Porthos Media

PORTHOS MEDIA / THE OKANAGAN

VHS Transfer for Kelowna Families

The birthdays, the holidays, the ordinary afternoons. Get your family tapes ready for another watch with a personal digitization service based in Summerland, serving Kelowna and the Okanagan.

Calm Okanagan waterfront, hillside cliffs and a lakeside path

Your home movies, a little easier to enjoy

A cupboard full of tapes should not need a cupboard full of old equipment. Porthos Media helps families bring recordings into a format they can watch, back up and share. Start by telling us how many tapes you have and what is written on them.

From Kelowna to our Summerland service

We are a family-owned business based in Summerland. Contact Courtney and John before travelling or sending a package so we can agree on the handover or mailing arrangements for your project. This is not a Kelowna storefront or an unannounced drop-off address.

If mailing is the best option, use the published instructions after your project has been arranged. Keep an inventory, protect each tape inside its case and include your project details. You can read the mail-in instructions before preparing your package.

Start with the labels

VHS, VHS-C and camcorder tapes are not all the same thing. Photograph the front, back and any printed format logo if you are unsure. An 8 mm cassette may be Video8, Hi8 or Digital8; a small DV cassette can contain more than one recording format. The right playback path depends on what is recorded, not just what the shell looks like.

Our illustrated What Tape Is This? guide can help you identify what is in the box. Its specialist formats are a reference, not a promise that every listed tape can be transferred in-house. Ask us to confirm support for your exact media.

Decide what the finished files are for

Would you like an archive of complete recordings, easy sharing copies, or a separate highlight edit? Tell us what you have in mind. We can discuss delivery, file naming and any restoration or editing before work begins. Keep a separate backup of the files you receive.

A useful first enquiry

Include your approximate tape count, visible formats, known damage, any deadline and your preferred delivery method. Set aside anything damp, mouldy or visibly damaged rather than trying it in an old player. The online estimator is a starting point; scope and any extra work are confirmed in your quote.

For the full service overview, see tape and film transfers.

Start a digitization estimate ↗

Frequently asked questions

Local: vhs-transfer-kelowna
Do you have a Kelowna drop-off shop?
Porthos Media is based in Summerland. Contact us before travelling or shipping so we can agree on the handover or mailing arrangements. This page does not represent a Kelowna storefront.
What if I cannot identify my camcorder tape?
Send clear photographs of the front, back, case and format markings. The free illustrated tape guide can help, but we will confirm the exact format and whether we can handle it before work.
Can I request a highlight edit?
Tell us whether you want complete recordings, sharing copies or a separate highlight edit. We will discuss scope and quote any additional editing before work begins.
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.
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.
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.

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

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