Our Process

1. Submit Your Transfer Request

The process begins when you fill out the transfer request form on our website. This gives us a quick overview of your tapes and what you're looking to have digitized.

Once your request is received, we review the details and follow up to confirm:

• the number of tapes

• estimated pricing

• drop-off arrangements

• any special requests or questions

This step ensures everything is clear before your tapes are brought in for transfer.

2. Drop Off Your Tapes

After confirming the details, you'll bring your VHS tapes to our local drop-off location in the Pittsburgh area.

When you drop off your tapes, we will:

• review the order together

• confirm the number of tapes

• answer any questions

• provide an estimated completion timeframe
  
  

Your tapes remain local and are handled directly by Retro Media Transfer Lab. They are never shipped out or sent to third-party processing facilities.

3. Careful Digitization

Each tape is digitized individually using professional capture equipment designed for reliable analog video transfer.

The digitization process happens in real time, meaning a two-hour tape takes about two hours to convert. This allows us to carefully monitor the video throughout the transfer to ensure the best possible result.

During digitization:

• the tape is played on a maintained VHS deck

• the analog video signal is captured digitally

• the video is encoded into a high-quality digital format

• the entire recording is preserved from beginning to end
  
  

This process allows your home videos to be safely converted into modern digital files that can be stored, backed up, and shared.

4. Video Processing

After the tape has been digitized, the recording is reviewed and processed to prepare it for delivery.

This may include:

• trimming empty sections at the beginning or end of tapes

• ensuring proper audio/video synchronization

• exporting the recording into a widely compatible digital format
  
  

The final result is a high-quality digital video file that can be easily played on modern devices.

5. Digital Delivery

Once processing is complete, your videos are prepared for delivery.

You will receive:

• digital video files that can be watched on computers, phones, tablets, and smart TVs

• a secure download option

• optional USB drive delivery if requested
  
  

Your videos are saved in a widely supported format so they can be easily backed up or shared with family members.

6. Your Tapes Are Safely Returned

After your transfer is complete, your original VHS tapes are carefully returned to you along with your digital files.

Nothing is altered or discarded — your tapes remain exactly as they were when they arrived.

Many customers choose to keep their tapes for archival purposes even after the digital conversion is complete.