Porthos Media
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Audio restoration / SUMMERLAND & THE SOUTH OKANAGAN

Hear the moments you kept.

Cassettes, reels, interviews, sermons, and family recordings digitized and cleaned up.

A VHS tape, audio cassette and film reel in a vintage still life
The voices are still in there.

Let’s make it
happen.

We help preserve the voices and recordings stored on older media and make them easier to listen to again. Audio cleanup can also help with recordings that need attention.

Tell us about your project.

Tell us the recording format, the approximate quantity or duration, and any sound problems you have noticed.

FAMILY-OWNED. SUMMERLAND PROUD.

Real people.
Personal attention.

Courtney and John help families, creators, and organizations preserve, restore, and share what matters. Tell us what you have in mind and we’ll talk through the project together.

Meet Courtney & John ↗
John and Courtney Simmonds of Porthos Media

TELL US WHAT YOU HAVE IN MIND

Let’s talk about your project.

Your details are used to respond to your request. Privacy information.

Frequently asked questions

Audio Digitization
Do you digitize old audio tapes?
Yes. We transfer supported audio tapes into digital files for listening, sharing and backup. Collections can include family voices, music demos, interviews, lectures and community recordings. Send a photograph of the format and an approximate count so we can confirm the options.
Can you transfer cassette tapes to digital?
Yes. We transfer cassette recordings to digital audio so you can listen without a cassette player and make backup copies. Tell us the number of tapes, approximate lengths and any playback problems. We can also discuss track separation and cleanup when preparing your quote.
Do you digitize voice recordings and interviews?
Yes. We preserve interviews, oral histories, family voices and spoken-word recordings in practical digital formats. Tell us whether you also want a transcript, labelled tracks or copies for relatives so those options can be included in the estimate.
Can you digitize records or vinyl?
Yes. We can digitize vinyl recordings, including family recordings, local music and personal collections. Send details of the record size, speed and condition. The source affects the result, so we will discuss realistic expectations and any cleanup before proceeding.
What format will my audio files be delivered in?
MP3 is convenient for everyday listening and sharing; WAV is larger and useful for editing and archival work. Tell us how you intend to use the recording, and we will agree on the right format or combination before transfer.
Can you clean up old audio?
Often, yes. Cleanup can reduce some noise, improve volume balance and make speech easier to follow. It cannot reliably recover sound that is missing or severely distorted. Share a sample if available, or describe the problem, so we can assess what improvement is realistic.
Can I mail audio tapes or records to you?
Yes. Follow our mail-in instructions and protect tapes or records against movement and impact. Include an inventory, project notes, contact details and your complete return address. Local customers can contact us about arranged pickup or drop-off before travelling.
Pricing & Turnaround
Can I get an estimate before you start?
Yes. Tell us what you have, roughly how much there is and how you want to use the files. We will provide an estimate and expected timeline before starting. If your materials are already with us and you decide not to proceed, we can arrange return by COD mail when you provide a complete return address.
Do you offer bulk pricing?
Bulk pricing may be available for larger collections. Send an approximate count of each media type and tell us whether you need folder organization, file naming, restoration or extra copies. We can then quote the collection together and discuss a manageable project plan.
How long does digitization take?
Timing depends on the collection size, formats, condition and current workload. Video and audio transfers, fragile items and detailed archive projects can take longer than straightforward scanning. Share any deadline when you enquire; we will give you an estimated turnaround before work begins.
Do you offer rush digitization?
Rush service may be available, subject to the project and our schedule. Tell us the event date, the amount of material and what you need delivered. We will confirm whether we can meet the deadline and whether a rush charge applies before you book.
Are there extra costs for damaged or difficult media?
Damaged, fragile, mouldy or difficult-to-play media can need additional assessment or restoration. Some items cannot be recovered. Describe known issues and send photos before shipping; we will explain likely extra work and costs before proceeding whenever possible.
Do I have to pay before or after the work is done?
Payment terms are confirmed with your estimate. A deposit may be needed for some projects, and final payment is typically due before files and originals are released. You will know the payment schedule before deciding to go ahead.
What payment methods do you accept?
Use the payment options shown on your invoice. These can include card, PayPal and Interac e-Transfer. If you need a particular payment method, ask us when requesting your estimate.
Drop-Off Pickup & Shipping
Where are you located?
We are based in Summerland, BC, serving the Okanagan and mail-in customers across Canada. Local handovers are arranged in advance. Contact us for an appointment and drop-off details; our published PO Box is a mailing address, not a walk-in shop.
Do you offer local pickup and drop-off?
Free local pickup and drop-off may be available for Southern Okanagan digitization orders, depending on your location, project size and scheduling. Send us your community and an outline of the collection so we can confirm arrangements before you book.
Do you serve customers outside the Okanagan?
Yes. Customers across Canada can mail media to us. Contact us first if you have an unfamiliar format or fragile items, then follow our mail-in instructions. Include your contact details, complete return address and a description of the work. We will confirm the project details after the collection arrives.
Where do I mail my digitization order?
Mail your securely packed order to: Porthos Media PO Box 1056 Summerland PO BC, Canada V0H 1Z4 Include your name, phone number, email, complete return address and project instructions. Use our mail-in instructions to prepare your package. Transit loss, delays and damage are outside Porthos Media's responsibility.
How should I package my photos, tapes, or other media for mailing?
Use a sturdy box and enough padding to stop items shifting. Keep photos and other media in their existing labelled groups, and protect records, reels and fragile items individually. Include your details and an inventory inside the box. If anything is brittle, mouldy or unusually valuable, ask us about handling before packing.
What happens if I decide not to proceed after the estimate?
You can decline the estimate. If we already have your originals, we can return them by COD mail when you provide a complete return address. Ask us to confirm the return arrangements and costs before sending your collection. Transit loss, delays and damage are outside our responsibility.
File Delivery & Storage
How will I receive my digitized files?
We can arrange USB drives, digital downloads or an external-drive archive to suit your collection. Tell us which devices you use and whether you need copies for relatives. We will confirm file formats, organization, delivery method and any drive or additional-copy costs in your estimate.
Can you put my files on a USB drive?
Yes. A USB drive provides a physical copy of your photos, videos, audio or documents. Tell us what you want to play the files on so we can discuss compatibility. We can also quote extra drives for family members; keep another independent backup of important files.
Can I get my files by digital download?
Yes, when online delivery suits the collection size and your internet connection. For files delivered through your client area, the included download period is six months. Download and back up your files during that time. Large video collections may be more practical on a USB or external drive.
Do you keep a backup of my files?
We may keep working copies during production and delivery. Files delivered through the client area are available for six months, but you should download and make independent backups promptly. Do not rely on our working storage as your only copy. Ask us about any longer-term storage arrangements before the download period ends.
Safety Care & Privacy
How do you handle original photos, slides, negatives, tapes, and other media?
We handle each collection with care, whether it is a few family photos or a larger archive. Labels and project instructions help us maintain order and identify fragile items. Tell us about any damage, unusual materials or special handling needs before the collection arrives.
Are my family photos and videos kept private?
Yes. We treat your personal media and files as private and do not publish them or use them in marketing without your permission. Let us know about any particular confidentiality or access requirements before starting so we can confirm the arrangements for your project.
What happens if my media is damaged or fragile?
We assess the condition and explain what may be possible. Fragile, mouldy, tangled or damaged items can need additional work, and some cannot be recovered. Send photos and a description before shipping so we can discuss handling, likely costs and the next step.
Preparing Your Order
How should I label my order?
Include your name, phone number, email and complete return address if mailing. Number boxes or bundles and keep descriptions simple, such as 'Wedding photos' or 'Slides, Box 1'. Add your requested folder names and any priority items to the project instructions.
Can I include special instructions?
Yes. Tell us about priorities, the order of items, names, dates and anything that must stay together. If you need particular file names, folders, copies or edits, include those details before we quote so the finished collection works the way you need it to.

Have a collection or project in mind? Start a mail-in order or ask us for a project quote.

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Porthos Media · PO Box 1056, Summerland PO, BC V0H 1Z4 · info@porthosmedia.net. Privacy & cookies.