Tape & film transfers / SUMMERLAND & THE SOUTH OKANAGAN
Home movies. Ready for a replay.
VHS, camcorder tapes, 8mm, Hi8, MiniDV, DVDs, and home movies transferred to digital.
Press play on another chapter.
Let’s make it happen.
Bring your home movies back into everyday life. We transfer your recordings into digital files you can watch, back up, and share.
Tell us about your project.
Tell us which formats you have, approximately how many tapes or discs there are, and how you would like to receive your files. If you are unsure about a format, describe it to us.
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.
Video & Film TransfersCan you transfer VHS tapes to digital?
Yes. We transfer VHS recordings to digital files you can watch, copy and share without a VHS player. Tell us how many tapes you have, any known damage and how you want the files delivered. Start an order for an initial estimate, or send photos if you need help identifying the collection.
Do you transfer camcorder tapes?
Yes. We support common camcorder formats including VHS-C, Hi8, Digital8 and MiniDV, with the exact format and condition confirmed before work. Send photos of the tapes and labels if you are unsure. We can also discuss organized folders and extra copies for family members.
Can you digitize 8mm or Super 8 film?
Yes. We can help digitize 8mm and Super 8 film. Send photos of the reels, containers and any labels, plus an approximate reel count. Format, footage and condition affect the price; we will assess the project and explain the next step before you proceed.
Do you digitize old videotapes?
Yes. We transfer many common consumer videotape formats, including VHS, VHS-C, Hi8, Digital8 and MiniDV. The tape's size alone may not identify the recording format, so send clear photographs of the labels and markings if you need help. We will confirm support before you send unusual media.
What format will my video files be delivered in?
We provide digital video files and agree on a format suited to your devices and plans. Delivery can be by USB, digital download or an organized external-drive archive, depending on size. Tell us whether you want everyday viewing, sharing copies or editing files before we quote.
Do old tapes lose quality over time?
Yes. Age, heat, moisture, wear and playback problems can make recordings harder to recover. Digitization preserves the material we can still read and makes independent backups possible. It cannot restore every missing detail, so let us know about damage or playback issues when requesting an assessment.
Can I mail my tapes or film to you?
Yes. We accept mail-in projects from across Canada. Local pickup and drop-off may be available in the South Okanagan, subject to location and scheduling. Contact us to confirm your formats, then follow the mail-in instructions and include your contact details, return address and project notes.
Pricing & TurnaroundHow much does photo, video, or audio digitization cost?
Your price depends on the media format, quantity, condition and delivery options. Use Start an order for an initial estimate, or send us a few photos and an approximate count if you are unsure what you have. We will confirm the scope and expected cost before beginning your project.
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.
Is there a minimum order?
Small projects are welcome. A minimum charge may apply where inspection, equipment setup or delivery takes significant time. Tell us what you have and we will confirm the minimum, if any, with your estimate.
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.
Drop-Off Pickup & ShippingWhere 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.
Can I drop off my photos, tapes, or other media in person?
Yes, by arrangement. Contact us first with the type and approximate quantity of media so we can confirm a convenient handover time and location. You do not need to sort everything perfectly before getting in touch.
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.
Are my originals safe during pickup, drop-off, or shipping?
We handle originals carefully while they are with us. Mailing carries risks outside our control, so use a sturdy, well-padded package and consider tracking and suitable shipping insurance. If you prefer a local handover, contact us to check availability.
Preparing Your OrderHow should I prepare my photos, slides, negatives, tapes, or other media?
Keep your collection in its existing groups, such as year, event, album or box, and leave labels with the items. Add a short note about the folder order you would like. This helps us keep the context of your memories when preparing your digital files.
Do I need to organize everything before bringing it to you?
No. An approximate count and a few photos are enough to start a conversation. Keep any existing labels and groups together. If you want help organizing a large or mixed collection, we can include that work in your estimate.
Should I remove photos from albums?
Only remove photos if they come out easily and safely. Do not force stuck or fragile photographs away from album pages. Send us a photo of the album and describe its condition so we can recommend the next step without risking the originals.
Should I clean my photos, slides, negatives, or tapes first?
Please avoid water, household cleaners, wipes, sprays and chemicals. Old surfaces and tape can be fragile, even when they look sturdy. If an item is dirty, mouldy or damaged, leave it as-is and ask us about assessment before attempting to clean it.
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.
What should I include if I am mailing my order?
Include your contact details, complete return address, a brief inventory and the work you want done. Keep items grouped and labelled, pad them securely and retain a copy of your inventory. See our mail-in instructions for the address and packing guidance.
What should I avoid doing before digitization?
Avoid forcing photos from albums, cutting negatives, rewinding damaged tapes, adding tape or glue, or using cleaning chemicals. Keep original groupings intact. If something is brittle, tangled, mouldy or stuck, describe it to us before attempting a repair.
File Delivery & StorageHow 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.
What file formats do you provide?
We choose formats around how you want to view, share, print or archive the material. Audio can be supplied as MP3 or WAV; image, document and video options depend on the project. Tell us about your devices or any archive specifications before we quote so we can confirm the right output.
Can you organize my digital files into folders?
Yes. We can group files by year, event, person, album, box or another agreed structure. Keep labels with your originals and tell us how you would like to find things later. For larger collections, ask about an organized, searchable external-drive archive and additional family copies.
Can you name the files for me?
Yes. We can agree on a naming system based on your labels, such as year, event, collection and item number. We use the information you provide rather than guessing who or what is pictured. Include detailed naming requirements when requesting a quote.
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.
How long should I keep my originals after digitization?
Keep originals whenever possible because they can have sentimental, historical or archival value beyond the digital copy. Store them in a cool, dry place. If you cannot keep them, discuss disposal with us and confirm the agreed handling in writing after checking and backing up your files.
Safety Care & PrivacyHow 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.
Do you look through every photo or video?
We review material as needed to transfer it, check quality and organize the agreed files. That can involve viewing images or listening to recordings, but it is limited to completing the work. We treat what we see and hear as confidential.
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.
Can digitization damage my originals?
Careful handling reduces risk, but no process can remove the risks already present in ageing or damaged media. We will flag concerns we notice before proceeding whenever possible. Tell us about known damage or previous playback problems so we can assess the item appropriately.
What happens if my media is lost or damaged in the mail?
Transit loss, delays and damage are outside Porthos Media's responsibility. Pack securely and consider a tracked service and appropriate insurance. Keep a copy of the inventory and shipping details. For local collections, ask whether a pickup or arranged drop-off is available.
Can I ask you to delete my digital files after delivery?
Yes. Once you have received, opened and backed up the files, you can request deletion of our temporary working copies. Confirm that everyone who needs a copy has saved it first, because deleted working files may not be recoverable.