VisionScribe is not a transfer mill, and we DO NOT automate our process. Each source is carefully handled and monitored in house by a trained technician. We understand that many transfers are one of a kind media, so we take steps to eliminate the risk of damage and loss. We value our customers' business and privacy. If you have any concerns, please share them with your technician.
 

Media Formats and Codecs

Media Transfers and Format Conversions 

The explosion of affordable media production has not come without complications. There are now more formats, codecs and possible final deliverables than anyone could name in a day. A short list of common formats can be found on the left (click a format to learn more). VisionScribe prides itself in staying on top of updates, trends, and changes to the industry to ensure we can keep you enjoying your media for years to come! 

VHS is disappearing, and tapes are a thing of the past. VisionScribe is here to ensure your memories aren't lost by transferring your media from one format to another. All Media Transfers are priced according to our three step process. Because there are so many possibilities, this process can seem intimidating at first. In our experience, identifying the three processes most conversions include helps clarify and provide fair pricing based on what clients need and not some predefined package. As always, VisionScribe offers FREE estimates!
 

VisionScribe's Three Step Media Transfer Process

Step 1
Digitization to VS Hard Drives

The first step is to capture the source, digitizing it to a capture format on VisionScribe's Hard Drives. When this process occurs, we play the entire source back to capture the file. Common sources that require playback include:
  • VHS tapes
  • Cassettes
  • Records / LPs
  • Mini DV tapes
  • 8mm tapes
  • PAL tapes
  • Powerpoint presentations
  • Youtube videos
Prices start at $10.00 for the first hour and $0.20 per minute thereafter.

If your source is already in a digital format and does not need digitizing, alternate pricing structure is used to copy your footage to our drives. Charge is based on $0.50 per Gigabyte (GB) with a minimum charge of $5.00.

Note: Due to the threat of viruses and other computer vulnerabilities, VisionScribe ONLY works from company drives. 

Step 2
Convert to Digital Format

The next step is to convert the source to the codec required by the final format. If you are not sure what you need, we can help you! Give us a call and we can discuss what you want, and the best codec to meet your needs.

VisionScribe has the capability to transfer to most modern formats available, including:
  • MPEG-2 for DVD 
  • High Bitrate MP4 for Blu-Ray
  • MP4 for YouTube
  • Pro-Res for Editing 
  • Wav for Audio CD
Do you have specific encoding requirements? We will likely be able to convert your source in these cases as well.

Format conversions are based on the length of each file to be converted. Encoding two hours of source material is just $10 and $0.20 per minute thereafter. 

In rare cases, format conversion is not required. These lucky clients move straight to step three.

Note: Prices listed are for standard bit depth encoding. Call for prices on encoding rates higher than 25 Megabytes (MB) per second. 

Step 3
Create Client Deliverable

The final step is to create the client's product. This step has lots of possibilities, each with varying levels of difficulty and price points. Below, we have listed common deliverables and their price points.

  • Burn file to data disk... $4 
  • Make playable CD... $5
  • Make playable DVD... $5
  • Make playable Blu-Ray...$8
  • Copy to Hard Drive... $5 < 25 Gb 
  • Upload to web... $5 Gb


Extra Options
  • Standard Disk Label - Included Free
  • Standard DVD / Blu-Ray Menu - Included Free
  • Custom Disk Labels - $10 set up
  • Full Bleed labels - Setup + $1 Disk
  • Add Track markers to CD - $1 per track
  • Add Custom Menu to DVD/Blu-Ray - $10 per page
  • Host media on Web Server - $5 per GB/Year
  • 24 hour rush fee - additional 25% of total order ($10 min)
  • Purchase Hard Drive - $100 1TB

Example Transfer Process and Pricing Structure

Jill brings in two VHS tapes and one Cassette tape to VisionScribe for transfer, because she can no longer play them. Her new car doesn't have a cassette deck, and she can't remember the last VCR she owned. The first VHS Tape contains 30 minutes of footage shot at her childhood gymnastics practice. The second VHS tape is 1 hour and 15 minutes of a state gymnastics competition. The cassette tape is a mix-tape her girlfriends listened to in high school. It has 35 minutes of audio on two sides for a total of 70 minutes. Jill wants to be able to enjoy her long lost media, but she wants a quote before proceeding.

Quote A - Burn to DVD and CD

After a conversation, Jill and VisionScribe determine that a DVD and CD are most appropriate, since she wants to watch the videos on her TV with a DVD player and listen to the Audio in her new car.

Step 1
Each source is inspected, timed and then captured. 
  • VHS 1 is under an hour and cost $10.00. 
  • VHS 2 is 1h 15min and costs $13.00. 
  • The Cassette has has a total of 70 min and cost $12.00.


Step 2
VHS tapes 1 and 2 contain similar content. Jill has asked that the two videos be combined on one DVD, if possible. Because the combined length is under 2 hours, doing so would not decrease the DVD quality. 
  • The two digital files from the VHS tapes are combined and exported as one MPEG-2 file ready for DVD. This export costs $10.00.
  • The audio file was captured as a .wav file and is a total of 70 minutes, allowing the file to fit on one CD. Since it is a .wav file, no further conversion is necessary.
 
Step 3 
Here, the final product is created. Jill decides she doesn't want a custom menu or label, and she opts for VisionScribe's standard DVD/CD disk menu and printed label. 
  • Each of the two disks have a burn fee of $5.00, for a total of $10.00.

TOTAL
The total charges for Jill's VHS and Cassette transfers to CD and DVD would be $55.00. Jill agrees this is a small price to pay in order to relive her childhood memories. She decides to employ VisionScribe to transfer her media!

Quote B -  Digitize and copy to Hard Drive

This time, the conversation reveals that Jill is computer savvy and just does not have the equipment to capture her childhood memories. Her main goal is to preserve the VHS tapes for her children. She is also interested in being able to edit a short clip to put on the web for her students at the gym to see. She would still like a CD of the Cassette to listen to in her car, but believes she would be able to burn it herself at home. Here VisionScribe will assist Jill and transfer her source material to a Hard Drive.
  
Step 1
Each source is inspected, timed and then captured. 
  • VHS 1 is under an hour and cost $10.00. 
  • VHS 2 is 1h 15min and costs $13.00. 
  • The Cassette has has a total of 70 min and cost $12.00.

Step 2
No work is necessary. Jill's computer can handle the digitized files natively. 

Step 3 
Here, Jill's final product is produced. VisionScribe informs Jill they do resell 1TB hard drives in their shop; however, they stress cheaper drives are available at larger retailers that still meet minimum requirements. Jill appreciated their honesty and decides to purchase a Hard Drive on her own. The digital files are transferred to Jills new Hard Drive. 

  • Because there is less than 25 GB of data, the charge is $5.00.


TOTAL
The Total for this VHS and Cassette Transfer to Hard Drive would be $40.00. Jill agrees this is a bargain to relive her childhood memories and employs VisionScribe to transfer her media. After transferring the media, Jill is able to edit a short clip and post it to her facebook page. If she needs help with this process, she can always call on VisionScribe!