionally we come across one that has become snarled. Simple removal of snarls and tangles are flat rate charged at $10/tangle which account for the vast majority. We will remove 3 simple snarls or make 3 splices before contacting you for authorization to proceed further. Occasionally we run into some tangles and snarls that are nothing short of "Snarls from Hell"  - true handiwork of the devil himself ..... especially where the reel hasn't been played or re-packed in over 60 years......   is lightly corroded, stored improperly; or worse - the bailer failed or the take-up reel top cover was removed after a similar episode in it's dark past... Many of these snarls may involve 100's of hours of labor, and untangling the horrific mess is not financially feasible. In those cases, we'll return the reel at no charge.  Some folks see it as an entertaining challenge - - - for us, the novelty of untangling such un-Godly messes has long since worn off !

In the case of horrendous snarls, beware that some of these may entail literally 100's of hours, and we advise that this might make for a great winter evening project (actually, many - many - many evenings to be more exact)

Please do not send in any snarled wires, loosely packed wires, or wires that have been wound by hand.

 

Professional Audio Restoration - Vintage 78's - Gramophone Recordings

Our professional level of restoration goes well beyond what we can do for the fixed price transfers quoted above.  Professional restorations are billed at a labor rate of $65 per hour.  Samples of partially completed restorations are sent to the customer at various stages of the restoration process for the selection of various options and approval.

Professional restoration employs the use of a microscope to measure groove size as well as to locate and measure the wall wear area. This allows optimum selection of the proper stylus to avoid the dreaded wear zone and ride the elusive "sweet spot". Other services performed include professional vacuum cleaning as well as re-grooving if necessary. We simply employ every "trick in the book" to restore what you thought was lost forever.

 

Audio Sample Rates

All our master transfers are sampled at 44.1 kHz 16 bit depth for CD quality.   (Audio CD's as dictated by the Redbook standard all must be 44.1 kHz/16 bit)......    In the future, audio restoration will make great strides as computer processing power makes  even greater strides.  Put another way, today's state of the art will seem like the "early stone age" compared to what can be easily done in the not too far distant future.  (consider the advances the personal computer has made since it's introduction in 1984)

We can also sample at higher rates by request...

 

 

How Do I Get Started  - I don't see any automated order forms on your site

Unlike modern day formats that are well known and straightforward, Vintage formats raise a number of issues

Vintage video - audio recovery and transfer is a specialized field and you've probably already noticed that there's only a handful of us scattered across the entire country or even the planet for that matter, that have the technical skills or even the inclination to support the obsolete  formats. One has to have grown up with and have a love of the old, vintage, rare and obsolete audio/video equipment of the era to even consider getting involved with it. In our case it was easy.... I did grow up in the "vintage years" (have the grey hairs to prove it !) and the vintage equipment today was the then state of the art equipment I first cut my teeth on - back in the "days of old" !

Many video formats were developed before there were any standards - they varied from manufacturer to manufacturer - even across a single manufacturer's own product line. For example color video recorded on a Sony AV-5000 will not play on an AV-5000A... they use the same tape and are even completely identical in appearance, yet their color recording schemes are incompatible. Thus unlike modern formats where always "Life is Wonderful", vintage formats raise a number of questions that must be addressed first.

To date, there are well over 100 different video formats out there - just in the U.S. alone. Add to that foreign standards such as Pal, Secam and all their variations, and those numbers go up by a factor of at least 4. The client often times hasn't a clue as to what he/she has, which is understandably, pretty much the "norm". In many cases, the tape was handed down, found in Aunt Sadie's attic or shelved in some deep abyss of the corporate archives. The first step is simply to identify what format you might have. This is often easier said than done, as many different vintage formats used the same media which all look EXACTLY alike, and no one ever seemed to label the tape with such necessary information. Add to that the fact that sadly, we're not clairvoyant ourselves. Any 1/2 inch reel to reel tape for example, may be any of 5 totally incompatible formats.

It's not uncommon for someone who has not grown up in that era and not familiar with the old recording equipment of the day, to mis-communicate the format.  The earliest format most folks ever heard of was BetaMax, or they ask their neighbor who says - "This looks real old - must be a Betamax". I can't begin to tell you the number of inquiries we get wanting to transfer their old Betamax to a DVD, only upon further investigation to find that  it's a vintage reel to reel tape not even closely related to Betamax (which by the way was a newer cassette based format).

The other issue, is that vintage video as opposed to something that was just shot last week on a more modern format, is sometimes in poor condition. Some will playback fine and others are beyond any hope, or not worth the cost in attempting to recover them.  Most however, need only a little "persuasion" to get to play.... It runs the gamut. 

Most tapes from the mid 60's to the late 70's suffer from the "sticky tape syndrome" and will require tape baking to restore the binder layer so they can even be capable of being played without jamming. A few  tapes that had an easy life stored in arid climates will not.

In the case of vintage formats, we really don't know what you have or it's condition until we receive it - nor will anyone else for that matter unless they're clairvoyant.....  (and although I've heard of such people, I can't say as I personally know anyone who is endowed with this gift - at least as it relates to vintage video anyways......)  

Thus, attempting to design an on line order form to cover all the possible permutations without it turning in to a mind boggling 50 page affair as "easy"  to figure out as IRS tax code, is an impossible task.

Vintage Audio transfers often involve the same issues. We simply don't know what you have or it's condition, until after we receive it.

So the best route inevitably ends up being to send it in for evaluation. We do not charge for this (other than a nominal handling fee & our direct costs for return shipping) as it's just all part of the nature in dealing with the old, vintage, antique and obsolete video formats. Once your tape is received, we'll determine the format and be able to tell whether the tape requires baking or further restoration, what generally is on the tape, what condition and quality of transfer you can expect, and give an accurate estimation of the final cost.

Please call or e-mail us first. Unlike many others, we prefer direct communications on a personal level. In light of the above considerations, we've found it to be a necessity.

 

    Click here for current media prices:  

Terms and Conditions to using this site

Since 1978 - Copyright © 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 Video Interchange

Modified: Mar 6, 2010

Made In Maine

Video Interchange
92 George Luce Rd
Waldoboro, ME Maine   04572

207-832-5064

Northeast Region - New England

Click here for BBB Business Review

Home WebCam Site Map Site Search Price List Video History Vintage Video Video Tape Video Recovery Damaged Tape About Dvd's Color Correction Pal Conversions Vintage Audio Audio Formats Audio History Wire Recorder Audio Restoration Vintage 78s Audio Clips Audio Q&A Printing/Scanning Tech Tips Reference Tape Conversion FAQ Links Wanted For Sale Cats PDP-9 Classmates Synchronicity Coal Stoves Energy Losses Waldoboro Weather About Us Shipping Site Security Contact Us Payments Privacy Contact Form